South West homes at risk as flood warnings highlight climate impact
Over 65,000 homes in the South West could face high flood risk by 2080
Research commissioned by Greenpeace projects that over 65,000 homes in the South West are facing a high risk of severe flooding by 2080 due to climate change.
The study by Geosmart considers a scenario where global temperatures rise by 2.4C above pre-industrial levels.
It suggests that 866,000 homes across the UK could be at high or very high flood risk, equating to the combined total of homes found in major cities such as Birmingham, Liverpool, and Sheffield.
In the South West, this risk level could affect 3% of homes, underscoring the region's vulnerability amidst growing climatic changes.
Environmental groups are raising alarms about the increasing impacts of climate change on UK households as communities across the country continue to endure storms, incessant rainfall, and floods.
Activists are urging the Government and political parties to take decisive actions, including making polluters pay for emissions, bolstering funding for local authorities and emergency services, and ensuring affordable home insurance access ahead of the local elections in May 2026.
Philip Evans, Greenpeace UK's senior climate campaigner, emphasized the escalating economic costs associated with storms and floods, noting the need for immediate action.
"Our data clearly shows that more and more homes will face rising flood risk due to extreme weather events," Evans said.
He warned that homes in certain areas are becoming uninsurable, with insurers withdrawing services and leaving local councils to handle the costs.
"If countries fail to reduce planet-heating greenhouse gas emissions, a further 1.89 million people will be pushed into the higher risk category," according to a separate analysis of Environment Agency data by Friends of the Earth.
The report also highlighted social risks, affecting 611,000 people least able to prepare for or recover from flooding due to factors like low income, disability, and lack of insurance.
Ahead of local elections in May 2026, Friends of the Earth points out that 1.4 million people in areas with significant flood risks will have the opportunity to vote.
The environmental organization is urging all political parties to adopt policies that hold polluting industries accountable and use funds to bolster flood defences and broader climate action.
"Green policies that cut emissions, ramp up homegrown renewables, create jobs, and improve energy security are necessary to prevent severe climate impacts," said Mike Childs, Friends of the Earth head of policy, science, and research.
Kamran Mallick, chief executive of Disability Rights UK, stressed the importance of considering vulnerable groups in decision-making processes.
"The people who get forgotten are always the ones whose voices, understanding, and lived experience are missing in decision-making conversations," Mallick said.
Steve Wright, general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, criticized ongoing budget cuts impacting emergency services as they face increased demand due to climate-induced weather events.
"Firefighters are the only professionals trained and equipped to tackle these emergencies, yet the very services the public relies on are being stripped back by relentless cuts," Wright said.
With new data highlighting potential future flooding risks in the South West and across the country, environmental groups continue to advocate for strategic policy changes to mitigate climate impacts.