In this episode of Countdown to the Climate Action Festival, Rachel Sanson speaks with Tom Kay about the urgent need to rethink how we manage our rivers in a changing climate. Drawing on years of research and practical experience, Tom explores how traditional flood protection and environmental management have often made things worse - hardening riverbanks, disrupting natural systems, and increasing the risks of disaster. He presents a powerful alternative: making space for rivers by allowing them to reclaim parts of their natural floodplains. This nature-based approach can help protect communities, restore ecosystems, and create new opportunities for recreation, showing that when we work with nature’s rhythms instead of against them, everyone benefits.