Sustainability appraisal and flood risk management

Jeremy G. Carter, Iain White, Juliet Richards

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This research establishes that sustainability appraisal (SA) has a role to play in strengthening spatial plans in the context of flooding issues. Indeed, evidence has been gathered to indicate that tentative steps are being taken in this direction during the SA of English regional spatial plans, which are used as an illustrative case study. In England as in many other countries, appraisal procedures including SA and strategic environmental assessment (SEA) are enshrined in planning law. An opportunity therefore exists to utilise existing and familiar planning tools to embed flooding considerations within spatial plans at an early stage in the planning process. SA (and similar appraisal tools such as SEA) can therefore usefully aid in the implementation of decision making principles and government policy relating to flooding. Moreover, with the threats associated with climate change becoming increasingly apparent, of which increased flood risk is a particular concern in many countries, there is a need develop appropriate adaptation responses. This article emphasizes the role that SA can play in managing future flood risk in this context. © 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)7-14
Number of pages7
JournalEnvironmental Impact Assessment Review
Volume29
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2009

Keywords

  • Climate change
  • Flooding
  • Spatial planning
  • Sustainability appraisal

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Sustainability appraisal and flood risk management'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this