Major plans for shifting sands

At the surfer’s paradise of Lacanau (Gironde), experts predict that the coastline will retreat 65 metres by 2040 and 165 metres by 2100 due to erosion – and local authorities have identified two possible remedies to protect the town.

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The first is the creation of a huge dyke along the seafront, although this would need constant upkeep. The second option, which is splitting local opinion even at early discussion stages, is to remove the 1,200 homes and 100 businesses currently within the danger zone and rebuild them elsewhere in the town.

‘Relocalisation’ on this scale would be a first in the world – there are no laws in place for its implementation or funding.