‘The moment of crisis has come. We can no longer prevaricate’ – Sir David Attenborough, 2020

By the end of this century sea levels are expected to rise by around one metre. Over 5.2 million homes, businesses and buildings in England are at risk from flooding and coastal erosion

For Bristol, a city synonymous with water, with its harbour heart, iconic quaysides and a complex history of watery fortunes, the risk is striking.

Bristol has the second highest tidal range in the world and is located at the bottom of a 2,200km2 river catchment. Over the next century peak river flows are forecast to increase by up to 70%, putting 4,500 properties at risk.

As Climate Change leads to higher rainfall, rising sea levels and rivers bursting their banks how do we readdress our relationship with water in our cities?

Join Environment Agency Flood Resilience Director Julie Foley, Arup Urban designer Edgar Kiviet, Bristol City archaeologist Pete Insole and Bristol City Councillor Nicola Beech as we explore the challenges of designing for a climate emergency and the approaches to city making in the face of rising waters.

“While we cannot prevent floods from occurring altogether, we are working with the Environment Agency on a long-term plan to address the risk of flooding from the Avon.

Our ambition is to go further than just building new flood defences.” Cllr Nicola Beech, Cabinet Member Strategic Planning & City Design.