UK Launches £40 Million Initiative to Enhance Flood and Drought Predictions with Cutting-Edge Research

UK Launches £40 Million Initiative to Enhance Flood and Drought Predictions with Cutting-Edge Research

(IN BRIEF) The University of Bristol is part of a pioneering national initiative called the Floods & Droughts Research Infrastructure (FDRI) project, aimed at improving the UK’s ability to predict and manage extreme weather events like floods and droughts. Supported by a £40 million investment, the project, led by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH), will use advanced technology and real-time data to identify potential hotspots for such events. The initiative aims to help local authorities and agencies minimize the impact of extreme weather on communities and the economy. The project also enhances the UK’s position as a leader in climate research.

(PRESS RELEASE) BRISTOL, 31-Aug-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — A groundbreaking national initiative aimed at enhancing the UK’s ability to predict and manage floods and droughts is set to revolutionize how extreme weather events are handled across the country. The Floods & Droughts Research Infrastructure (FDRI) project, launched today, represents the first comprehensive UK-wide network focused on identifying and mitigating the impact of severe weather conditions.

This £40 million project, spearheaded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH), will unite experts from various institutions, including the University of Bristol, Imperial College London, and the British Geological Survey. The initiative will deploy advanced technologies, such as river sensors and real-time data monitoring, to accurately forecast potential hotspots for flooding and drought.

Dr. Gemma Coxon, Associate Professor in Hydrology at Bristol’s Cabot Institute for the Environment, emphasized the transformative nature of this project: “The UK Floods and Droughts Research Infrastructure will greatly enhance our understanding of extreme weather events, enabling more effective responses and ultimately protecting communities and ecosystems.”

The data collected will be instrumental in guiding local authorities and the Environment Agency in their efforts to minimize the devastating impacts of extreme weather on lives, homes, and businesses. By improving forecasting accuracy, the project aims to reduce the annual £740 million economic burden caused by floods and droughts in the UK.

This initiative not only strengthens the UK’s resilience against climate change but also positions the country as a global leader in climate research and innovation. The project will serve as a hub for pioneering research, with findings shared internationally to advance the global response to climate-related challenges.

Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle highlighted the urgency of this work: “With climate change making extreme weather events more frequent and costly, we must act swiftly to support our researchers in developing the tools needed to keep the public safe. This project exemplifies the power of science and technology in addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time.”

The FDRI project builds on the UK government’s ongoing commitment to flood and coastal risk management, complementing the £5.6 billion investment in flood defenses between 2021 and 2027.

Media Contact:

Tel: +44 (0)117 928 9000
Email: press-office@bristol.ac.uk

SOURCE: University of Bristol