Future Fens: Integrated Adaptation Scheme In Situ At COP26

Anglian Water’s climate initiative Future Fens: Integrated Adaptation is due to be showcased at a global hybrid event at COP26 in Glasgow this November, available to a global online audience free of charge via the COP26 Resilience Hub.

The event is set to be held on November 5th in the Blue Zone at the climate change conference, bringing together an international panel of industry experts, including chair of the Environment Agency Emma Howard Boyd and UK cabinet minister Steve Barclay to discuss how integrated adaptation and strategic financing is delivering essential change.

The Future Fens project is being used as a case study of best practice in holistic, multi-industry adaptation to climate change risks.

It showcases how better water management can mitigate flood and drought risks, as well as sustaining agricultural productivity, increasing natural capital, supporting carbon sequestration and facilitating job creation, infrastructure development and sustainable housing growth.

The scheme itself is a collaboration between the water supplier, the Environment Agency and Water Resources East, alongside other regional partners. It brings together multiple agencies and sectors to manage water resources more holistically and unlock a range of new opportunities for the region, which is currently facing serious challenges.

Peter Simpson, CEO of Anglian Water, said: “Through this event we’re keen to show that good adaptation to climate change can deliver not just climate resilience and economic growth, but a step change in environmental and social prosperity, both here in the UK and internationally.

“Our own Future Fens: Integrated Adaptation initiative, being delivered with the Environment Agency, Water Resources East, and a host of other partners, is a blueprint for multi-sector integrated adaptation and we’re thrilled to showcase it to a global audience.”

The COP26 conference itself is taking place in Glasgow between October 31st and November 12th, bringing parties together to drive action towards meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

The goals of the summit are to secure global net zero by the middle of the century, keeping 1.5 degrees within reach, adapt to protect communities and natural habitats, mobile finance to the tune of at least $100 billion in climate finance a year, and work together to meet the challenges of the climate crisis.

Glasgow was chosen to host the conference because of its own sustainable targets and achievements. It has a target for carbon neutrality by 2030 and has plans in place to become one of Europe’s greenest cities through its Sustainable Glasgow campaign. It’s also fourth in the world in the Global Destination Sustainability Index.

The city also has a strong track record in hosting events on the international stage, including the 2014 Commonwealth Games and the 2018 Glasgow European Gymnastic Championships.

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