2050 Climate Group joins SEPA in encouraging young people to get involved in flood conversation

date12 July 2018

The 2050 Climate Group has joined the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) in calling on young people to take part in the national consultation to improve Scotland’s future flood risk management plans.

  • Take part in SEPA’s national consultation on the designation of areas which are potentially vulnerable to flooding by 31 July.
  • 81% of respondents so far agree that flooding is one of the major climate change challenges Scotland will face in the future.
  • SEPA is seeking feedback to ensure local knowledge is captured.

Amy Ritchie, from the 2050 Climate Group, which aims to engage, educate and empower Scotland’s future leaders to take action on climate change, said:

“Climate change will lead to more frequent and intense flooding in Scotland so it’s really important that young people, as the generation that will be affected by these impacts in the future, take the time to review and respond to SEPA’s consultation. Research shows that 18 to 34 year olds in particular are not engaged in the issue of flooding. As a result, we are urging as many young people as possible to share their thoughts on SEPA’s increasingly vital work.”

People have until 31 July 2018 to help shape SEPA’s understanding of Potentially Vulnerable Areas by sharing their local knowledge to help make Scotland more resilient in the face of increased flood events.

Over 170 responses have so far been received, which can be viewed at: https://consultation.sepa.org.uk/evidence-and-flooding/pvas2018, with 81% of respondents agreeing that flooding is one of the major climate change challenges Scotland will face in the future.

Climate change is expected to increase flood risk, potentially doubling it in some areas in Scotland before the end of the century. SEPA is now looking for the views of young people in particular to ensure that a broad spectrum of knowledge and experience is represented.

SEPA plans to publish the results of the consultation in December 2018.

Terry A’Hearn, SEPA’s Chief Executive, said:

“We are pleased that we have received so many responses to this consultation so far which demonstrates the widespread knowledge and interest in this important issue. It may seem peculiar to ask people to think about flooding given the recent dry summer weather but please ensure you do because your views really do count and we want as many people as possible to share their views with us. The deadline is now fast approaching so I would strongly encourage you to take action now and join the discussion before 31 July.”

Ends

Notes to editors

Potentially Vulnerable Areas (PVAs)

Identifying PVAs is a vital part of protecting people, properties, communities, businesses, infrastructure and environment. These are based on Scotland’s National Flood Risk Assessment (NFRA) which is updated and published every 6 years. This provides a clear picture of past, current and future flood risk and feeds into SEPA’s Flood Risk Management Strategies and Local Flood Risk Management Plans. 

Designation of an area as a PVA allows local authorities and public bodies to work with communities to focus activities on reducing the impacts of flooding. Better data has provided a greater understanding of the location of properties and access to better mapping and modelling has improved the assessment of flood risk.