Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Flooding is one of the largest current risks identifi ed in the UK Government's
National Risk Register. The assessment of the Adaptation Sub-Committee noted
that without action, four times as many properties will be at risk of fl ooding in
England (Committee on Climate Change 2012 ). Flooding is therefore a major con-
cern related to climate change in the UK. This chapter tries to provide a case study
approach - giving an example of how England's Environment Agency makes fl ood
forecasts and issues early warnings. The EEA system is highlighted because it is
particularly effective in its timeliness, reliability, cost-effectiveness and accuracy,
rather not just limited to EWS but imbedded in its national development planning
and broader public awareness (EA 2009a , 2013c ). Their system tries to provide an
end-to-end approach including general procedure and organisation to post-event
data collection, reporting and archiving (EA 2002 ). In addition, the EA is also
engaged in infl uencing the national development process to consider fl ood risk at all
levels of planning process and to avoid inappropriate development in fl ood risk
areas by supporting national planning policies, such as, Planning Policy Statement
25 (PPS25) (DCLG 2009 ).
10.2
The Environment Agency
The Environment Agency (EA) is an executive non-departmental public body which
plays a central role in implementing the UK government's environmental strategy. 1
Created in April 1996, the Environment Agency aims to protect and improve the
environment and 'create a better place' for people and wildlife in England (EA
2011a ). In September 1996, the Environment Agency was designated as the lead
authority for issuing accurate, reliable and timely fl ood warnings to the public in
England and Wales, and to reduce the risks to people and properties from fl oods and
the impacts when fl ooding occurs (Whitfi eld 2005 ). Because the Environment
Agency's work is largely funded by public taxation, cost-effectiveness is very
important. The Environment Agency does implement and maintain physical engi-
neering schemes but also relatively cheaper options. A fl ood warning service is an
equally important aspect of the Environment Agency's work. In England about one
in six residential and commercial properties is at risk from river, coastal or surface
water fl ooding (EA 2009b ).
10.3
Identifying Flood Risk Areas
The fi rst step to reduce the impact of fl ooding is to understand what areas are at risk
of fl ooding, from which sources and at what magnitude.
1 Note: following devolution of power in Scotland and Wales, the Environment Agency is now
primarily focussed on work in England.
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