Flooding: Understanding Scotland’s changing waterscape

In this episode of The SAGES Climate Science Podcast, we dive into the pressing issue of flooding and its increasing impact on Scotland. We’re joined by three experts: Andrew Tabas, a PhD student from Heriot-Watt University researching Natural Flood Management, Dr. Irena Connon from the University of Stirling, who specialises in the human dimensions of environmental risks, and Dr. Rhian Thomas from the University of Glasgow, an expert in freshwater science and the public health impacts of floods.

Our discussion explores Scotland's climate trends, different types of flooding, and how both rural and urban areas are being affected by climate-driven floods and droughts. We’ll delve into traditional flood management methods, from mitigation to adaptation, and examine innovative approaches such as natural flood management and nature-based solutions. What role do communities play in flood resilience? How do floods impact health, wellbeing, and social inequalities? And, most importantly, how are we adapting to these growing challenges in the face of climate change?

This episode provides crucial insights for anyone wanting to understand Scotland’s flood risks, and what we can do to build more resilient communities in a changing climate.