Drivers of future urban flood risk

Managing urban flood risk is a key global challenge of the 21st Century. Drivers of future UK flood risk were identified and assessed by the Flood Foresight project in 2002-04 and 2008; envisaging flood risk during the 2050s and 2080s under a range of scenarios for climate change and socio-economic development. This paper qualitatively reassesses and updates these drivers, using empirical evidence and advances in flood risk science, technology and practice gained since 2008. Of the original drivers, five have strengthened, three have weakened and 14 remain within their 2008 uncertainty bands. Rainfall, as impacted by climate change, is the leading source driver of future urban flood risk. Intra-urban Asset Deterioration, leading to increases in a range of consequential flood risks, is the primary pathway driver. Social impacts (risk to life and health, and the intangible impacts of flooding on communities) and continued capital investment in Buildings and Contents (leading to greater losses when newer buildings of higher economic worth are inundated), have strengthened as receptor drivers of urban flood risk. Further, we propose two new drivers: Loss of Floodable Urban Spaces, and Indirect Economic Impacts, which we suggest may have significant impacts on future urban flood risk

Evaluating the multiple benefits of a sustainable drainage scheme in Newcastle, UK

Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and Blue-Green infrastructure (BGI) provide a range of environmental, economic and social benefits in addition to managing water quantity and quality. Recognition of the multifunctionality of SuDS and BGI, and the specific benefits that may accrue to different beneficiaries, may facilitate partnership working towards multifunctional infrastructure that meets the strategic objectives of public and private organisations. We evaluate the multiple benefits of the Killingworth and Longbenton surface water management scheme, a Partnership Project in NE England jointly funded by Northumbrian Water, the Environment Agency and North Tyneside Council. Using CIRIA’s Benefits of SuDS Tool (BeST) and the Blue-Green Cities Multiple Benefits GIS Toolbox, we a) quantify and monetise six key benefits, b) assess two qualitative benefits, c) illustrate the spatial distribution of five non-flood benefits, and d) highlight locations with the greatest opportunity for multi-beneficial intervention. The Killingworth and Longbenton scheme generates; significant flood damage reduction benefits; improves water quality, habitat size, carbon sequestration, attractiveness of the area and property prices (amenity), and; reduces noise pollution. Utilisation of these complementary tools for multiple benefit evaluation shows promise as an aid to facilitate partnership working towards implementation of multifunctional SuDS and BGI

Understanding influence and action in Learning and Action Alliances: Experience from the Newcastle Blue‐Green vision

The Learning and Action Alliance (LAA) framework is increasingly valued as an approach to facilitate social learning and action by enabling collaboration within and between organisations, breaking down barriers to information sharing and facilitating co‐development of innovative visions to address key environmental and societal challenges. While the social learning potential of LAAs has been documented in detail, the role of ‘action’ is relatively unexplored and there is little research into how LAAs might evolve over time to ensure longevity. Here, we explore the key achievements and limitations of the Newcastle LAA (established in 2014) through interviews with 15 LAA members. We find that interpretations of the concept of ‘action’ influences perceptions of the LAA's success. We update the structural framework of the LAA and expand the implementation phase to better reflect the agents of change that impact the LAAs' ability to apply their vision to demonstration projects. Finally, we explore the longevity of the Newcastle LAA and conclude that after running for 8 years, there may be a cyclical nature to whole‐group visioning and a move towards greater intra‐organisational learning. This demonstrates a shift in the primary role of the LAA over time, from learning towards greater influence and action

Evaluating the multiple benefits of a sustainable drainage scheme in Newcastle, UK

Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and Blue-Green infrastructure (BGI) provide a range of environmental, economic and social benefits in addition to managing water quantity and quality. Recognition of the multifunctionality of SuDS and BGI, and the specific benefits that may accrue to different beneficiaries, may facilitate partnership working towards multifunctional infrastructure that meets the strategic objectives of public and private organisations. We evaluate the multiple benefits of the Killingworth and Longbenton surface water management scheme, a Partnership Project in NE England jointly funded by Northumbrian Water, the Environment Agency and North Tyneside Council. Using CIRIA’s Benefits of SuDS Tool (BeST) and the Blue-Green Cities Multiple Benefits GIS Toolbox, we a) quantify and monetise six key benefits, b) assess two qualitative benefits, c) illustrate the spatial distribution of five non-flood benefits, and d) highlight locations with the greatest opportunity for multi-beneficial intervention. The Killingworth and Longbenton scheme generates; significant flood damage reduction benefits; improves water quality, habitat size, carbon sequestration, attractiveness of the area and property prices (amenity), and; reduces noise pollution. Utilisation of these complementary tools for multiple benefit evaluation shows promise as an aid to facilitate partnership working towards implementation of multifunctional SuDS and BGI

