United Kingdom - Final

Floods are the main natural hazard in the United Kingdom. Throughout the semester, I learned that Floods were a common theme in the UK and occur more often than any other natural hazard in the UK. Devastating floods occur at least once a year and occur more often due to climate change. London Health reports “The increased incidence of flooding in the UK and in other parts of the world is largely attributed to climate change, which has been accelerated by global warming as a result of the way we live our lives; this is the opinion of many experts but it is not a certainty and scientific research in this area is ongoing.” Since the UK is one of the most flood-prone countries due to climate change, Carbon Brief shares “According to one study the new report cites, warming of 3.5 to 4.8 degrees Celsius by the 2080s – which is what the IPCC expects if emissions stay high – would expose an additional 250,000 to 400,000 people in Europe to river flooding, and potentially up to 5.5 million per year to coastal flooding. The UK is likely to be one of the worst affected locations, the report suggests.” Flooding is a priority as it is a hazard to humans, cities, homes, and the earth. The effects of flooding on humans are death, destroyed homes and businesses, as well as property. The impacts of flooding have the environment are pollution, erosion, and destroys wildlife habitats and harm to animals. 

The recommendations I have for dealing with floods in the UK is building homes, businesses, and other buildings about flood level. I believe this because since floods are reoccurring hazards, The UK spends billions on damages and repairs every year. Focusing on infrastructure and how to adapt to these floods may not only save money but lives. Another recommendation to add that I found very important was mentioned by Independent UK is “The creation of more wetlands – which can act as sponges, soaking up moisture – and wooded areas can slow down waters when rivers overflow. These areas are often destroyed to make room for agriculture and development, the WWF said. Halting deforestation and wetland drainage, reforesting upstream areas, and restoring damaged wetlands could significantly reduce the impact of climate change on flooding, according to the conservation charity.” Lastly, the most important reccomendation is how to reverse the severity of climate change. All over the world, the effects of climate change are evident. The Independent shared “Climate change has contributed to a rise in extreme weather events, scientists believe.” Putting effort into reversing climate change could help control the extreme flooding the UK has been experiencing. 

SafeSite Facilities shares “Areas of the UK particularly vulnerable to this type of flooding include Cornwall, East coast areas, particularly Peterborough, Hull, and Great Yarmouth, Kent, and Sussex coastal areas.” I would start in these areas to focus on and since floods occur there often, I would start adapting to these floods to protect people, their homes, businesses, and buildings. Another thing I would do is keep citizens stocked and prepared for these floods. I would also ensure everyone is made aware of upcoming floods by funding research and putting an alert system that is loud and clear. According to Property Reporter, "Crewe remains one of the least likely areas of the UK to flood, with just 0.1% of homes affected by water damage previously." Lastly, I might consider Crewe as the water damage is least likely. Manchester is where I would love to live in the UK; however, Manchester Evening reported last November "Parts of Greater Manchester are still on alert for more flooding this morning - after 24 hours of torrential rain caused havoc across large parts of the region.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue service had more than 100 emergency call-outs in 24 hours.  They say homes, businesses and cars were flooded in Sale, Rochdale, and Failsworth." If I lived in the UK I would construct my home inches off the ground as a precaution. I also would make sure my electrical outlets are a few inches up to ensure that if my home were to become flooded it wouldn't be as hazardous.

photo credit:https://www.euronews.com/2020/02/15/storm-dennis-menaces-uk-with-another-wild-weekend-of-weather