ReportAlert.info - RSA Insurance Group plc & WWF publishes Urban Water Management in a Changing Climate Report 2010
The report argues that natural flood defences are a cost effective way of managing water & reducing the risk of flooding in our towns, whilst also benefiting wildlife
(3BLMedia/theCSRfeed) January 25, 2011- RSA & WWF call for a new approach to water management to combat £4billion flood risk.
A new report from WWF and RSA argues that natural flood defences are a cost effective way of managing water and reducing the risk of flooding in our towns, whilst also benefiting wildlife.
Dealing with the deluge: Urban water management in a changing climate demonstrates how sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) can form part of an economical, integrated approach to flood and water management. Drawing on examples from the UK and overseas, the report shows how towns and cities can protect themselves against flooding and improve the urban environment for people and wildlife.
Climate change is putting existing drainage systems under increasing pressure. The report highlights the cost of inaction for the insurance industry and society if new approaches are not adopted. One in six properties in England are at risk of flooding and the cost of protecting them is expected to swell to £1bn a year by 2035, according to the Environment Agency. It estimates that the annual cost of flooding, associated damage to property, infrastructure and loss of business, could rise from £2.5bn to £4bn by 2035 unless funding for flood defences is increased.
The report identifies huge opportunities for SuDS in existing buildings and developments. However, significant social, cultural and political barriers prevent widespread SuDS implementation. The report calls on government, regulators, sewage and insurance companies, local authorities and NGOs to work together to tackle these barriers. Recommendations include better awareness of natural surface water management and changes to the current regulatory and legislative framework that currently favours more costly traditional solutions.
Download a copy of Dealing with the deluge: Urban water management in a changing climate http://www.reportalert.info/ra/profiles/RSA/2011/?ID=35805.
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