A recent report by Aviva has caused a stir in the insurance industry. Significantly, it uplifts the increasing risk of extreme weather incidents related to the ongoing climate crisis. The results uncover a startling reality—flooding could affect millions more properties across Great Britain than previously thought. This is a significant challenge for housing and infrastructure. As a response, the government has outlined plans to enhance flood defences across London and other parts of the country, prioritizing natural flood management techniques to mitigate future risks.
Over the last ten years, developers have built over 110,000 new homes in high-risk flood areas. This unprecedented wave has created immense worry of the safety and vulnerability of residents and their homes. As it stands, out of every thirteen new homes, one of them will be in these risky zones. Projections indicate that the number of properties at risk from flooding in England will rise by more than a quarter, from 6.3 million to 8 million, by mid-century. Additionally, the risk of flash flooding is projected to increase by as much as 66% over the same timeframe.
According to Aviva, the government has pledged to create 1.5 million new housing units. Of those, about 115,000 will be in high-risk flood zones. This trend is deeply alarming given these developments’ sustainability and safety in the face of climate change. Tenbury Wells in Worcestershire has set a precedent. It is the first town in Great Britain to learn that its public buildings can no longer be insured due to the potential risks of flooding.
The report underscores that 69% of constituencies in England are likely to see an increase of over 25% in properties facing flood risk by mid-century. Wales and Scotland are set to see similar trends, with some regions hit harder than others. Both large and small urban areas are at an increased risk of surface-water flooding. Indeed, fourteen London constituencies are in the top twenty most vulnerable districts.
Bournemouth East is set to experience the largest increase in the risk of surface-water flooding. This is mainly because of its low-lying, coastal geography and outdated drainage infrastructure. London Yorkshire and the Humber account for more than half of the top twenty constituencies affected by river and coastal flooding. This major flooding concern profoundly impacts all of these communities.
Flood Re provides security to households living in high flood risk zones. It will sunset in 2039. The renewal expiration is most concerning in terms of insurance for vulnerable properties. As climate-related flooding increases, these concerns become increasingly pressing.
“The findings are stark. Millions more properties will be at risk from flooding, with rising temperatures, increased urbanisation and inadequate drainage.” – Jason Storah
Experts agree that proper planning and investment is needed to address these rising hazards. Jason Storah points out the need for collective action in addressing insurance challenges:
“Insurance needs to be tackled collectively as a nation. Schemes like Flood Re’s ‘build back better’ initiative allow businesses and dwellings to be better prepared for the future.” – Dr Carola Koenig
Dr. Jess Neumann stresses that proactive measures must be taken by government authorities:
“The future will demand more investment, more support, and more communication from the government to help prepare people for flooding and to manage the impacts when the worst happens.”
With all of our current protective measures in place, we are still falling short at meeting the flood challenges of the future.
“A lot of people think that they are protected because of the Thames Barrier and the range of different mechanisms along the embankments that protect London from sea level rise and river flooding. However, a great project needs to happen in terms of funding, raising the embankment along the River Thames and building a new barrier.”
Boyd emphasizes a shift away from traditional flood defence strategies:
“We can’t keep building defences taller and higher to deal with larger and more frequent floods. Working with natural processes, such as reconnecting rivers to their floodplains, restoring wetlands, and planting woodlands to intercept rainfall have benefits of improving our natural environment alongside reducing flood risk.”
Emma Hardy draws attention to historical funding disparities faced by deprived towns:
“For too long, deprived towns and cities struggled to secure the vital money needed for flood defences due to a complicated and outdated process.”
Dr. Mark Andrew has cautioned that pressures on flood insurance will increase after the subsequent expiration of the UK’s Flood Re scheme. He notes that market-based pricing could disproportionately affect lower-income households concentrated in flood-exposed areas:
“Our reforms will rip this up and help communities get back on their feet after floods by unlocking economic growth, building new homes, and creating new jobs.”
As climate change continues to influence weather patterns and increase flood risks nationwide, it becomes crucial for governments and communities alike to prioritize comprehensive disaster readiness strategies. That means, among other things, investing in more flood-absorbing infrastructure and using new solutions that make our communities more resilient to flooding that will always occur.
“These pressures will intensify after the expiry of the Flood Re scheme in 2039 when market-based pricing is expected to prevail.”
As climate change continues to influence weather patterns and increase flood risks nationwide, it becomes crucial for governments and communities alike to prioritize comprehensive disaster readiness strategies. This includes investing in infrastructure improvements and employing innovative solutions that enhance resilience against inevitable flooding events.