Understanding the impacts of FCERM on the causes of climate change

This project aimed to understand the carbon footprint of activities to manage the risk of flood and coastal erosion, to inform policy and strategic planning.

Documents

Understanding the impacts of FCERM on the causes of climate change - final report (308 KB) PDF

Understanding the impacts of FCERM on the causes of climate change - technical summary (154 KB) PDF

Understanding the impacts of FCERM on the causes of climate change - technical report (3 MB) PDF

Understanding the impacts of FCERM on the causes of climate change: annex 3 - technical report (17 KB) PDF

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Details

Objectives

This project aimed to understand the carbon footprint of activities involved in managing the risk of flood and coastal erosion. This will help develop policies and strategies for managing flood risk that avoid an increase or lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Outcome

It produced a best estimate of net emissions from managing flood and coastal erosion risk, based on existing information sources. This included the emissions generated by building and maintaining flood defences and other assets, and those generated by repairing properties and possessions after flooding.

It did not cover emissions associated with approaches that help us adapt to climate change. Neither did it cover activities such as:

  • contributing to the planning process
  • mapping and modelling
  • emergency planning
  • storing flood waters

There are also likely to be impacts on carbon storage associated with activities that affect how land is used.

The project was started in 2008 and completed in 2010 at a cost of £60,100.

Updates to this page

Published 19 February 2021