On November 7th 2024, community members, local changemakers, and stakeholders gathered at the Brickworks Community Centre for a People’s Assembly on Flooding. The People’s Assembly offered a critical platform to address the increasing risk of floods, explore preventive strategies and empower communities to protect themselves. Together, we identified concrete steps for a resilient future, focusing on collaboration, education and community action.
Special thanks to our three speakers, event facilitator and fellow Islington Climate Centre volunteers:
Rowena Champion (Councillor and Executive Member for Environment, Air Quality & Transport for Islington Council)
Harley Daniels (Surface Water Engagement Lead at London Councils and the Environment Agency)
Anna Hyde (Co-founder of Islington Climate Centre)
Aneira Roose-McClew (Co-founder of TRUST THE PEOPLE)
Photos by Crystal Cheung
Below is a summary of the key outcomes from the event:
IDENTIFICATION AND MAPPING
To effectively combat flooding, we need a clear understanding of vulnerable and at-risk areas. This begins with mapping flood-prone areas to assess where immediate interventions are most urgently needed. Furthermore, generating granular data sets on metrics such as local sewer levels, soil saturation and drainage capacity will help pinpoint vulnerabilities in different localities.
By focusing on these areas, local authorities can take proactive steps and direct resources to regions most in need of intervention. The Assembly also highlighted the significance of identifying safe zones and ensuring adequate support is given to marginalised and excluded communities.
PREVENTION, MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION
Flood prevention, mitigation and adaptation emerged as a central theme throughout the assembly. Flood resilience requires a multi-faceted approach that blends innovative urban planning with active community engagement.
Among the strategies discussed was the development of early warning systems to ensure timely alerts for residents ahead of extreme weather events. There was also a strong push for neighbourhood-specific strategies tailored to the unique challenges faced by different areas. The conversation also turned to green infrastructure, such as permeable pavements and greening stub streets, which not only helps with water flow but also supports local biodiversity.
PUBLIC-PRIVATE ACTION
Effective flood resilience demands strong collaboration between public entities and private businesses. Proposed actions included engaging the council’s communication networks and increasing contributions from private developers to fund community-focused projects that prioritise flood prevention and net zero. This cross-sector collaboration is vital to ensuring a unified frog against climate-related risks.
EDUCATION
Knowledge is a powerful tool in combatting climate change, and participants recognised its importance in preparing communities for flood risks. Workshops, educational sessions and accessible resources will ensure that residents are better informed about the dangers of flooding and how to respond.
Developing training programmes on emergency preparedness and flood mitigation techniques is also crucial to ensure communities are ready when floods strike. It is thus important to empower residents through education as it fosters an informed and resilient society.
COMMUNITY, EMPOWERMENT AND ACTION
Participants also placed a significant focus on community empowerment. As discussed in many of the breakout sessions, communities are often our strongest allies when it comes to building resilience. Participants shared various ways to empower communities, such as organising community-driven initiatives like tree planting to enhance local ecosystems. Training community responders and residents to act in emergencies was another key idea. With the right resources, individuals can become proactive agents of change in their own neighbourhoods.
Supporting local projects and encouraging individuals to take personal responsibility for flood prevention efforts was seen as a critical step in creating a culture of proactive resilience.
The People’s Assembly on Flooding was more than just a meeting; it was a call to action. The key outcomes reflect our shared commitment to safeguarding the UK and Islington against the growing threat of floods. Read more about People's Assemblies here.
The Islington Climate Centre is dedicated to transforming these ideas into reality, but we need your help. Whether it's participating in local initiatives, advocating for climate resilience, or simply staying informed, we all have a role to play in building a safer future. Together, let’s turn these outcomes into action, creating a resilient and thriving UK and Islington for generations to come.
Call to action: We are setting up a working group to look at flood resilience in Islington and to support local groups and governments in their existing endeavours. Want to help out? Email islingtonclimatecentre@gmail.com with "Flood Team" as the subject heading. We look forward to hearing from you.
Download this PDF to see the original ideas, notes and comments discussed during the People's Assembly:
PRESS COVERAGE
Islington Tribune: "Eco forum ‘here to start making plans because nobody else is coming to save us’" (15 Nov 2024)
Real Media UK: "People’s Assemblies strengthening grassroots climate resilience in north London" (4 Nov 2024)
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