Understanding influence and action in Learning and Action Alliances: Experience from the Newcastle Blue‐Green vision

The Learning and Action Alliance (LAA) framework is increasingly valued as an approach to facilitate social learning and action by enabling collaboration within and between organisations, breaking down barriers to information sharing and facilitating co‐development of innovative visions to address key environmental and societal challenges. While the social learning potential of LAAs has been documented in detail, the role of ‘action’ is relatively unexplored and there is little research into how LAAs might evolve over time to ensure longevity. Here, we explore the key achievements and limitations of the Newcastle LAA (established in 2014) through interviews with 15 LAA members. We find that interpretations of the concept of ‘action’ influences perceptions of the LAA's success. We update the structural framework of the LAA and expand the implementation phase to better reflect the agents of change that impact the LAAs' ability to apply their vision to demonstration projects. Finally, we explore the longevity of the Newcastle LAA and conclude that after running for 8 years, there may be a cyclical nature to whole‐group visioning and a move towards greater intra‐organisational learning. This demonstrates a shift in the primary role of the LAA over time, from learning towards greater influence and action

Identification and analysis of low-molecular-weight dissolved organic carbon in subglacial basal ice ecosystems by ion chromatography

Determining the concentration and composition of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in glacial ecosystems is important for assessments of in situ microbial activity and contributions to wider biogeochemical cycles. Nonetheless, there is limited knowledge of the abundance and character of DOC in basal ice and the subglacial environment and a lack of quantitative data on low-molecular-weight (LMW) DOC components, which are believed to be highly bioavailable to microorganisms. We investigated the abundance and composition of DOC in basal ice via a molecular-level DOC analysis. Spectrofluorometry and a novel ion chromatographic method, which has been little utilized in glacial science for LMW-DOC determinations, were employed to identify and quantify the major LMW fractions (free amino acids, carbohydrates, and carboxylic acids) in basal ice from four glaciers, each with a different type of overridden material (i.e. the pre-entrainment sedimentary type such as lacustrine material or palaeosols). Basal ice from Joyce Glacier (Antarctica) was unique in that 98% of the LMW-DOC was derived from the extremely diverse free amino acid (FAA) pool, comprising 14 FAAs. LMW-DOC concentrations in basal ice were dependent on the bioavailability of the overridden organic carbon (OC), which in turn was influenced by the type of overridden material. Mean LMW-DOC concentrations in basal ice from Russell Glacier (Greenland), Finsterwalderbreen (Svalbard), and Engabreen (Norway) were low (0–417nMC), attributed to the relatively refractory nature of the OC in the overridden palaeosols and bedrock. In contrast, mean LMW-DOC concentrations were an order of magnitude higher (4430nMC) in basal ice from Joyce Glacier, a reflection of the high bioavailability of the overridden lacustrine material (> 17% of the sediment OC comprised extractable carbohydrates, a proxy for bioavailable OC). We find that the overridden material may act as a direct (via abiotic leaching) and indirect (via microbial cycling) source of DOC to the subglacial environment and provides a range of LMW-DOC compounds that may stimulate microbial activity in wet subglacial sediments

A Qualitative Study Exploring Access to Mental Health and Substance Use Support among Individuals Experiencing Homelessness during COVID-19

People experiencing homelessness have higher rates of mental ill-health and substance use and lower access to health services compared to the general population. The COVID-19 pandemic led to changes in service delivery across health and social care services, with many adopting virtual or telephone support for service users. This paper explores the experiences of access to community-based mental health and substance use support for people experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualitative telephone interviews were conducted with 10 women and 16 men (ages 25 to 71) who self-identified as experiencing homelessness in North East England between February and May 2021. With five individuals with lived experience, results were analysed using inductive reflexive thematic analysis. Reactive changes to support provision often led to inadvertent exclusion. Barriers to access included: physical locations, repetition of recovery stories, individual readiness, and limited availability. Participants suggested creating services reflective of need and opportunities for choice and empowerment. Community mental health and substance use support for people experiencing homelessness should ensure the support is personalised, responsive to need, inclusive, and trauma-informed. The findings of this research have important implications for mental health and substance use policy and practice for individuals who experience homelessness during a public health crisis

Astro2020 Must Issue Actionable Recommendations Regarding Diversity, Inclusion, and Harassment

The 2010 Decadal survey failed to issue any recommendations on diversity and inclusion.Astro2020 cannot make the same mistake. Findings can be ignored by funding agencies;recommendations cannot. In the past decade, multiple groups have assembled detailed actionplans to fix a broken climate within our profession. Astro2020 should play a key role, bysynthesizing this work to produce actionable recommendations to support diversity andinclusion and stop harassment within our profession