Climate change24 February 2008
Climate change is beginning to bite in the region. In Summer 2007, flooding caused devastation to large parts of South Yorkshire and around the Humber estuary.
Flooded roads in Sheffield in 2007
Sea levels on the Yorkshire coast and Humber Estuary have risen by up to 3.6mm per year since 1920. On the Humber this threatens the homes and businesses of more than 300,000 people.
The 2007 floods resulted in:
- Damage to 35,000 homes
- A cost to the UK economy of over £3bn
- The loss of 14 lives
We need to reduce our emissions whilst adapting to these increased flood risks. To do this we need to:
- Stop expansion of the region's airports
at Doncaster, Leeds-Bradford and Humberside. - Support the development of a renewable energy industry
The region has potential for offshore and onshore wind projects and hydro-electric schemes. - Promote sustainable housing
By ensuring the new homes built in the region are highly energy efficient and not built on flood plains.
© Andy Green – AGMIT/ istockphoto.com
