Britain needs to be more prepared for extreme weather, the head of the Environment Agency warned Monday, after the country was hit by floods on one of five days last year and droughts on one in four.
The agency said the stark contrast in severe dry and wet periods showed an “urgent need” to take action now to prevent further problems in the future in the face of climate change.
In 2012, some rivers, including the Tyne in northeast England and the Ouse in North Yorkshire rose within four months from record low levels to reach their highest since records began, the agency said.
It added that there had been flooding recorded on 78 days of the years and drought on 95 days last year.
Research suggests that, as the climate changes, some summertime river flows could be cut by up to 80 percent over the next 40 years.
Environment Agency chairman Lord Smith said: “The extremes of weather that we saw last year highlight the urgent need to plan for a changing climate.
“In 2012 we saw environmental damage caused by rivers with significantly reduced flows, hosepipe bans affecting millions and farmers and businesses left unable to take water from rivers,” he said.
“But we also saw the wettest year on record in England, with around 8,000 homes flooded.”
He said more extreme weather will exacerbate problems such as flooding and water scarcity, adding that “taking action today to prepare and adapt homes, businesses, agricultural practices and infrastructure is vital.
The Environment Agency, which covers England and Wales, wants to see more small-scale water storage reservoirs to help farmers and other commercial enterprises manage during dry periods.
Early last year, hosepipe bans were put in place in many parts of England affecting some 20 million people in an effort to conserve water after two consecutive dry winters.
UK must prepare for extreme weather, warns agency
