Major rivers could be flooded until Tuesday, Environment Agency warns
IndependentOCT 19 2023
At Least 7 Dead as Storm Babet Sweeps Through the UK
Image copyright: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images [via Getty Images]
The Spin
Narrative A
After a devastating February in 2020, in which storm damages exceeded £360M, the UK government introduced a £5.2B flood prevention and coastal management strategy to reduce property loss and save lives amid natural disasters. By anticipating future extreme weather, the UK has stepped up to be better prepared through investment in critical infrastructure.
Narrative B
While the UK has devised an elaborate and expensive plan to address climate change risks to its infrastructure, the nation is still playing catch up. The current national vision is shortsighted and addresses only a few critical areas. To say there is room for improvement would be an understatement — the real work begins with credible, thoughtful, and informed planning.