Climate change topped the agenda when the fourth Flood and Coast Conference opened in Telford yesterday - Sir James Bevan, Chief Executive of the Environment Agency, opened with a speech highlighting the need to adapt to make homes, businesses and communities more resilient to climate change.

Now in its fourth year, the annual event brings together experts from across the globe to share ideas and opportunities to work together to tackle the risk of flooding and coastal erosion.

Other topics including infrastructure resilience, partnership working, community collaboration and incident response will also be debated at the 3 day event.

Speakers this year include the Chief Executive of the Environment Agency, Sir James Bevan, the Chief Scientist of the Met Office, Professor Stephen Belcher, and Natalia Moudrak, Director Climate Resilience at the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation.

Other speakers include Julie Foley, Director for the FCERM Strategy & National Adaptation at The Environment Agency who will be looking at the three key themes that will help us become more resilient to climate change.

The Flood & Coast Conference brings together a range of flooding and coastal erosion experts with a diverse mix of backgrounds - commercial companies, product manufacturers, public organisations, community representatives and academics.

More than 200 speakers will talk at the event, and 80 exhibitors will showcase the latest in flood risk management technology and innovation.

Terry Fuller, Chief Executive of CIWEM commented:

“This year, perhaps more than ever before, we can positively influence the way that we manage flood and erosion risk.

“The Government’s 25 year Environment Plan sets an ambitious scene and we have the opportunity to create a strategy for flood and coastal erosion risk management in England that is world leading. Flood and Coast provides a unique and well timed forum for discussion and above all for us to think big and be bold.”