Risky World
How risky is it to live in the UK?
Key question:
- How risky is it to live in the UK?
Key Concepts:
Physical and human processes
Environmental interaction and sustainable development
Interdependence
How risky is it to live in the UK?
How susceptible is the UK to the risks already considered in this module? Britain experiences a drought roughly once every 15 years. Although Britain is not usually associated with extreme weather conditions, floods do occur every four to five years. The frequency and extent of UK flooding has increased over the past 50 years due to urban expansion on floodplain regions. Urban growth has increased flood risk by creating impermeable surfaces that water cannot soak into and by channelling rainwater quickly into nearby rivers through a network of drains and gutters. In the UK, the number of properties at risk from flooding is now estimated to be 2.2 million. About once every two years Britain experiences a ‘weak' tornado, in contrast there are usually between 500 and 700 each year recorded in the USA where they are also known as Twisters.
Click on an activity:
Starter
Main activity
Downloads:
Teachers Notes - running the enquiry
Links:
Environment Agency
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/