PARTS of Maldon and Burnham could be under water within 200 years if sea levels continue to rise, researchers have warned.

Scientists from Climate Central have drawn up maps showing how the world’s population would be affected if global warming continues.

A report prepared prior to the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference compares a 2c rise and a 4c rise in temperature.

It shows Burnham, Bradwell, St Lawrence, North Fambridge, Althorne and Heybridge would be affected by a 4c rise.

The research group is campaigning to cut carbon emissions and keep temperature rises within an international target of two degrees celsius, but this would still see Maldon and the Dengie peninsula coast underwater.

Benjamin Strauss, author of the report, said: “The projections in this report do not forecast what sea levels may unfold this century.

“Rather, they indicate the different post-2100 sea levels that could lock in this century, depending upon the carbon pathway we select and the warming thus achieved.

“The sea levels described could possibly, but with low probability, occur sooner than 200 years from now, or be reached as far as 2,000 years in the future.

“This wide range stems from the fact that it is easier to estimate how much ice will eventually melt from a certain amount of warming, than how quickly it will melt, which involves more unknowns.”

 In the UK, a two degree rise could put four million people at risk, while a four degree rise would threaten six million people’s homes.