Futures

Environment Agency Launches £52.5M Framework to Combat Climate Change and Flooding Risks, (from page 20240526.)

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Summary

The Environment Agency has appointed several firms, including Aecom, AtkinsRéalis, Jacobs, JBA Consulting, Mott MacDonald, and WSP Binnies JV, to its 2024 Mapping and Modelling Framework (MMF), valued at £52.5M over three years with a potential £17.5M extension. This framework will enhance decision-making related to climate events, focusing on flood risk management across England. The appointed consultants will provide expertise in various areas to help the Environment Agency understand climate change impacts and assist in planning and investment decisions. The MMF aligns with the Agency’s long-term goals and builds on previous frameworks, emphasizing collaboration and innovation. Recent reports indicate concerns about the UK’s resilience to flooding, highlighting the importance of this framework.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Increased Investment in Climate Resilience The Environment Agency’s significant investment in mapping and modelling for climate events. Shifting from reactive responses to proactive investments in climate resilience and risk management. In 10 years, the UK may have a comprehensive climate resilience strategy with advanced predictive modelling. Growing recognition of the need for proactive measures against climate change impacts and flooding risks. 5
Long-term Partnerships for Climate Adaptation Established partnerships between the Environment Agency and consulting firms for climate adaptation initiatives. Transitioning from short-term projects to sustained, long-term collaborations for climate resilience. Long-term partnerships may lead to innovative solutions and improved community resilience against climate events. The necessity for consistent expertise and collaboration to address the ongoing challenges of climate change. 4
Evidence-Based Decision Making The emphasis on using data and evidence to inform investment decisions for flood risk management. Moving from intuition-based decisions to data-driven strategies for climate resilience. Ten years from now, investment decisions may be predominantly based on comprehensive data analytics and modelling. The increasing availability of data and technology to support informed decision making in environmental management. 4
Recognition of Flood Risks Government reports indicate a lack of effective strategy for flood resilience in the UK. Highlighting a shift from underestimating flood risks to recognizing the urgent need for effective strategies. In a decade, flood risk management strategies may be significantly enhanced due to prior recognition of vulnerabilities. Rising frequency of extreme weather events necessitating stronger governmental focus on flood resilience. 5
Frameworks for Climate Mitigation Introduction of multiple frameworks by the Environment Agency to tackle climate-related issues. From isolated projects to a cohesive set of frameworks addressing various aspects of climate change. Ten years from now, these frameworks could evolve into a unified national strategy for climate resilience and adaptation. The complexity of climate change requires comprehensive approaches involving diverse frameworks and strategies. 4

Concerns

name description relevancy
Uncertainty in Flood Resilience The UK government lacks effective strategies to ensure national resilience against extreme weather events like flooding, creating a risk of inadequate preparedness. 5
Ineffective Investment in Flood Defenses The removal of 500 flood defence schemes from planned investments raises concerns about the adequacy of flood protection measures across the UK. 4
Reliance on Expert Consultancies Heavy reliance on external consultant expertise may create dependency and reduce internal capacity for managing climate risks in the long term. 3
Climate Change Impact Underestimation Potential underestimation of the impacts of climate change on flooding risks could lead to insufficient response strategies and community support. 4
Data and Evidence Gaps The effectiveness of the new MMF in providing accurate data to inform decision-making may be limited by existing gaps in hydrological evidence. 3
Long-term Sustainability of Partnerships Continuation of partnerships with consultancies may risk stagnation and limit innovative approaches due to established practices. 3

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Collaborative Framework Development The Environment Agency collaborates with multiple consultancy firms to enhance climate resilience through shared expertise and joint initiatives. 5
Long-Term Strategic Planning Investment in frameworks like MMF emphasizes a commitment to long-term strategies for climate adaptation and resilience. 5
Data-Driven Decision Making Use of evidence and expert analysis to inform investment decisions in response to climate risks and flood management. 5
Continuous Partnership Commitment Long-standing relationships between agencies and consultants reflect a focus on continuous improvement and shared values in tackling climate challenges. 4
Innovative Solutions for Climate Adaptation A focus on innovation in mapping and modeling techniques to create effective responses to climate change impacts. 4
Community-Centric Approaches Frameworks designed to protect and enhance local communities’ resilience against flooding and environmental challenges. 4
Accountability and Transparency in Reporting Increased scrutiny and reporting on government effectiveness in addressing flood resilience and climate change adaptation strategies. 4
Integration of Multiple Environmental Frameworks The establishment of interconnected frameworks to address various aspects of environmental management and resilience. 4

Technologies

name description relevancy
Mapping and Modelling Framework (MMF) A framework aimed at improving decision-making related to climate events through advanced mapping and modelling techniques. 4
Hydrological Modelling Utilization of hydrological models to predict and manage the impacts of climate change and flooding. 5
Flood Resilience Technologies Innovative solutions aimed at enhancing community resilience against flooding and extreme weather conditions. 5
Climate Impact Assessment Tools Tools designed to assess the impacts of climate change on communities and infrastructure. 4
Collaborative Environmental Frameworks Frameworks that promote collaboration between agencies and consultants to address environmental challenges. 4

Issues

name description relevancy
Increased Flood Risk Due to Climate Change The ongoing threat of flooding as a consequence of climate change necessitates better planning and response strategies. 5
Need for Effective Flood Resilience Strategies Reports highlight the lack of a robust strategy to improve the UK’s resilience against flooding and extreme weather events. 5
Collaboration in Environmental Management The emphasis on collaboration among various entities to enhance community protection and environmental sustainability is becoming increasingly critical. 4
Investment in Climate Adaptation Technologies The allocation of substantial funds for mapping and modelling frameworks indicates a growing investment in technologies to address climate-related challenges. 4
Long-term Environmental Frameworks The establishment of long-term frameworks by the Environment Agency reflects a strategic approach to managing climate impacts over time. 4