Publication of the UK Climate Change Risk Assessment

Defra hopes that the UK will be one of the most prepared nations for the effects of climate change following the publication of the Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA). The first assessment of its kind in the UK, and the first in a five year cycle, the CCRA highlights the top 100 challenges to the UK and our economy caused by climate change and it provides evidence of the need to increase our mitigation measures. Additionally, Defra is hoping to work with businesses and local government to produce the UK’s first National Adaptation Programme to maintain the resilience of the UK to changing weather patterns.

Caroline Spelman MP, the Environment Secretary, said at the launch of the CCRA that “this world class research provides the most comprehensive case yet on why we need to take action to adapt the UK and our economy to the impacts of climate change. It shows what life could be like if we stopped our preparations now, and the consequences such a decision would mean for our economic stability.” Amongst other matters, the Assessment looks into future pressure on the UK’s water resources, risks of flooding, sustainable resource yields, food production and health. Professor Sir Bob Watson, Chief Scientific Adviser at Defra, said that the CCRA “will be invaluable for Government in prioritising the areas for future policies and investment, and it will help businesses assess what they need to do to ensure they are resilient to the changing climate.”