30 March 2023 - The Climate Change Committee has published their latest progress report on climate adaptation.
This summarises how the UK is doing in measuring and preparing for the risks the climate change is already causing and increasing future risks. The report makes clear that the government’s second National Adaptation Programme (which covers the 5 year period ending this year) did not adequately prepare the UK for climate change. The third National Adaption Programme, due to be published this summer must make a step change in preparing the country for climate change.
CLG UK Director, Beverley Cornaby responded to the CCC publication this week:
“Today’s Climate Change Committee report raises a red flag that the UK is failing to prepare and adapt adequately for the reality of climate change. There is an urgent need to move rapidly to create a UK economy and society that is well-adapted to the climate impacts we’re already experiencing. Extreme weather, including last summer's heatwave, underlines that we must act now, and demonstrates the risks of not doing so.
“Leadership is needed by government to plug the gap between policy and delivery in climate adaptation; even where the right policies are in place this does not always lead to a measurable increase in adaptation. UK Business has a vital role to play in building climate resilience into their operations. Business action could be enabled by government taking a stronger lead, with the forthcoming third National Adaptation Programme providing the ideal opportunity for this.”
