Assets worth nearly £29 trillion will be exposed to risk of flooding by 2050, an analysis by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development has found.
The global economic organisation warned yesterday that the danger of flooding was increasing, with around 20% of the world's population potentially at risk over the next four decades. In total, assets worth $45 trillion (£28.9 trillion) could be endangered by floods.
The value of property at risk has grown due to climate change and pollution, the group said.
Publishing two reports on the hazards posed by global water supplies, secretary-general Angel Gurría added: 'Instead of just reacting to water crises, governments must assess, target and manage water risks proactively.
'We have been forewarned - there is no doubt these risks are increasing. We must now arm ourselves with risk management strategies that will protect against the floods that are endangering human lives, ecosystems and economies.'
