Rachel May shares her groundbreaking research on climate change and groundwater flooding. Plus, Stephen Hodgson shares his story of being flash-flooded.
Flooding is in the news again as Storm Bert has wreaked havoc in various parts of the UK. We know that climate change makes storm events - and in turn, flooding - more likely. But, as ever... what about groundwater? Will climate change affect the occurrence and magnitude of groundwater flooding in the future?
Rachel May is a graduate water resources engineer at Jacobs and recently received a First Class Masters degree in Environmental Consultancy. Her Masters dissertation was all about how climate change will affect groundwater flooding. Since there is so little existing research in this area, her studies and methods were groundbreaking, and her work moves our collective understanding significantly forward. In this episode, Rachel shares her knowledge - the background, context and methods of her research, and, crucially... her conclusions.
We always like to receive and share flood stories from members of the community. This episode is the perfect timing to share Stephen Hodgson's story. His property was affected by flash flooding due to the type of storm event that will happen more frequently as a result of climate change.