New analysis shows that thousands of homes and businesses across Sheffield are already at high risk of flooding - and the numbers are set to almost double as the climate crisis accelerates.
According to the latest Friends of the Earth data, 9,610 properties in Sheffield are currently at high risk of flooding, including 4,910 residential homes. An estimated 11,400 people live in these high‑risk areas today. With more than 231,000 homes across the city, this means around one in every 47 households in Sheffield already faces a high flood risk.
But the picture becomes even more alarming when looking ahead. If climate change continues on its current trajectory, the number of Sheffield properties facing high flood risk is projected to rise to 18,320 - almost double today’s figure. Residential homes at high risk are expected to increase to 9,640, placing 28,630 people in danger. That’s an additional 17,000 people who could be living with severe flood risk in the coming decades.
Friends of the Earth’s national flooding analysis warns that extreme rainfall, swollen rivers and more frequent storm events are already becoming the norm across England as the climate warms.
Shaun Rumbelow, local campaigner from Sheffield Friends of the Earth said: “My own home flooded in 2007, and I’ll never forget the shock of watching water pour through the door and the months of disruption that followed. No one should have to go through that - yet thousands of Sheffield residents are still living with that fear, and the numbers at high risk are set to rise sharply.”
In just a few months’ time people will have the chance to vote in the May local elections. Sheffield Friends of the Earth is urging every candidate to take the escalating threat of flooding seriously.
Ahead of the elections, Sheffield Friends of the Earth is calling on all candidates to commit to policies that:
1. Protect communities from extreme weather
Candidates must back practical, science‑based measures that keep people safe. That includes nature‑based solutions such as tree planting, wetland restoration and natural flood‑management schemes, alongside robust emergency planning for care homes and residents most at risk. Councils must also make clear, measurable commitments to cutting local carbon emissions to help limit the severity of future extreme weather.
2. Prevent new developments on floodplains
Candidates should pledge to stop new building on floodplains and ensure planning decisions prioritise long‑term safety and climate resilience.
3. Secure fair funding for local climate action
Local authorities cannot tackle the climate and flooding crisis without proper resources. Candidates should press the government to fund local climate solutions by fairly taxing the ultra‑rich and major polluters, and ensure that every household has access to affordable insurance, so no one is left behind as risks rise.
Shaun continued, “With local elections approaching, this has to be on the agenda. Every candidate needs to show they understand the scale of the threat and are ready to act. That means protecting communities with nature‑based solutions, stopping new developments on floodplains, cutting emissions, and demanding proper funding from the government so councils can keep people safe. Flooding isn’t a distant possibility. It’s already reshaping lives in Sheffield. We need leaders who treat it with the urgency it deserves.”
Shaun added, “To see how flooding could affect your own neighbourhood, take a look at Friends of the Earth’s interactive map at https://policy.friendsoftheearth.uk/flood-risk-map
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| Picture Credit: Friends of the Earth - https://policy.friendsoftheearth.uk/flood-risk-map |
According to the latest Friends of the Earth data, 9,610 properties in Sheffield are currently at high risk of flooding, including 4,910 residential homes. An estimated 11,400 people live in these high‑risk areas today. With more than 231,000 homes across the city, this means around one in every 47 households in Sheffield already faces a high flood risk.
But the picture becomes even more alarming when looking ahead. If climate change continues on its current trajectory, the number of Sheffield properties facing high flood risk is projected to rise to 18,320 - almost double today’s figure. Residential homes at high risk are expected to increase to 9,640, placing 28,630 people in danger. That’s an additional 17,000 people who could be living with severe flood risk in the coming decades.
Friends of the Earth’s national flooding analysis warns that extreme rainfall, swollen rivers and more frequent storm events are already becoming the norm across England as the climate warms.
Shaun Rumbelow, local campaigner from Sheffield Friends of the Earth said: “My own home flooded in 2007, and I’ll never forget the shock of watching water pour through the door and the months of disruption that followed. No one should have to go through that - yet thousands of Sheffield residents are still living with that fear, and the numbers at high risk are set to rise sharply.”
In just a few months’ time people will have the chance to vote in the May local elections. Sheffield Friends of the Earth is urging every candidate to take the escalating threat of flooding seriously.
Ahead of the elections, Sheffield Friends of the Earth is calling on all candidates to commit to policies that:
1. Protect communities from extreme weather
Candidates must back practical, science‑based measures that keep people safe. That includes nature‑based solutions such as tree planting, wetland restoration and natural flood‑management schemes, alongside robust emergency planning for care homes and residents most at risk. Councils must also make clear, measurable commitments to cutting local carbon emissions to help limit the severity of future extreme weather.
2. Prevent new developments on floodplains
Candidates should pledge to stop new building on floodplains and ensure planning decisions prioritise long‑term safety and climate resilience.
3. Secure fair funding for local climate action
Local authorities cannot tackle the climate and flooding crisis without proper resources. Candidates should press the government to fund local climate solutions by fairly taxing the ultra‑rich and major polluters, and ensure that every household has access to affordable insurance, so no one is left behind as risks rise.
Shaun continued, “With local elections approaching, this has to be on the agenda. Every candidate needs to show they understand the scale of the threat and are ready to act. That means protecting communities with nature‑based solutions, stopping new developments on floodplains, cutting emissions, and demanding proper funding from the government so councils can keep people safe. Flooding isn’t a distant possibility. It’s already reshaping lives in Sheffield. We need leaders who treat it with the urgency it deserves.”
Shaun added, “To see how flooding could affect your own neighbourhood, take a look at Friends of the Earth’s interactive map at https://policy.friendsoftheearth.uk/flood-risk-map