Every seventh homes and businesses are affected by flood, according to climate advisers of the government, reports Alertnet. The risk of flooding may increase fourfold in the next 23 years, unless climate change impacts are mitigated, according to the Environment Agency.
"We must take adaptation more seriously if we are to manage the growing risks of floods and droughts. This can be done by investing more in flood defences, faster rollout of water meters and giving serious consideration to where and how we build our housing and infrastructure. Without action by households and businesses to prepare for these inevitable weather extremes the country faces rising costs, unnecessary damage and future disruption," said John Krebs, the chairman of the climate change advisory panel.
The panel warned, that climate change related water shortages are expected to increase as well.