Cutting-edge flooding programmes deliver big results for communities and environment - Environment Agency
Environment Agency publishes mid-programme report for its £200 million Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes
Innovative approaches to flood and coastal resilience taken by the Environment Agency, local authorities and local partners are helping to unlock significant wider social, economic and environmental benefits for people, places, and wildlife.
The Environment Agency has today (Monday 28 October) published its mid-programme report for its £200 million Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes. The report details what has been achieved so far and the lessons learnt.
At this midway point, the achievements of these programmes include:
- 97 new natural flood management schemes delivered, using natural processes to slow the flow of floodwaters through techniques such as leaky dams, wetland ponds and enhanced marine habitats;
- Almost 600 new monitoring sensors around the country to measure river levels and provide accurate and timely warnings ahead of flooding;
- 25 PhD positions funded to train the next generation of flood experts and develop new approaches to the challenges of climate change and extreme weather.
It is clear the impacts of climate change are already being seen here in the UK and around the world. Rising sea levels and more extreme weather are likely to lead to more frequent and severe flooding and storm surges. This is why the Environment Agency is acting now by encouraging innovation in flood and coastal resilience.