On December 17, 2024, the Environment Agency released its National Assessment of Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk in England, utilizing improved data from the national flood risk assessment.

A new report reveals that 2.4 million properties are at risk of flooding from rivers and the sea, with an alarming 88% increase in homes facing the highest flood risk, defined as having more than a 1 in 30 chance of flooding annually.

The report warns that by 2050, one in four properties in England will be at risk of flooding due to climate change, with projections indicating that 3,500 properties could be at risk of coastal erosion by 2055.

Rising global sea levels, attributed to melting ice and thermal expansion, have already increased average sea levels around the UK by nearly 20 cm since 1900, contributing to coastal erosion and flooding risks.

The Commission's second National Infrastructure Assessment recommended that the government establish long-term, measurable targets to reduce flooding risks and invest accordingly, while enhancing resilience measures.

The report follows significant flooding caused by storms Bert and Darragh, which highlighted the urgent need to address flood risks.

The report indicates that over 163,000 properties face potential floodwater levels of 30 cm or higher, which can move vehicles, and more than 184,000 could experience similar levels from surface water flooding.

Floods Minister Emma Hardy acknowledged the current risks and announced a £2.4 billion commitment over the next two years to improve flood defenses across the country.

Julie Foley, director of flood risk strategy at the Environment Agency, emphasized the importance of updated data and technology in understanding flood and coastal erosion risks.

Experts urge the government to utilize the updated data to set clear targets for reducing flood risks and to implement measures to manage the increased risk of surface water flooding.

Alison Dilworth from Friends of the Earth criticized the government's inadequate response to extreme weather and called for a strengthened national adaptation program, emphasizing the need for community consultation.

The report also highlighted the need for regulations to control the spread of impermeable surfaces, which currently can be increased without considering the impact on surface water flooding.