The Broads provides a fascinating case study highlighting the tensions between planning, flood protection and our changing environment.

The Broads' very existence is under threat from our changing climate. Without protection the Broads of 50 years time will be largely un-recognisable from today. Aa a unique area of Britain, its octopus-shaped reach encompasses wetlands of considerable significance and three national nature reserves.

Though a unique natural asset, they are not a natural phenomenon. The ecology of the Broads is the result of peat digging in medieval times. Human influence created The Broads and human influence is contributing to its destruction.

A projected sea level rise of 15cm over the next 25 years coupled with more extreme weather events are cause for concern for organistaions such as the Broads Authority. These changes could result in an increased chance of flooding which combined with the poor state of existing flood banks will threaten properties, livelihoods and the ecology of the area.

The Broads Authority is looking to the future, and a Working Group has been set up to look into the issue of climate change in more detail.

In the shorter term the 132 million Broadland Flood Defence scheme has been given the go ahead. The scheme is designed to alleviate and manage (not remove) flooding over the next 20 years.

And after 20 years? Because of global warming sea levels will continue to rise for over 1000 years.

How long we can realistically protect the Broads for depends on how much we value the Broads as an environment - and where the resources for protection will come from.