Does the Strategic Flood Map take the effects of climate change into account?
The flood plain illustrated within the Present Day map was established through modelling techniques which used the meteorological, river flow and sea level data which is relevant at this point in time and to that extent this has taken account of changes to our climate that have already occurred. It is however widely accepted that our climate is changing and that with the passage of time sea levels around our coastline will rise and the extreme rainfall events (that lead to river flooding) shall become more frequent and intense. Therefore with this in mind, the Climate Change map has been produced to reflect the flood plain outlines for the year 2030. This is based on the best available predictions for the meteorological conditions and sea levels at that time.
