The UK faces a stark reality check with its flood defences, as a £34m funding shortfall has led to 500 abandoned projects and a 40% reduction in properties protected from flooding by 2027. Climate change exacerbates the situation, making it essential for the government to invest in flood protection measures and explore alternative funding sources.
Funding Shortfall and Abandoned Projects
A funding shortfall of £34m has left the Environment Agency (EA) struggling to maintain its flood defences. As a result, 500 out of 2,000 new flood defence projects have been abandoned, with the number of properties protected from flooding by 2027 reduced by 40%. This is due to a lack of investment in flood protection measures.
Climate Change and Its Impact
Climate change is exacerbating the situation, leading to more frequent and severe floods. Warmer air can hold more water vapour, resulting in increased flooding. The Environment Agency has stated that its current approach to flood protection is not keeping pace with the escalating risks posed by climate change.
Nature-Based Solutions
Experts suggest that nature-based solutions could be effective in tackling flood risk. Creating new woodlands, restoring upland peatland, and establishing new wetlands can slow down water flow and redirect it away from communities. This approach is cost-effective and has been shown to be successful in reducing flood risk.
Calls for Action
Prof Hannah Cloke, a professor of hydrology at the University of Reading, has called for action to address the UK’s underfunded flood defences. She states that the current approach is not keeping pace with the escalating risks posed by climate change. The government has been urged to invest in flood protection measures and explore alternative funding sources.
Emergency Preparedness
Dr Carola Koenig from the Centre for Flood Risk and Resilience at Brunel University of London emphasizes the importance of emergency preparedness. She suggests that communities need to be trained on what to do during floods, including having an emergency bag packed and ready to go. Emergency evacuation plans should also be in place, particularly for people with mobility issues.
Government Response
The environment secretary, Steve Reed, has blamed the previous government for a “difficult economic inheritance,” making it harder to find large amounts of funds to invest in flood protection measures. However, experts argue that this is not an excuse for the current state of underfunded flood defences.
Conclusion
- theguardian.com | Storm Bert offers stark reminder of UKs underfunded flood defences ...
