A national newspaper’s front page is today dominated by a photograph of Shambles in York – underwater.
The Mirror accompanies the dramatic picture with the headline: ‘If we don’t act now… this is our future’.
The picture was mocked up by the paper’s graphic design team as part of it’s Vanishing UK series, highlighting potential effects of climate change.
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Inside, the paper says: “The city is already susceptible to flooding from the River Ouse, but more extreme storms due to climate change will lead to more frequent floods.
“Historic areas such as the Shambles, a cobbled medieval shopping street, and the 7th century Minster, could be ruined by 2070.”
The paper places York at number eight of places on the danger list due to climate change.
Reaction
Its coverage got people talking on Twitter. “If you mean councils need to update drains, stop over-developing areas with concrete footings and yards, dredge rivers, avoid building on flood plains, maintain pumps and DON’T open the flood gates during floods (as they did in York), then I agree,” said PaxPlebiscite.
Jacob Groet wasn’t happy with the picture: “This front cover is utterly stupid – the Shambles is up a hill.
“For this ‘artist’s impression’ to be even remotely accurate the Hilton Hotel would have to be under at least 10m of water. (Also ignores that parts of York have been getting flooded for centuries/millennia).”
And Shambles shopkeeper Phil Pinder, who runs The Potions Cauldron, didn’t like the pic either. “Another 10+ year old picture of Shambles!
“Daily Mirror why not pay a photographer to take a more recent pic? As for flooding, it’s the highest point in York, are you saying York won’t exist?”
York declared a climate emergency in 2019. But some green activists believe the council is not doing enough.