Global warming may put many nuclear power stations underwater if sea level predictions are correct.

The vast majority of the world’s nuclear power stations are located close to the sea because of the huge quantities of water they require to cool their reactors. Most of them are only a few feet above normal high-tide levels. Nuclear power stations and nuclear waste sites inundated by raised sea levels would probably be two of the greatest threats to survival. A soggy windmill, on the other hand, won’t do anyone much harm.

The latest UK Meteorological Flood Risk report predicts possible sea level rises of up to two metres by 2100 and that peak river flows may rise by 40% by 2080. These may put up to three and a half million homes in the UK at risk of flooding.