More comprehensive response to UK flooding needed
The UK’s Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) has welcomed the latest ‘Managing climate risks to well-being and the economy’ report published by the Adaptation Sub-Committee of the Committee on Climate Change, particularly the need for better flood resilience.
Professor David Balmforth, ICE Flood Expert and Vice President, said that the Committee rightly highlighted the growing need for a more comprehensive approach to UK flood resilience, particularly one that better reflects the “domino effect” that can be felt across energy, transport, water and waste networks when a flood defence is overwhelmed impacting on society and the economy.
“Fears around investment levels also echo our own concerns – if we are to meet the pressures of climate change, capital and maintenance investment will simply need to increase. Government should commit to a long term capital and maintenance programme for flood management which protects funding beyond the current six year cycle,” Professor Balmforth said.
Last month the ICE published it’s State of the Nation: Infrastructure 2014 report, grading UK infrastructure networks from A to E based on performance, capacity and condition. The report graded Flood Management C – minus or “requires attention”.
By Anne-Marie Causer
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