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No Insurance For Flood Risk

Posted: 07/11/2005

Climate change could cause the number of people at high risk from flooding to rise from 1.5 million to 3.5 million, and some homes and businesses could be uninsurable to flood risk in the future, according to a new report by MORE THAN, the direct arm of insurer Royal & Sun Alliance. Campaign group Friend's Of The Earth say this shows the need for urgent action to reduce greenhouse gases.

Climate campaigner, Germana Canzi, said: "This report highlights the enormous economic threat posed by climate change. Better flood defences are obviously required, but urgent action is also needed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The Government must show that it is taking this issue seriously by introducing a legal framework to ensure that UK carbon dioxide emissions are cut by three per cent every year. Its current strategy is failing, and emissions are rising. It's time to get it back on track. Local authorities and regional assemblies must also set targets for cutting emissions, and ensure that these are central to all their policies.

The report by More THAN says that:

*Five million people are at risk of flooding in the UK and 1.5 million people are at high risk from flooding.

*Around 200,000 new homes are planned for South East England in flood risk areas.

*The effectiveness of the Thames Barrier is only designed to last until 2030.

*Average flood damage to properties from a significant flood event costs £30,000.

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