Green Liberal Democrats: "Liberal Democrats believe that by helping the environment, we can help our own pockets, our families, our communities and our world."

New Thames flood barrier a stark reminder of climate change threat - Baker

12.00.00am GMT Mon 10th Jan 2005

Thames Barrier flood defence on the River Thames at Woolwich. (photography: Matt Raines)

Responding to plans to erect a new 10-mile flood barrier across the Thames, the Liberal Democrats reveal Government figures that predict the threat of flooding to be so severe that the current barrier may have to be raised up to 325 times a year by 2100.

In the last five years the barrier has been raised 55 times. In the five years before April 1999 the barrier was only raised 12 times.

The forecasts from DEFRA show that under the current climate change predictions, the barrier will need to be raised:

  • between 10 and 20 times in 2010

  • between 20 and 35 times in 2020

  • between 6 and 75 times in 2050

  • between 30 and 325 times in 2100

Commenting, Norman Baker MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary, said:

"These shocking figures explain why a new flood barrier will soon be essential for London. But prevention is always better than a cure.

"The figures are a stark reminder that climate change is real and is already affecting the lives of people in Britain and it is high time the Government started taking its threat seriously.

"Last year the Government's plans to build new homes in the Thames Gateway were published without any research on environmental constraints being completed.

"John Prescott's so-called sustainable communities are nothing of the sort. Londoners are not being told the truth."

Bookmark this story at: del.icio.usdel.icio.us DiggDigg FacebookFacebook redditreddit StumbleUponStumbleUpon
Print this news story.
Previous news story: Lib Dems promise financial reward for good environmental behaviour (Wed 22nd Sep 2004).
Next news story: Blair must not allow US to deflect him from tough new climate change targets - Baker (Tue 25th Jan 2005).

Printed and hosted by Prater Raines Ltd, 82b Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BX.
Published and promoted by Green Liberal Democrats, 39 Azof Street, Greenwich, London SE10 0EG.
The views expressed in all articles and news items of this site should only be assumed to be those of the individual authors themselves and are not necessarily those of the Liberal Democrats, the Green Liberal Democrats, or the service provider.