The flash floods and storms that hit Cumbria are something we'll see more of, unless action is taken to deal with global warming, says Envoronment Agency head.
The Chief Executive of the Environment Agency, Paul Leinster, told Nicky Campbell on BBC Radio 5 Live this morning (1:08:23):
“I believe we are seeing climatic change, yes, and I think that the sorts of storms and the increased rain that we’re seeing is the sort of thing that we will see more of in the future.”
He added:
“This is the largest amount of rainfall that we have ever seen in a 24-hour period, so, yes, we keep the records, but, every now and again, the records get broken, and this is one of the occasions, this was a record-breaking event.”
The Met Office confirmed a record 12.3 inches of rain fell in 24 hours in the area — the heaviest rainfall ever recorded in the UK.
Environment Secretary Hilary Benn told the BBC that flood defences were meant to withstand a one-in-100-years flood — but could not cope with the volume of water.
Mr Benn said:
“What we dealt with last night was probably more like one-in-a-1,000, so even the very best defences, if you have such quantities of rain in such a short space of time, can be over-topped”
The Met Office said the amount of rain expected for all of November fell in one day. During severe floods in the UK in 2007 the Prime Minister had also made the climate link.
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18 Responses to “Storm latest • Largest rainfall ever • Evidence of climatic change • More to come in future”
Anon E Mouse
Shamik – I don’t oppose it. Why would I? Once again though you seem unable to answer the question.
Do you, Shamik Das, think that Gordon Brown does believe that man made CO2 emissions cause global warming? Simple question Shamik. Try YES or NO.
This is a good blog Shamik but in my opinion you keep making statements that are not true about people and then you won’t back them up. None of the other moderators do this. Tell me where I got personal about anyone. I do not make comments about people unless they are accurate but you seem to think it is OK to do that. When has Will Straw ever done it?
To keep posting that people are “deniers” and “extremists” when we are in the majority is ridiculous but it is also not true.
You have no scientific evidence to back up this stuff you claim and neither does anyone else. You can keep making statements about people who don’t share your views Shamik but if anyone on this planet had any evidence they would have produced it. They haven’t but your reply will be about individuals and not the science.
Simon Arnold
RT @GreenRupertRead: http://bit.ly/07uev3w/ incl. today…
Anon E Mouse
Shamik – I also agree with Brucie Banner that to effectively advocate cheating in sports, as you do on your website is wrong.
And read what I have just said carefully before you go off on one against me – you seem to be attacking me when I have done nothing other than have an opinion you disagree with.