Europe - United Kingdom 
by MarkLG1973 via AdobeStock
Adaptation activity
In 2012, the United Kingdom launched an adaptation program focusing on priority issues such as flood risk management, water resources, and protecting freshwater ecosystems. To protect the land below sea level, the flood defenses along the 18 km of the Thames estuary were upgraded to augment the Thames Barrier. The gates are closed in response to approximately 10 tidal or storm surges each year to prevent flood damage. The Thames Barrier is designed to withstand high water surges until 2030, even accounting for an annual sea level rise of 8mm.
Figure 1. Thames Barrier
(Source: GOV.UK, The Thames Barrier)
Figure 2. Thames River and Thames Barrier
(Source: GOV.UK, The Thames Barrier)
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