Forum Topic

Global Warming and Flooding in Brentford.

I'm beginning to get worried about this global warming and consequent flooding. Not that I understand much of what I hear and read about climate change, but I believe if we(the world) don't do much about carbon dioxide emissions(whatever that is) in the next 20-30 years, the sea levels are going to rise such that many coastal settlements will be flooded. Indeed, I'm told that the rise in sea levels has been going on for some time already! Does this mean that the tides at Brentford are getting ever higher and that Chiswick, Isleworth and Kew will become soggy wetlands?Do I need to worry about global flooding? Or should I dismiss the possible problem, because I've exceeded three score years and ten? What d'ya think?  :-o

Gerry Tan ● 7409d6 Comments

According to this issue of the paper delivered last week - doom and gloom is forecast for London.FLOODS ... HEATWAVE ... DISEASE ... HOW LONDON IS AT RISK FROM CLIMATIC CHANGE - AND WHAT WE CAN DO ABOUT IT says the headline inside, whilst the one on the outside says Happy Christmas from the Mayor of London...The Thames barrier was closed once a year 20 years ago and in 2003 it was closed 8 times - has this stopped Brentford from being flooded 7 times?

Sarah Felstead ● 7409d

If it is any consolation, my Dad - born in The Ham - used to tell us of floods around his home, he and his brother would use an old upturned kitchen table as a punt!  Dad was born in 1903 ---- global warming?

Ann S. Allridge ● 7409d

There's nothing we can do other than the already well publicised efforts of conserving energy and recycling.The Earth changes and has been doing so since its time began. It looks like we're going through a period of change right now that appears to coincide with our increased greenhouse gas emissions.For now enjoy what Brentford and other riverside locations like it have to offer but don't worry too much about it. Just accept the change as a natural consequence and maybe keep a rubber dingy and some sandbags in the attic!

Paul Davis ● 7409d

We often thank our lucky stars that we don't live in an area which suddenly turns into a flood area.  We are badly affected by the flight paths which have changed without any discussion - but to have to live in fear of it raining?

Sarah Felstead ● 7409d

I heard on TV that the more householders pave (or concrete) their gardens/drives, flooding is more likely. It was said that rainwater, instead of soaking in, runs off down the drains and causes flooding! I suppose we should all be blaming programmes like Groundforce, who often get rid of lawns in favour of paving!! I think we should all move to high ground. (On a more serious note I too am concerned, but don't know what we, the individuals can do - any suggestions anyone?)

Liz Cudmore ● 7409d

Brentford suffered from a huge flood in 1841, in  which i believe several people were killed. Val Bott has written a book on the subject (she won an award recently for it - try the search engine)

Sally Henfield ● 7409d