Dr Ivan Haigh, a staff member in SMMI, has contributed to a new report just released by the Environment Agency.  The report, looks at how flooding in the Thames Estuary has changed over the past 10 years, and marks the first key milestone in the 10-Year Review of the Thames Estuary 2100 Plan.

The Thames Estuary 2100 Plan was the first UK flood risk management strategy to put climate adaptation at its core. It is a trailblazer of the adaptive approach set out in the Environment Agency’s National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) Strategy published last year.

The report looks at 10 indicators of change, ranging from sea level rise and river flows, to people and property in the floodplain, which are then assessed against future flood risk. Ivan Haigh played a key role in supporting this important study, digitising and analysing over 100 years of historic sea level records from fifteen tide gauge sites along the length of the estuary.

Dr Ivan Haigh says:

“I am thrilled to have led the sea level data analysis which supporting this vital review.

"These new sea level records we captured and analysed are now amongst the longest in the UK, and were foundational for significantly enhancing our understanding of changes in both mean sea level and extreme water levels across the Thames Estuary.

"Our novel analysis showed that the rate of sea-level rise is rapidly accelerating driving an increase in the number of extreme water levels. Continuous monitoring of this change is vital to ensure that the right flood risk management actions are taken at the right time, to safeguard London and the Thames Estuary’s continued existence as one of the world’s most important coastal regions.”

Baroness Brown, Chair of the Government’s Climate Change Committee and Chair of the Thames Estuary 2100: 10-Year Review Advisory Group said:  

“Keeping London and the Thames Estuary protected from flooding as our climate changes is critical. Only 12% of over 3,000 flood defences that provide this protection are the responsibility of the Environment Agency, so it is essential that the Thames Estuary 2100 Plan is a team effort, owned by everyone with an interest in our river. 

By working together we can ensure that people and the economy are safe, and that this is done in a way that combines nature-based solutions with the latest innovations in flood risk management, to enhance nature and increase the amenity of the river.”

Julie Foley, Director for Flood Strategy and National Adaptation at the Environment Agency, said:

“This report is a significant first step in updating our world leading approach to the 2100 Plan for the Thames Estuary, home to some of the country’s most valuable assets, critical infrastructure and internationally-protected habitats.

The Environment Agency is committed to reaching net zero by 2030. But with sea level rises, it is equally important that we plan to adapt to the unavoidable impacts of climate change. Through the Thames Estuary 2100 Plan we are taking an adaptive approach so we are agile to the latest climate science, growth projections, investment opportunities and changes to the local environment.

In the year of the United Nations Climate Change Conference, it is more important than ever that we show leadership in tacking the climate emergency in the Thames Estuary.”

Source site du Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute SMMI