Flood prevention depends on restoration of the wetlands
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.From Mr T. S. Sands Sir: Tom Wilkie and Steve Connor ("Scientists dismiss link with global warming", 2 February) highlight the causes of recent flooding in north-west Europe. On the mainland, as in Britain, we have successfully drained our natural bogs which acted as sponges, and engineered away our flood plains which naturally accommodated excess water in the lowlands. We have been trying to forget that river catchments should be thought of as a whole. Now people are suffering and wetland wildlife has all but disappeared. With land surplus to agricultural requirements, we now have the opportunity to recreate more natural conditions. In a year, there will be environment agencies for England and Wales and for Scotland well placed to take a holistic view. If Parliament decrees, the Environmental Bill, which is currently being discussed in the Lords, could require the agencies to carry out integrated catchment management planning. If not, the opportunity may be lost to provide a safer future for people and a better future for wetland wildlife.
Yours faithfully, T. S. SANDS Director of Conservation Wildlife Trusts Lincoln
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments