BRIGHTON is the city most at risk from climate change in the UK - with parts expected to be underwater by 2100, according to a new study.

The research scored 15 cities based on eight risk factors linked to climate change, including expected temperature rise, storm damage and rainfall levels.

Out of maximum score of eight, Brighton scored 6.2 – placing it at the top spot as the most vulnerable city, above Belfast, Cardiff, Exeter and London in the top five.

Brighton scored highly for being at risk of storm damage and an expected temperature rise, according to the research by online estate agents Emoov.

The Argus: Credit: EmoovCredit: Emoov

There was 45mm of rainfall recorded on the wettest day in the city during the past 30 years.

Based on a predicted temperature rise of four degrees due to global warming, the amount of rainfall in Brighton could increase by 45 per cent – and parts of the city are expected to be underwater by 2100.

However, a recent study by Climate Central, an independent organisation of leading scientists and journalists, found parts of the city and other areas in Sussex could be underwater much sooner - within the next 30 years.

On an interactive map released by the organisation, the beach, Brighton Marina and Brighton Palace Pier are all deemed as “below the water level” by 2050 due to rising sea levels.

The Argus: Storm Francis, which battered the Sussex coastline last AugustStorm Francis, which battered the Sussex coastline last August

Naveen Jaspal, chief operating officer at Emoov, said: “Being a coastal city, Brighton is at significant risk of rising sea levels.

“Storm damage is also a risk, with strong winds and increased rainfall expected in the future.

“Like many cities across England and Wales, Brighton needs to take extra precautions to avoid future damage, especially in the city’s housing.

“Materials such as steel and fibre cement cladding should be used to withstand climate change risks.”

Brighton is among four at risk cities in the top five which are all situated in the south of England, where the cost of buying a home is higher than in the north.

The Argus: Storms in November 2019 caused damage to Brighton seafront Storms in November 2019 caused damage to Brighton seafront

Mr Jaspal added: “Climate change largely effects home insurance and mortgage lending.

“With the increased likelihood of flooding or high winds, insurance companies have to increase their premiums on properties within a high risk flood areas.

“In turn, these higher premiums will decrease the likelihood of getting a mortgage on these properties.

“So properties likely to become damaged will cause major uncertainty for mortgage lenders.

“The knock-on effect will be much higher deposits and lower loan-to-value ratios in these areas.

The Argus: Lightning over Brighton during storms in July 2019Lightning over Brighton during storms in July 2019

“This is a problem, as due to climate change, we are seeing these high risk areas expanding.”

Earlier this year, the Green Party put forward plans to invest more than £27 million in measures to tackle climate change in Brighton and Hove.

Measures include funding improve home insulation and heating systems to reduce energy usage and carbon emissions, as well as investment in low traffic neighbourhoods and green spaces.