London’s Canary Wharf
Reducing flood risks in urban areas lowers financial costs, increases security and encourages investments. For example, the GCA reports that, “London’s Canary Wharf and other developments in East London would have been impossible without flood protection from the Thames Barrier”. Since 2014, the Thames Barrier operations have had forecasts of dangerous conditions up to 36 hours in advance. These forecasts – numerical weather predictions – are based on data from weather satellites, oil rigs, weather ships and coastal stations. A range of numerical weather predictions models provide forecasts on expected sea and river levels, supplemented by data from the Met Office and real-time information from the United Kingdom National Tide Gauge Network.
The holistic Early Warning System that informs the Thames Barriers operations is designed to integrate seamlessly with daily life, ensuring the safe development of high-value real estate and commercial areas, thereby safeguarding billions in revenue generation. In 2021, the gross value added per job in London was on average £ 81 400, 40% higher than the national average. This is a substantial contribution to national economic productivity and growth.