World Overshoot Day - How CREW is working to move the date back
World Overshoot Day represents the day of the year where we, as a planet, have used up more resources than Earth is able to renew in one year. The Overshoot date this year (1 August 2018) is the earliest in history.
CREW researchers are working to move the date back through a number of projects that relate in some way to the circular economy. In fact, one of our four themes is Sustainable Communities, focusing on efforts to help rural and urban communities become more sustainable and resilient by helping to address challenges associated with access to affordable energy, treatment and disposal of waste, and the provision of drinking water supplies.
CREW Circular Economy Projects:
- Water and the Circular Economy
- Water Resource Balancing: Is a closed loop system possible that enables sustainable rural supplies?
- Innovative solutions for sustainable drinking water treatment at small to medium scales
- Developing a foundation for reclaimed water re-use in Scotland
- Phosphorus flow mapping to identify opportunities for recovery and reuse
What evidence does SEPA need to deliver RMBP objectives for 2027 for rural diffuse pollution pressures?
Rural diffuse pollution is the main cause of downgrades to the water quality of Scotland. The objective for this workshop was to confirm the evidence gaps in our understanding of rural diffuse pollution, which are hindering the delivery of the ambitious RBMP improvement objectives set for 2027.
Experts attended the workshop to help SEPA understand the state-of-knowledge and determine what the priorities should be for research and evidence gathering for the next six years.
Impacts of winter 2015/16 flooding in and around Ballater and in the Garioch: overview of findings from Project Year 1
The purpose of the Assessing the Impacts of Flooding project is to better understand the impacts of flooding upon people and communities and to consider what types of support and advice are needed at different stages of a long term recovery. Over a 36 month period, the project will advance our understanding of these long term impacts, contribute to better flood risk management and make suggestions as to how personal and community resilience may be supported and enhanced. This report provides an overview of the findings from year 1 of the study.
Working with Natural Processes: The Evidence Behind Natural Flood Management-presentations now available
Coordinated by the EA, CIWEM and SEPA, this conference launched the EA’s ‘Working with Natural Processes Evidence Base’ to help authorities develop and implement flood and coastal erosion risk management schemes which work with natural processes to reduce flood risk. It also included presentations from a range of projects that have successfully implemented NFM measures on the ground, through effective partnerships, whilst drawing on a range of funding streams.
These presentations are now available via the event output page.
The Natural Flood Management (NFM) Network Scotland, funded by the Scottish Government's Rural and Environment Science and Analytical Services Division (through Centre of Expertise for Waters and the Strategic Research Programme) was launched at an event organised by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, the Environment Agency and the Chartered Institute of Water and Environment Management.
The NFM website will provide a platform for sharing approaches, raising awareness and encouraging collaboration. It is hoped that access to this resource will create an invaluable tool for those tasked with delivering a sustainable approach to flood risk management in Scotland. Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: “Having visited flood protection projects across Scotland, I have seen the benefits of working with nature to reduce flood risk.
“The Scottish Government is committing £42 million annually to protect homes in many of our most flood-prone areas. To fully capitalise on this, it is essential that we share our excellent practical and scientific skills, and this new network will help ensure that natural flood management actions are successfully delivered across Scotland.”
Scotland has long been seen as leading the way in the implementation of the Floods Directive, particularly with respect to NFM. Throughout the country, there are a large number of studies already taking place to deliver NFM and many more planned under Local Flood Risk Management plans. Therefore, there is a need to make sure knowledge is shared to aid co-ordination.
SEPA Chief Executive, Terry A’Hearn, added: “SEPA works every day to help Scotland be better prepared for future increased flooding. A vital part of that is working with our partners to identify how we can better manage flood risk, and the new NFM Network Scotland portal will be of great benefit to our staff in their roles.
“Natural Flood Management means working more with nature to reduce flood risk, but it also provides an opportunity to improve natural habitats for wildlife and increase community amenity. It is a great real-world example of taking an environmental threat, in this case flooding, and using it as an opportunity to provide mutual benefits for local communities, the environment and the economy.”
Launching this website is a step forward in ensuring best practice is shared and will ultimately help deliver the Flood Risk Management (FRM) Act cementing Scotland’s position as a leader in the delivery of catchment and coastal based approaches to FRM.
Dr Mark Wilkinson, project lead from the James Hutton Institute, commented: “The network is the product of a desire amongst people working with NFM in Scotland to share knowledge and best practice more efficiently and effectively.
“After following a simple registration process, the web platform allows users to add their own news, events, resources and case study contributions. Users also have the opportunity to connect with others involved in similar projects, research or activities.”
Flood & Coast is a unique event that advances the debate about flood and coast erosion risk, resilience and response between government bodies and local authorities with business, major infrastructure and asset managers, as well as affected communities. Embracing the concept of “a changing climate” the event draws on expertise and experience from different geographies – not only within the UK.
The event brings together the specialists in the supply chain that deliver technology and solutions to control the increasing risk of flood and rising sea levels around our coasts to spread best practice, discuss new ways of working and to deliver excellence in FCERM.
The key themes for this year's programme are:-
- Shared ownership and action
- Building resilience
- Future challenges and innovation
For more information and booking see the event website.
This one day seminar will bring together heritage organisations from across the UK to showcase work being undertaken to identify and quantify risks from climate change, and to share best practice.
This event will have particular relevance for practitioners or organisations who are looking to better understand the risk climate change poses to their own estate or property, or to the wider historic environment. For more information and booking, please visit the event webpage.
Working with Natural Processes: The Evidence Behind Natural Flood Management
Coordinated by the EA, CIWEM and SEPA, this conference launches the EA’s ‘Working with Natural Processes Evidence Base’ to help authorities develop and implement flood and coastal erosion risk management schemes which work with natural processes to reduce flood risk. It will include presentations from a range of projects that have successfully implemented NFM measures on the ground, through effective partnerships, whilst drawing on a range of funding streams.
The conference will also launch the NFM Network Scotland. This Scottish Government led initiative, part funded by CREW, aims to provide a focal point for NFM practitioners to share knowledge, research and experience in practical aspects of assessing and implementing NFM. While the network will having a Scottish focus it will be open to anyone and attendees will have the opportunity to sign up at the conference.
Registration is open via the CIWEM events website.
The revised Directive aims to improve the quality of drinking water, provide greater access and information to citizens and introduces a general obligation to apply a risk-based approach.
The proposal is in response to the European Citizens' Initiative 'Right2Water'.
The main elements of the revision include:
- Updates to existing safety standards in line with recommendations of the World Health Organisation
- Empowering authorities to better deal with risks to water supply and engage with polluter
- Improving information to consumers on the efficiency and effectiveness of water suppliers
- A contribution to the transition to a circular economy, notably the obligation to increase consumer confidence in tap water to reduce the amount of bottled water consumed
World Water Day - 22 March
Every year World Water Day is celebrated on 22nd March. This year the theme is 'Nature for Water' with events being held worldwide. The theme is encouraging nature-based solutions to the problems that we currently face, like floods, droughts, and pollution. Check out more at the World Water Day website.
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