Large parts of the Sussex coast could be deluged by storms and flooding because of the effects of global warming.

A new report warns millions of pounds will have to be spent improving sea defences at the areas most under threat.

They include Lancing, Shoreham and Pevensey.

The report from the UK Climate Impacts Programme says Sussex faces one of the biggest threats from storm surges and

rising sea levels.

Climate specialists and local authorities are expected to call for collective action when the report is officially launched today at the Royal Geographical Society in London.

The report, which examines the effect of climate change on Britain over the next 50 years, says coastal defences will be regularly breached and droughts could reduce rivers to shallow streams.

It says drinking water quality will deteriorate while severe storms and coastal erosion will cause major damage to rare wildlife habitats.

The report comes just weeks after sea defence experts said it was too expensive to guarantee safety for thousands of residents at a seaside caravan park at Selsey.

The report estimates that sea levels will rise by at least 34cm and possibly by as much as 50cm by the year 2050.

The report was produced by consultants W.S. Atkins, the Met Office and the Agricultural Development and Advisory Service

Dr Merylyn McKenzie-Hedger, UKCIP co-ordinator, said: "Lives and property will be at risk unless there is a strong presumption against development in flood risk areas.

"The South East is currently under pressure from many quarters and climate change is going to make things worse.

"A new planning agenda is currently required to prepare the region for the challenges faced from a changing climate. Doing nothing is not an option."

The Environment Agency says it already spends £25 million a year on flood defences and will have to find more money from Government to fund the work following today's report.

Joy Hartley, chairman of Lancing Parish Council, said: "We are very concerned. This is a massive problem which will require large-scale solutions."

Liza McKinney, of the Shoreham Society, who lives near the sea, said: "It seems the amount of money being made available for sea defences is quite insufficient."

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