Flood risk management and funding
This briefing paper provides an overview of flood and coastal risk management in the UK, including which bodies manage risk, current policy on flood risk management, and how flood funding works.
What might a ‘Godzilla’ El Niño mean for the UK?
El Niño conditions form when warmer waters spread across the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, resulting in global changes to weather and climate. Several forecasts from national weather agencies indicate that the next El Niño could be one of the strongest on record.
Economic regulation of the water industry
The water industry is privatised, with regional monopoly companies, in England and Wales. Regulation includes a price review that sets bills for customers.
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Research Briefing
Ownership of the water sector
The water industry in England and Wales is in private ownership. However, following examples of poor environmental performance and high levels of accrued debt, many campaigners have called for the industry to be brought back into public ownership. This briefing presents different perspectives and debate on ownership of the water sector.
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Research Briefing
Water reform: “A new vision for water”
The government has announced a series of water reforms. Find out more about these plans and the next steps.
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Research Briefing
North Sea oil and gas
A briefing on North Sea oil and gas in the UK and its impact on energy security, the economy and jobs, and the climate and the environment.
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Research Briefing
What is ‘water bankruptcy’?
The United Nations published a landmark report warning of ‘water bankruptcy’ in January 2026. Find out what this means for the UK and the world.
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Research Briefing
Droughts in England
Droughts are increasingly common in England. Droughts can lead to restrictions on water use, reduced crop yields and environmental damage.
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Research Briefing
Is the UK prepared for heatwaves?
Amid multiple heatwaves this summer, is the UK is prepared for extreme heat? This briefing provides an overview of the risk posed by heatwaves, government policy, progress and stakeholder comment.
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Research Briefing
UK aid and climate change
Sets out the potential effects of climate change on global development goals, UK Government aid strategies on climate change, and how UK aid is spent.
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Research Briefing
Future water resources
This briefing sets out the challenges for future water resources in England. It covers future water resource forecasts, policy and legislation, and planned actions to address the water supply deficit.
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Research Briefing
What are carbon budgets?
Carbon budgets are five-year carbon emissions limits set by the UK Government. The UK is aiming for ‘net zero’ carbon emissions by 2050.
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Research Briefing
The UK’s plans and progress to reach net zero by 2050
The UK is committed to reaching net zero by 2050. This briefing provides an overview of the background context for net zero, the plans in place to reach this goal, and current progress.
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Research Briefing
Climate change adaptation and resilience in the UK
This briefing explains the targets for climate change adaptation in the UK, the current policy approach, and an overview of progress.
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Research Briefing
Water safety and prevention of drowning
This briefing focuses on water safety and action to reduce accidental drowning. There is a Westminster Hall debate on water safety on 9 June 2026, led by Darren Paffey MP.
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