Flooding has emerged as another deadly challenge in 2021, as regions across Europe battle rising waters prompted by extreme weather. As they hit Germany last month, 184 people died, and another 42 died in neighbouring Belgium. While no one has died in the UK to flooding, Britain also saw extensive conditions, and climate scientists expect it will only get worse in years to come.
Climate Central, a nonprofit focussed on environmental science news and analysis, has curated an interactive map of UK regions at risk from increased flooding.
They collate peer-reviewed data and mark out which areas of a country could eventually lie below the annual flood level.
Their data stretches across the world and shows some potentially profound changes for the UK’s coastline as sea levels rise.
According to the map, London will eventually rank amongst the most profoundly affected areas in the country, with several boroughs under the flood level by 2030.
The annual flood level is a term used by officials to describe where floodwaters may reach roughly once a year.
Areas underneath this level are more likely to see increased incidences of flooding in the years to come.
The organisation’s data shows where annual inundation will increase across the north, south, east and west.
Ultimately, it shows some of the flattest areas may have to adapt to extreme weather in the future.
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North London
Flood risks will descend in patches across North London, impacting the lowest-lying areas on the Thames the most.
Much of Paddington, Soho, Kensington, Notting Hill, Covent Garden and Marylebone will remain above the flood level by 2030.
Significant parts of Fulham and Hammersmith will also fall below the annual flood level, as will Shepherd’s Bush, Acton Vale, Chiswick and Grove Park.
Tottenham and Stratford, which sit on Thames tributary the River Lea, may also dip below the flood level.
West London
The flood risk will slim slightly as the Thames thins out to the west.
Areas such as Twickenham, Richmond, Kingston upon Thames and Surbiton will see some increased risk.
The most at-risk places will include Brentford, Richmond and Twickenham, where the river could rise further inland.
Towards Hampton Court, the risk narrows to the river’s immediate banks.
https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1476215/London-flood-map-risk-areas-2030-climate-change-flooding-evg
