PARTS of the coastline could be left to the sea. In light of rising levels caused by global warming, Environment is hoping to bring a coastal defence strategy to the States by the end of the year.

It is investigating all the options after receiving a report on the defences from consultant Haskoning.

Levels are forecast to rise half a metre by the end of the century – when the Board of Administration last investigated it, predictions were for a four-inch increase.

‘The flooding issue will primarily relate to our clean waters, St Peter Port and St Sampson’s Harbour, whereas the coastal defence issue is on the west coast,’ said Environment chief officer Steve Smith.

He added that it would be simple to raise sea walls at the east coast harbours, but the issue on the west coast was not just about preventing seawater coming over the walls, which happened anyway.

‘It’s about taking the force out of the storm, whether through replenishing of beaches, the protection of the wall, offshore reefs or managed retreat.’

He would not say which areas of cost were under consideration.

But climate change expert Simon Bradshaw said the island needed to concentrate on cutting carbon emissions ahead of considering sea defences.

‘Some bolstering of sea defences may be necessary eventually, but you have to look at that as treating the symptoms, not causes of climate change,’ he said.

Mr Bradshaw added that while the island might have the wealth to build sea defences, it was not an option for all coastal communities.

‘To some extent, it’s a solution for Guernsey, but we need to think of our global responsibility.’

He added that there was a risk of giving a false sense of security and of climate change not being taken as seriously as before.