In light of global climate change, floodings are expected to increase and notably in countries including the United Kingdom. (Roger et.al, 2022) With reference to The Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Research and Development Programme published in 2021, the estimated economic loss due to floodings between November 2019 and March 2020 were estimated to be about £333 million in the country.
Regarding carbon emissions, the Scottish Government’s greenhouse gas inventory from agriculture took up approximately 22% of Scotland’s total greenhouse gas emissions in 2019, while the land use, land use change, and forestry (LULUCF) sector, including grazing, accounted for around 9%. The main sources of carbon emissions from agriculture in Scotland are namely enteric fermentation, manure management, and synthetic fertilisers. According to the historical Ordnance Survey Map from the National Library of Scotland, the agricultural industry along River Earn Catchment has settled since 1700s, affecting the soil, landscape appearance and native habitat.
There are voices demanding to bring the extinct species – Eurasian beaver - back to the country to control flooding, enhance water quality and restore native habitats. In Edinburgh-wide, public support for their re-introduction was evident, when people marched in protest following a refusal to the release of European beavers in Knapdale (Coles, 2012) This research will focus on the collaboration model between humans and beavers, with a view to explore the opportunities and threats of flooding in the River Earn Catchment.