Adaptation activity
Long-term storm surge flood countermeasures have been developed for the Thames River, which runs through the center of London, UK, that take into account uncertainties in projected impacts of climate change. In 1953, the city's storm surge flood countermeasures were largely reviewed in response to the flood disaster of that year that killed more than 300 people. The Thames River Estuary 2100 Plan, which came into effect in 2010, sets out three phases of development for the 21st century, which aim to respond to ongoing developments in climate change. Based on forecasts of future impacts and monitoring of sea-level rise, the countermeasures are intended to be futureproof. Long-term planning for adaptation initiatives can avoid excessive disruption, reduce economic burdens and impact on the natural environment.
For example, existing facilities may be raised or improved (fig.) based on the average sea level projected for 2040 ①, but if sea levels rise faster than predicted, schedules may be advanced ②.
The Thames Barrier, a UK seawall, provides a case study for the flood mitigation.
