Humber 2100+ Understanding Tidal Risk

The Humber Estuary is one of the UK's most important economic and environmental areas, supporting major ports, industry, energy infrastructure, nationally significant habitats, and agriculture. It is also one of the areas most exposed to tidal flood risk in England.

More than 500,000 people live and work in areas at tidal risk around the estuary. Homes, businesses, transport networks and essential services are located within low-lying land that is vulnerable to flooding. Flooding has the potential to disrupt nationally significant supply chains, damage infrastructure, and affect livelihoods, as well as cause harm to people and the environment.

The Humber 2100+ partnership, made up of local authorities and the Environment Agency, is looking at how this risk could be managed over the next 100 years, to ensure that people, businesses and infrastructure are better prepared for future pressures due to climate change and sea level rise.

This document sets out the strategic picture of tidal flood risk. It explains what is at risk, how that risk might change in the future, and why a different, long-term approach is needed.

It provides:

• a clear understanding of current and future tidal flood risk
• context for why we need to manage tidal flood risk differently
• insight into the consequences of tidal flooding
• a foundation for making timely, informed decisions that are flexible for the future

Managing tidal flood risk on the Humber requires a coordinated, estuary-wide approach because the estuary functions as an interconnected system. Changes in one location, such as raising defences or altering land use, can influence water levels and affect risk elsewhere, potentially increasing pressure on neighbouring areas.

Understanding risk is essential to supporting decisions that improve resilience over time and help the Humber adapt to a changing climate.