Adaptation activity
In the United Kingdom, an adaptation program was launched in 2012, focusing on priority issues such as flood risk management, water resources, and protecting freshwater ecosystems. In order to protect land below sea level, 18 km of flood defences for the Thames estuary were upgraded to augment the Thames Barrier. The gates are closed to prevent flood damage in response to about 10 tidal/storm surges a year. The Thames Barrier is designed to withstand high water surges up to 2030, even accounting for an annual sea level rise of 8mm.
