The Guardian view on the rising risk from flooding: uninsurable buildings should focus minds on climate adaptation | Editorial

<p>The bleak future faced by one small town offers a cautionary tale about the threat from global heating</p><p>The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/oct/14/tenbury-wells-flood-prone-worcestershire-town-abandoned-by-insurers">bleak prospect</a> facing the market town of Tenbury&nbsp;Wells in Worcestershire, due to rising flood risks, is first and foremost a problem for locals. After <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/dec/01/could-tenbury-wells-be-the-first-uk-town-centre-abandoned-due-to-climate-change">seven floods in four years</a>, and with plans for new flood&nbsp;defences around the town abandoned after costs rose to £30m, the town council <a href="https://www.tenburytowncouncil.gov.uk/_VirDir/CoreContents/News/Display.aspx?id=77713">announced this month</a> that three buildings it owns, including a theatre and historic pump rooms, no longer have insurance. Independent retailers are in a similar situation, and some are packing&nbsp;up as a result. The number of&nbsp;empty&nbsp;properties&nbsp;is growing.</p><p>Tenbury is at higher risk than most places from floods, due to its low-lying position between the River&nbsp;Teme and Kyre Brook. But the threat it faces is not unique, and will become more common in future. Last year UK insurers <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/feb/10/uk-insurers-paid-out-record-climate-breakdown-intensifies">paid out a record £585m</a> for weather-related damage to homes and possessions, after unusually severe storms led to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/gallery/2024/jan/05/english-towns-villages-flooded-heavy-rainfall-in-pictures">floods in several counties</a>, with buildings left under water in towns including Henley, Wellingborough and Tewkesbury.</p><p><em><strong>Do you hav