Areas of East & West Sussex potentially underwater by 2030

The research was carried out by an independent organisation of leading scientists and journalists, collectively known as Climate Central, who investigate climate change and its impact on the public.

Using current projections, they have produced a map showing which areas of the country would be submerged by 2030.

This comes as scientists warned climate change could dramatically reduce life in the deepest parts of our oceans that are reached by sunlight, scientists warn.

Global warming could curtail life in the so-called twilight zone by as much as 40% by the end of the century, according to new research.

Sussex locations at risk from rising sea levels

Most areas of East and West Sussex are at risk of losing some land to the rising sea levels. Picture: Climate Central

The map reveals much of the East and West Sussex coastline is at risk of losing at least some land to the rising sea levels within less than a decade.

Areas which could see large areas underwater in just eight years include Eastbourne in East Sussex and Worthing in West Sussex.

While predicted to lose some land to the sea, including beaches and the marina, Brighton looks like it may be getting off lightly compared to other seaside towns such as Bognor Regis and Shoreham-by-Sea which could virtually be swallowed entirely by water.

The further inland you travel the lower the risk, it is of course coastal regions which are much less likely to remain unaltered by climate change, however several towns along rivers and estuaries such as Barcombe and Beddingham in the East and Arundel and West Grinstead in the West could also succomb to the rising waters.

Datasets include "some error"

Climate Central does admit the calculations that have led to fears of a nightmare scenario include "some error".

It says: "These maps incorporate big datasets, which always include some error. These maps should be regarded as screening tools to identify places that may require deeper investigation of risk."

The maps have been based on "global-scale datasets for elevation, tides and coastal flood likelihoods" and "imperfect data is used".

Somewhat comfortingly, Climate Central adds: "Our approach makes it easy to map any scenario quickly and reflects threats from permanent future sea-level rise well.

"However, the accuracy of these maps drops when assessing risks from extreme flood events.

"Our maps are not based on physical storm and flood simulations and do not take into account factors such as erosion, future changes in the frequency or intensity of storms, inland flooding, or contributions from rainfall or rivers."

But it adds: "Improved elevation data indicate far greater global threats from sea level rise and coastal flooding than previously thought, and thus greater benefits from reducing their causes."