New flooding model as sea levels set to rise
Plans to ‘avoid or adapt’ to floods as climate change affects River Clyde
ANEW tidal flood model for the River Clyde has been published in an effort to accurately predict the risks of rising sea levels due to climate change.
The collaborative project between Glasgow City Council and Sepa is designed to gather information on the river between Dalbeth in Glasgow and Greenock that will help communities prepare for potential flooding.
The new model replaces the River Clyde Flood Management Strategy model and will provide vital data to be shared with developers, planners, investors and organisations and individuals.
Councillor Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council and chair of the Glasgow City Region Cabinet, said: “The Clyde is central to the life of Glasgow and our neighbouring local authorities, and like all other such rivers, has to face the reality of climate change.
“The new River Clyde Tidal Flood Model will allow proper management of flood risk along the river, ensuring that appropriate development takes place on its banks and flood plains.
“This management will ensure that the economic, environmental and social benefits of the many uses – both existing and to come – on the Clyde can continue to be delivered for future generations.”
Stressing the importance of tackling climate change head on, Vincent Fitzsimons, head of hydrology and flooding at Sepa, said: “Scotland is already seeing the impacts of a changing climate.
“We know that there is locked in climate change we cannot reverse, including sea level rise.
“It is a huge challenge and Sepa is pleased to have worked with Glasgow City Council to develop the Tidal Clyde Model as a shared tool to be used by all partners.
“Avoiding or adapting to flooding is a fundamental consideration in the design of great places as we learn to live safely with flooding both now and in the future.”