Britain, £8bn flood protection plan

The British government has announced an investment plan of £8bn (over euro9bn) over a ten-year period to tackle the increasing risk of flooding caused by climate change, AFP reports. According to an official statement, the plan aims to protect hundreds of thousands of homes, local businesses and essential infrastructure, through a combination of technical measures - such as building flood barriers - and natural solutions, such as restoring wetlands.

• A belated but crucial response

The Climate Change Committee (CCC), an independent body that advises the government on climate, recently warned that Britain is unprepared to face the impact of the climate crisis. More than 6.3 million properties are already at risk of flooding, and that number could rise to more than 8 million by 2050, according to a report published in April. More than half of the country's farmland and a third of its road and rail infrastructure are also vulnerable.

• Increasingly frequent storms and major damage

In recent years, the UK has been hit by severe storms, causing significant property damage and emergency evacuations. Authorities now recognise the need for a systematic, long-term approach. "We need climate-proof infrastructure for now and in the future. This plan will protect people's lives and ensure economic continuity,” the government statement said.

• Part of £725bn strategy

The investment in flood protection is part of a wider £725bn national infrastructure strategy, which will be officially unveiled this week. This will cover key areas such as transport, housing and energy.