- A £40 million ($50 million) project will use real-time data to predict better and manage UK floods and droughts.
- The project is part of a £5.6 billion ($7 billion) investment in flood defences, with findings shared globally to combat climate change impacts.
OUR TAKE
This marks the launch of the UK’s first nationwide network dedicated to predicting and mitigating floods and droughts. The £40 million project aims to use advanced real-time data, including river profiles and atmospheric conditions, to improve the accuracy of forecasting extreme weather events.
–Jennifer Yu, BTW reporter
What happened
A £40 million ($50 million) initiative aims to improve predictions and mitigate the impact of floods and droughts across the UK using real-time data. Led by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH), the project will establish the UK’s first nationwide network dedicated to understanding extreme weather.
Advanced technologies, including sensors and real-time monitoring, will be used to collect data on river profiles, atmospheric conditions, and water levels, helping to predict where and when extreme events will occur.
The research will involve the British Geological Survey, the University of Bristol, and Imperial College London, with findings shared to inform national responses. This project is part of a £5.6 billion ($7 billion) government investment in flood defences from 2021 to 2027. Floods Minister Emma Hardy stressed the importance of preparation, saying the initiative will help protect UK communities, businesses, and farms from future disasters.
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Why it’s important
This proactive approach is crucial as climate change increases the frequency and severity of such events, costing the UK an estimated £740 million ($925 million) annually in damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure.
By identifying vulnerable areas and enabling better preparation, the project seeks to minimise the devastation caused by floods and droughts across the country. Furthermore, it forms part of a broader £5.6 billion ($7 billion) government investment in flood defences, which includes over 100 coastal risk management projects.
The research findings will not only enhance national flood response strategies but will also be shared globally, contributing to international efforts to address climate change and build resilience against extreme weather.
