The Green Party in Exeter has warned that the floods witnessed in the Exeter area could become far more common in future, due to changes in the climate. According to Met Office figures, Exeter experienced at least 35% more rain than average in 2012, which was also the wettest year on record in England.
Andrew Bell, Green Party candidate for St David's and St James ward in the forthcoming County Council elections said:
"The Green Party has long argued that the risks associated with climate change make it imperative that local authorities and the national government introduce measures to drive down greenhouse gas emissions. We have long championed measures such as greater energy efficiency, investment in renewables and greening the economy.
"We need to prevent new developments on flood plains, something we are seeing far too much of in Exeter. Local councillors must take a stronger stand against such planning applications. Central government, rather than weakening the planning system, should be assisting local authorities by granting stronger powers to ensure that the new homes and businesses are built outside flood risk areas. We also need to see substantial investment in improved flood defences to avoid future destruction, disruption and misery caused by flooding".
The vast majority of scientists agree that the high rainfall totals and individual extreme flooding events seen in 2012 are part of a pattern of wetter winters and more intense rainfall in the UK, as a result of increased greenhouse gas emissions. Higher winter rainfall and more rain falling at once during particular winter storms is exactly what climate models have been predicting for the UK.
