This week (14th October), under the secretariat of the Inland Waterways Association (IWA), the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Waterways convened to hear expert evidence from the Canal & River Trust (CRT) and the Middle Level Commissioners (MLC) on the growing impact of climate change across the nation’s waterways.
Members heard that changing rainfall patterns in the Middle Level are affecting vegetation management, while reduced water flows in the River Nene, combined with sea-level and bed-level rises, could prevent boats from entering or leaving the system. Flooding and coastal surge risks are also increasing, leaving low-lying areas vulnerable. Responsibility for these regions lies primarily with the Environment Agency (EA), but navigation authorities are operating under mounting financial pressures.
The session highlighted that while waterways are among the first to experience the effects of climate change, they can also be part of the solution through adaptation, mitigation, and enhancement of the natural environment in pursuit of net zero.
Mr Esterson, Sefton Central MP, and chair of the Waterways APPG, questioned the MLC on their experience of recent flooding, which revealed how many communities remain disconnected from the risks of living below sea level.
Mr Esterson said:
“There are real challenges as the impacts of climate change intensify, but also significant opportunities in how we adapt and mitigate. These are serious issues relating to our waterways, that go far beyond those who live and work on the water. Our changing climate affects communities, economies, and environments alike. Yet within that jeopardy lies opportunity; opportunity to improve how people enjoy our waterways and to remind MPs just how many of their constituents live near and depend upon them.”
A major theme of the discussion was the question of funding, with Defra’s settlement for the Canal & River Trust reduced at a time when climate-related infrastructure costs are rising sharply.
Attached photo L-R: Paul Burrows (Chief Exec of the Middle Level Commisioners), Bill Esterson Chair (MP for Sefton in Liverpool), Lisa Smart (MP for Hazel Grove nr Stockport), Adam Comerford (National Hydrology Manager for CRT) and Baroness Lin Golding.
