Environment - Dangers of climate change to the Thames Basin region

SALTER HIGHLIGHTS INCREASED FLOODING RISK IN READING

Reading West MP, Martin Salter, last week hosted a parliamentary reception to launch a WWF report on the dangers of climate change to the Thames Basin region. The report highlighted the increased risk of flooding due to climate change, only a year after widespread flooding overwhelmed 150 properties in the Bourne Road and Briars Close area of Pangbourne.

The report also noted how changes in weather patterns will lead to a decline in the number of plants and animals and fish levels will also drop. The lawns and flower beds of the typical English garden and the lush green landscape along parts of the Thames will be become more arid and dusty. And anglers will catch less fish in their local streams as the flow in the Thames and its tributaries drops dramatically in hot summers. In the home, insurance premiums will rise due to the increased threat of flooding and water bills will rise as drought makes supplies scarcer and harder to supply.

Dr Tom Le Quesne, WWF-UK Freshwater Policy Advisor, said:

“This report shows that climate change is likely to result in hotter, drier summers and warmer, wetter winters. Perversely, this means we will suffer from having both more water, and less, with greater risk from flooding and drought.”

“Population growth will place further pressure on our already stressed water supplies. Taken separately, all the impacts are harmful but taken together they could ultimately destroy an internationally important river system. Therefore, the government needs to develop policies that can address droughts, floods, pollution and climate change simultaneously, rather than treating each in isolation”

Martin Salter MP said:

“Too many families in Whitley, Purley and Pangbourne know all too well the devastating effects flooding can have on their homes. This report by the WWF highlights the potential impact of climate change, helping us to plan for the consequences.”