Climatic Changes

Erosion created the dynamic coastline of the Dorset and East Devon World Heritage Site and will continue to shape it for generations to come. Time, tide and natural change are at the heart of its heritage. 

Whilst natural climatic changes are inevitable and continuous, living near this constant change is not without its challenges and dangers.

Coastal erosion is an ongoing process, yet the most dramatic changes often happen suddenly as a result of large storm events, particularly when such events occur in close succession over one season. Even relatively minor storms can build up to have an enormous impact if they occur in quick succession. As weather patterns begin to change, if the predicted increase in stormy conditions does indeed occur with climate change, then we can expect coastal landscape changes to occur more rapidly in future.

We love Sustainable Tourism on the Jurassic Coast!

One of the easiest, yet important, ways to slow human-accelerated climate change is through sustainable tourism.

Visiting the Jurassic Coast? We can't wait to welcome you but please take a moment to check you are acting responsibly when you travel.

Positive behavioural change by tourists and residents has been shown to have a direct impact on climate change and environmental sustainability, particularly during the busy Summer period.

Please take the time to consider your travel impact and the small actions you can take to ensure this beautiful and iconic landscape is there for you and your children and grandchildren to visit and enjoy for years to come.

Positive behaviours include:

• Considering your mode of transport and carbon footprint to get here and whilst here;

• Purchasing local produce;

• Binning your litter or taking it home with you;

• Not using disposable BBQs or having BBQs in restricted areas;

• Taking time to appreciate the wildlife and geology and the benefit and potential dangers these may pose.

If every person visiting the Jurassic Coast takes time to consider at least one of these small things, the combined impact on the health of the local environment and climate will make a positive difference, so thank-you!