Global S&T Development Trend Analysis Platform of Resources and Environment
National Drought Group agrees support for farmers and wildlife | |
admin | |
2019-06-04 | |
发布年 | 2019 |
语种 | 英语 |
国家 | 英国 |
领域 | 资源环境 |
正文(英文) | Press release National Drought Group agrees support for farmers and wildlifeA National Drought Group (NDG) meeting was convened today (4 June) to review water resources ahead of summer, following a dry winter and spring which has affected river flows and groundwater levels. Lower than average rainfall, continuing through April and May – particularly in the East of England – has seen some river flows decline to lower than normal for the time of year. In the south and east, rainfall has not replenished groundwater stores, with levels now declining. While there is no threat to public water supply, these conditions are putting particular pressure on the environment and agriculture. Farmers in East Anglia, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire have reported they are facing significant pressures with irrigation. Environment Agency monitoring has shown a decline in water available so there were discussions about how the water companies and the Environment Agency can help farmers during the growing season, particularly in the east of England. Environment Agency Chief Executive, Sir James Bevan met with government departments, the Met Office, National Farmers Union (NFU) and water company CEOs to agree the action needed to support farmers and wildlife as well as conserve water supplies if the dry weather persists. The NFU urged farmers to consider how they could be affected by running out of water and to make plans, where possible, to manage water shortages. The EA set out a number of steps it has taken to support farmers including:
Following the meeting, Environment Agency Chief Executive Sir James Bevan said:
A full position statement from the NDG is available on gov.uk. Despite reservoir storage decreasing during May, public water supplies are looking more stable. Reservoir stocks for public water supply are just below average for the time of year. During the meeting, water companies also set out the action they are taking to maintain water supply over the coming months, including:
During last year’s heatwave, the environment suffered the driest May to July across England since 1921 and it was the joint hottest summer on record. The Environment Agency reported a 330% increase in environmental incidents related to the dry weather as teams acted to protect wildlife and rescue fish struggling due to low river flows. At today’s NDG meeting the group heard that there is growing concern over the potential impacts of prolonged dry weather on the environment and the cumulative effect from last year. Environmental incidents such as wildfires, algal blooms and fish rescues have already been reported comparatively early for the time of year. The EA has taken proactive action to protect wildlife and the environment including:
In his “Jaws of Death” speech Sir James Bevan recently called for more discussion about water use and a concerted effort to explain to the public that wasting clean tap water has an impact on the environment. With the climate emergency and population growth we will have hotter and drier summers in the UK. There will be more extreme weather events, with decreases in summer rainfall and increases in winter rainfall. That will mean more water shortages and a higher risk of more frequent and more extreme droughts. The National Drought Group members renewed their commitment to collaborate on actions to address this long term challenge and explain the need for reducing water use.
Published 4 June 2019
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URL | 查看原文 |
来源平台 | gov.uk - environment agency |
文献类型 | 新闻 |
条目标识符 | http://119.78.100.173/C666/handle/2XK7JSWQ/130443 |
专题 | 资源环境科学 |
推荐引用方式 GB/T 7714 | admin. National Drought Group agrees support for farmers and wildlife. 2019. |
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