Climate adaption: Friends of the Earth and co-claimants to appeal against High Court judgment
Appeal comes one year after co-claimant was left homeless due to coastal erosion
Friends of the Earth and two co-claimants are appealing against the High Court’s decision in October to reject their legal challenge over the government’s inadequate climate adaptation plans.
The decision to appeal comes as one of the co-claimants – Kevin Jordan – prepares to mark the first anniversary of his Norfolk home being demolished (on 9 December) as a result of coastal erosion.
Friends of the Earth is launching the appeal alongside two people whose lives have already been severely impacted by the climate crisis:
- Kevin Jordan, whose home in Hemsby, Norfolk was demolished in December 2023 after coastal erosion, fuelled by sea level rise and severe storms caused by climate change, left it in danger of falling into the sea.
- Disability activist Doug Paulley, who has a number of health conditions which are being exacerbated by searing summer temperatures. He's concerned that the government’s current adaptation plans fail to consider the needs of disabled people – particularly in places such as care homes – putting him and others at risk.
Friends of the Earth and the co-claimants argued that the current National Adaptation Programme (NAP), introduced by the previous government in July 2023, falls far short of what's legally required, with marginalised groups – such as older and disabled people – and those living in areas most exposed to rising global temperatures, disproportionately affected by the impacts of extreme weather and a deficient national adaptation programme.
The aim is to raise public awareness of the coastal erosion plight facing Hemsby and to raise funds to help protect our dunes, coastline and livelihoods!
The village of Hemsby in Norfolk is a victim of coastal erosion after high tides swept away more homes. More than eight feet of the beach has disappeared from Hemsby near Great Yarmouth in recent months and the fear that more could go - is happening.
SUPPORT US
Help build our funds to fight on!
Hemsby contributes £88M to Norfolk’s economy each year from its tourism-based infrastructure.
But we are at a tipping point. Lack of action now will mean the beach continues to vanish, in turn leading to economic and social damage to the village and a knock-on effect to Norfolk
Every pound that you can give will make a big difference
CAMPAIGN
How you can add your voice!
The people of Hemsby have been hit again by erosion to their beach. Again homes have been lost and businesses impacted. The solution is known and costed. We need a rock berm for our whole beachfront and we need it now.
We need central government to step in and take ownership of the problem. We need action now.
Hemsby Independent Lifeboat and Save Hemsby Coastline are working together to protect our village.
JOIN IN
We need everyone's voice!
The coastal erosion facing Hemsby has been well covered recently by News teams both locally and nationally and has been featured on BBC Radio Norfolk, BBC Look East, Anglian News and in the papers such as The Guardian G2 and Eastern Daily Press.
We now need your help to keep the spotlight on Hemsby. Follow this link to be updated with our activities along the path to our goal of a permanent rock-berm for Hemsby.
Many online retailers like eBay allow you to 'Round-Up' your payment and give a
little to charity - next time you see this...Think Save Hemsby Coastline
Stay or go? Rising seas threaten to chase people from UK coasts
Britain’s coastal communities face growing climate threat as sea level…
Rapid coastal erosion in Norfolk threatens homes and businesses
Had we been listened to ten years ago, we’d have…
Hemsby: Lifeboat out of service after more coastal erosion
A lifeboat serving a village plagued by coastal erosion is…
Losing your home is a massive thing – how the climate crisis came to Norfolk
In Hemsby, people are watching their houses fall into the…
Hemsby Erosion – Residents remain defiant for sea defence
After the recent storms, Kevin’s home and six others now…
Our Activities...
Local Marrams Resident, supported by Save Hemsby Coastline, joins Friends of the Earth to legally challenge the Government over its climate adaptation plans.
If you are visiting the 2023 Lifeboat Day on the 13th August, be sure to look out for us! We will be in front of the Lacon Arms from 10:00 am, with our reprinted Calendar for sale!
A sparkling and interesting night had by all, kindly hosted by the Lacon Arms with all proceeds going to Save Hemsby Coastline and Hemsby Independent Lifeboat
Hemsby is open for business and would love people to come, enjoy the beach and support the community efforts.
Now you have seen the devastation being caused right now to people's lives and livelihoods, please act and support our work.
Contact Us
Lorna Bevan
The Lacon Arms, Sea View Rd
Hemsby,
Norfolk, NR29 4JG.