1. Rising Sea Levels: London
Introduction
For my case study I will be using London and the effects rising sea levels have
on the area. I will be looking into the effects economically, politically, socially
and environmentally. Many people do not think that London is liable to floods due
to rising sea level because it is not by the sea. However the River Thames is the
liability as it has been made thinner and thinner over many years so that houses
and other building could be built on the river bank. The Thames flood barrier
has almost reached the maximum amount of water it can hold. This is a huge
danger to London as the amount of water that should have filled the River when
it was first designed, now is 5 times narrower meaning more water in less space.
Economic Problems
There would be many economic problems if London was flooded, such as major
banks from all over the United Kingdom are based in London. These major banks
would be flooded and therefore lots of money would be lost and also lots of vital
information. Also many companies are based in London which would affect many
people across Britain. London contributes £150 billion to the UK economy each
year. Also millions of pounds would be spent on many things from, repairing the
damage to re-locating a business elsewhere. As we can see there would be many
problems economically if London was to be flooded.
Political Problems
As we all know the government for the UK is based in London in the Houses of
Parliament. This would be one of the largest problems if London was flooded as
it would affect everyone in the UK. The Houses of Parliament are very much at
risk as the building lies directly next to the River Thames. This is also one of
the narrowest points on the river at just 252m wide. As we can see again there
are also many important problems politically if London was flooded.
Social Problems
There would be more social problems than any other if London was flooded.
These problems include, people losing houses, people losing jobs and also the
Olympics would not be able to take place due to stadiums and other event
venues being flooded. This would cause the most disaster in the eyes of the
public as it is taking away what is most important to them. Many television
companies, radio stations and filming agencies are set in London. This would
mean certain television would not be available and radio could not be listened to.
Major films would not be able to be made as they would not have anywhere to
shoot the films. Also London is one of the world most visited places worldwide
2. with millions of people going there every year. Tourist attractions such as the
London Eye and the Tower of London would be inaccessible to tourists. This
would lead to London losing millions of pounds each year. Not only would it lose
tourists for London but would also lose tourists for the whole of England as
many people that come to England on holiday go to London and another place but
if London wasn’t available not as many people would come.
Environmental Problems
Many diseases would be brought to London if it was subject to flooding. This
would happen due to diseases from the water infecting the people of London.
This would kill humans due to diseases that have not been heard of before,
therefore there would be no cure. This would also kill animals and plants as they
would not be used to the diseases that the water contained. Many trees and
plants would die as they cannot live off sea water as it is salty and does not
contain the minerals needed for them to survive.