PARTS of Dumbarton could be “lost” to rising sea levels if measures are not put in place to tackle climate change, a politician has warned.

West of Scotland Green MSP Ross Greer has told how a report from Scottish Natural Heritage places low lying areas of the region at serious risk of flooding if the warning is not heeded.

The new report claims sea levels will rise by up to 0.47m by 2080.

And the environmental organisation also warned that sea-level rise will present “a challenge” in terms of managing potential effects on certain low-lying coastal areas of the Clyde.

The report identifies more than 100 developed areas, designated sites, and roads and railways where action should be taken to avoid potential impacts.

The report also highlights the Inner Clyde Special Protection Area (SPA), which covers the West Dunbartonshire coastal area, as a site at “risk”.

Mr Greer said: “We need to get serious about sea level rise threatening coastal communities across the Firth of Clyde.

“The report talks about a half metre rise in sea levels- but if we don’t take urgent action on the climate crisis we could be looking at nearly a metre.

“The damage could be far worse than projected, given the current pace of climate change.

“We urgently need not only to invest in flood defences but in the kind of industrial strategy which creates jobs in clean energy technology, lifting people out of poverty and tackling climate change.”

Another area of concern is around the Faslane naval base, where the UK’s nuclear arsenal is stored.

Mr Greer raised the issue in the Scottish Parliament last week - after The Reporter informed him of the bombshell SNH findings.

He spoke of “grave consequences” if the report is not followed up by serious action.

He added: “The expected rise means there’s a real danger that hundreds of houses and the railway line to Helensburgh will be flooded.

“The expectation that buildings and moorings at Faslane are under threat of inundation is frightening, given the history of radiation leaks and other accidents on the base.”

Mike Cantlay, chair of SNH, said: “We have identified more than 100 locations in the west of Scotland that may be at greater flood risk due to rising tides over the next 50 years.

“Having this advance notice allows partners to work together to address potential issues and plan ahead for ways to mitigate these risks.”

Professor Des Thompson of SNH said: “Clearly sea-level rise and its potential impacts represent a widespread issue which will affect low-lying land around the Firth of Clyde.”

Production of the report was managed by the Clyde Marine Planning Partnership which has a membership of more than 20 organisations.

Isabel Glasgow, chair of the partnership, said: “It is important that land and marine planners work together on these issues to ensure that coastal and marine development is in the right place.”

James Curran, chair for Climate Ready Clyde, the City Region initiative to prepare for a changing climate said: “The report is a significant step forward in understanding the impacts of sea-level rise.

“We must urgently increase efforts to reduce carbon emissions, whilst also making the challenging choices needed to adapt.”

Leven councillor Jim Bollan said: “This warning of rising sea levels comes as no surprise as global warming remains a real threat to the planet.

“Sadly the US one of the world’s biggest polluters is being driven back the way by Trump, who is being orchestrated by the US multinational companies who want to burn more fossil fuels instead of embracing green renewable energy.”

A spokesperson for West Dunbartonshire Council declined to comment on the report.