Large parts of Scotland's coastline are at risk of erosion because of climate change, according to a new study by the University of Glasgow.
Some of the nation's best-loved beauty spots are at severe risk of erosion and beach loss by 2050, the report says, citing threats from rising sea levels, strong wave action and coastal flooding.
The research includes a map of 10 coastal sites that will soon shrink dramatically.
These include the sweeping sand dunes of Golspie Links in the Scottish Highlands, Lunan Bay in Angus, the unique beaches of South Coll, and the idyllic inlets on the Caithness coast, including Strathy and nearby Melvich.
Scotland will next week host the Cop26 climate change summit where world leaders will outline steps to reach carbon neutrality by the middle of the century in the hopes of averting a climate-related catastrophe.
Larissa Naylor, professor of geomorphology and environmental geography at the University of Glasgow, said that even if net-zero targets are achieved, many areas in the country will continue to suffer the effects of climate change.
She says it is "imperative to act now" and for society to rapidly adapt to the risk of climate change.
“The map is just a snapshot of some of the locations under threat – the tip of the iceberg", Prof Naylor said.
"Many more wild camping sites will shrink in area or disappear in the coming decades, as the sea level continues to rise and climate-change impacts accelerate.”
As part of its awareness campaign, outdoor brand Vango, which commissioned the study, has unveiled a series of creatively inspired CGI images depicting an imagined, dystopian sunken world beyond 2300.
The first image shows a sunken campsite and the second, one of Scotland’s most famous old buildings – Castle Tioram.
At present the castle is reached on foot at low tide, but it is expected to no longer be inaccessible from the land by 2100, along with the loss of local wild camping sites along the Ardnamurchan coast.
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Polarised public
31% in UK say BBC is biased to left-wing views
19% in UK say BBC is biased to right-wing views
19% in UK say BBC is not biased at all
Source: YouGov
What are NFTs?
Are non-fungible tokens a currency, asset, or a licensing instrument? Arnab Das, global market strategist EMEA at Invesco, says they are mix of all of three.
You can buy, hold and use NFTs just like US dollars and Bitcoins. “They can appreciate in value and even produce cash flows.”
However, while money is fungible, NFTs are not. “One Bitcoin, dollar, euro or dirham is largely indistinguishable from the next. Nothing ties a dollar bill to a particular owner, for example. Nor does it tie you to to any goods, services or assets you bought with that currency. In contrast, NFTs confer specific ownership,” Mr Das says.
This makes NFTs closer to a piece of intellectual property such as a work of art or licence, as you can claim royalties or profit by exchanging it at a higher value later, Mr Das says. “They could provide a sustainable income stream.”
This income will depend on future demand and use, which makes NFTs difficult to value. “However, there is a credible use case for many forms of intellectual property, notably art, songs, videos,” Mr Das says.
THREE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS
Khalfan Mubarak
The Al Jazira playmaker has for some time been tipped for stardom within UAE football, with Quique Sanchez Flores, his former manager at Al Ahli, once labelling him a “genius”. He was only 17. Now 23, Mubarak has developed into a crafty supplier of chances, evidenced by his seven assists in six league matches this season. Still to display his class at international level, though.
Rayan Yaslam
The Al Ain attacking midfielder has become a regular starter for his club in the past 15 months. Yaslam, 23, is a tidy and intelligent player, technically proficient with an eye for opening up defences. Developed while alongside Abdulrahman in the Al Ain first-team and has progressed well since manager Zoran Mamic’s arrival. However, made his UAE debut only last December.
Ismail Matar
The Al Wahda forward is revered by teammates and a key contributor to the squad. At 35, his best days are behind him, but Matar is incredibly experienced and an example to his colleagues. His ability to cope with tournament football is a concern, though, despite Matar beginning the season well. Not a like-for-like replacement, although the system could be adjusted to suit.
