The results to last week's Fun Online Poll were as follows:
What is the better way of minimising flood damage?
Scrap subsidies for upland deforestation and allow rivers to meander - 58%
Keep the subsidies, straighten rivers and keep dredging them - 42%
The correct answer is obviously 'both' i.e. upstream we should stop subsidising deforestation and allow rivers to meander (and reintroduce beavers); and downstream we should do more dredging, remembering always that dredging and straightening just shift the problem elsewhere (see Jubilee River and Wraysbury). In other words, if you increase the flow capacity of a river at any point (by dredging, widening or straightening), then you have to make sure that the flow capacity everywhere further downstream is at least as great.
But faced with the deliberately stark choice (basically George Monbiot vs agricultural landowners), the first option is the better one.
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This week's Fun Online Poll.
How will you respond to the new drinking guidelines?
Vote here or use the widget in the sidebar.
Debate Magazine
