We are all very aware of the global implications of climate change and the changes that are happening now. News reports show us melting glaciers and ice caps, the evacuation of homes in low-lying islands because of rising sea levels, extreme weather conditions leading to devastation and death and the potential extinction of many species, including the polar bear.
The recent UK Climate Projections 09 study predicts that by 2080 the East of England may experience:
- 3.6 ºC increase in average summer temperature
- 20% increase in winter rainfall leading to increased flooding
- 20% decrease in summer rainfall leading to summertime droughts and impacts on crop yields
- increase in relative sea level rise e.g. 37cm in Southwold by 2080
At a local level, the future implications of these climate projections could include:
- Increases in heat-related deaths and admissions with acute heat stress in summer months and other sun exposure disorders (e.g. skin cancer)
- Increased coastal and flood-plain flood events leading to damage to property and disruption to economic activity
- Water shortages
- Permanent coastal land loss leading to longer term relocation of coastal communities inland
- Higher incidence of damage to transportation, utilities and communications infrastructure caused by an increase in the number of extreme weather events (e.g. heat, high winds and flooding)
- A longer growing season
- Decreased crop yields
Increase in tourism to Suffolk
I know about reducing my carbon footprint, but how can we adapt to climate change?
Climate change has implications for everyone as shown by the recent extreme weather events in the UK and we need to be more prepared for the future. Climate adaptation is about thinking ahead. Is your project / building / service going to be in existence in 15 years time or more? If so, it needs to be able to cope with extreme weather events.
For communities it is about taking action to become more resilient to the consequences of a changing climate.
For local authorities this challenge is set against the need to continue to provide high quality services across the county.
For businesses it is to ensure that economic sustainability and security of supply chains are maintained.
