The government has introduced a nationwide initiative aimed at examining the effects of extreme weather events across the UK. Supported by £40 million in funding, the Floods & Droughts Research Infrastructure is spearheaded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) alongside the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology. Its primary goal is to identify areas at risk of such events and mitigate their consequences.
Researchers intend to utilize sensors and real-time computer monitoring, along with river profile data and near-real-time observations related to atmospheric conditions, soil saturation, water flow, abstraction, and storage. By integrating these diverse information streams, the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) suggests this initiative will provide a clearer forecast of when and where extreme weather might occur.
This funding complements broader UK Research and Innovation efforts addressing extreme weather challenges both nationally and internationally. Notable projects include one backed by the NERC that uses mathematical models to better understand the frequency and severity of storms in Northern Europe, aiding in the accurate pricing of storm-related risks. Additionally, researchers from Bristol University have created high-resolution models for predicting floods.
These initiatives build on a substantial £5.6 billion government investment in flooding measures from 2021 to 2027. Louise Heathwaite, NERC’s executive chair, emphasized that climate change is driving increased instances of severe floods and droughts in the UK, impacting households, businesses, and vital services. She stated, “Predicting their occurrence and assessing their intensity and effects require scientific advancements that this program aims to deliver, addressing current data and analytical limitations.”
The Floods & Droughts Research Infrastructure has the potential to assist local authorities and the Environment Agency in mitigating the severe impacts of extreme weather on communities, ultimately saving lives, properties, and businesses while reducing the estimated £740 million annual economic toll of such events.
Floods Minister Emma Hardy remarked, “In cases of extreme flooding and drought, preparation and foresight are crucial.” Meanwhile, Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle noted, “With climate change making severe weather events increasingly frequent and costly, we must act quickly to support our researchers and innovators in enhancing our readiness for floods and droughts. This project will facilitate that progress, employing cutting-edge technology to analyze data from our rivers and produce a comprehensive understanding of the likely impacts—leveraging the power of science and technology to safeguard the public.”
Researchers will operate from UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology facilities across Britain, with additional contributions from the British Geological Survey, the University of Bristol, and Imperial College London. The government also plans to establish a Flood Resilience Taskforce to expedite the implementation of new flood defenses, drainage systems, and natural flood management strategies.