What is the impact of climate change on UK flood risk?

According to the article, climate change is expected to increase the number of UK properties at risk of flooding by over 25% by mid-century, with the number of homes in high-risk areas for flash flooding likely to rise by up to 66%.

How are insurance providers responding to the growing flood threat in the UK?

The article states that insurers are increasingly concerned about the impact of severe weather events driven by the climate crisis, with some warning that large areas of housing and commercial property may become uninsurable.

What is the future of the Flood Re scheme in the UK?

The article notes that the government-industry Flood Re program, which provides some protection for at-risk households, is set to expire in 2039, by which time climate-driven flooding is projected to be far more severe.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Millions of Homes at Risk as Climate Crisis Fuels Devastating Floods

Millions of Homes at Risk as Climate Crisis Fuels Devastating Floods

14 Oct

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Summary

Millions more homes in UK face increased flood risk by mid-century
Some towns may need to be abandoned due to unaffordable flood protection
London's flood defenses urgently need updating to prevent catastrophic damage

Millions of Homes at Risk as Climate Crisis Fuels Devastating Floods

According to a recent investigation, the climate crisis is set to put millions more homes across England, Scotland, and Wales at risk of devastating floods by the mid-21st century. The insurance industry has sounded the alarm, with bosses warning that large swathes of residential and commercial properties in densely populated areas will face greater flood threats.

Experts have gone so far as to suggest that some towns may need to be abandoned entirely, as homes and businesses struggle to obtain insurance in areas repeatedly battered by storms and rising sea levels. Densely populated regions, including London, Manchester, and parts of northeast England, are expected to be the hardest hit.