Home / Environment / Broads Authority Chief Forecasts Dramatic Climate Change Impacts
Broads Authority Chief Forecasts Dramatic Climate Change Impacts
9 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Outgoing Broads Authority chief warns of climate change "biting hard"
- Swathes of land to be used as floodplains to protect homes from flooding
- Lower Bure may be reclaimed to help absorb rising water levels
As of November 9th, 2025, the outgoing chief executive of the Broads Authority, John Packham, has issued a stark warning about the impacts of climate change on the region's iconic waterways. Packham, who has overseen the management of the Broads for the past 25 years, outlined the most significant challenges facing his successor.
Chief among these is the threat of climate change, which Packham says is "biting hard" and could dramatically transform the landscape. To protect homes in areas around Breydon Water and along the Waveney Valley, Packham revealed that swathes of land will likely need to be converted into floodplains to accommodate rising water levels.
Additionally, the Lower Bure may be reclaimed in an effort to help absorb the encroaching North Sea and overflowing rivers. Packham's successor will be tasked with navigating these complex issues as the Broads Authority works to safeguard the region's unique ecosystem and communities from the effects of the climate crisis.
