Environmental Impact Guidance
Vulnerability to Climate Change and Climate Risk Management
"Climate change...cannot be ignored. Unchecked, these forces will hinder the economic development of the most vulnerable nations first, and ultimately, all nations. We must show the world that we are willing to step up to these challenges around the world and in our own backyard." The Prime Minister to US Congress July 03
Will your policy proposal be vulnerable to increasing climate risk?
While it is always important to consider what impact your policy proposal may have on the environment, in the context of climate change, it is also important to consider what impact the changing climate could have on your policy.
Climate change in the UK will affect many areas of public and private sector life. Strategic decisions that are made now have long lifetimes: to reduce risks, minimise damages and take advantage of potential benefits, adaptation to the changing climate must be factored in at an early stage. Ministers are keen to see that all relevant policies take the effects of climate change into account.
This page will help you decide whether your policy objectives are vulnerable to climate change and, will guide you to concise further information for policy makers. It:
1) Shows whether your Department considers your policy area to be significantly affected
2) Links you to a tool (http://www.ukcip.org.uk/resources/tools/adapt.asp) designed specifically to help you assess the impacts of climate change on your policy objective
The UK climate is already changing and will continue to do so:-
- average temperatures will increase
- winter rainfall will get heavier, increasing the risk of flooding
- summer rainfall may reduce considerably, creating pressure on water resources and increasing subsidence risks
- sea levels will rise, leading to further coastal erosion and flood risk.
- there will be changes in extremes, such as more very hot days or intense downpours of rain.
- there may also be more storms crossing the UK, though we are not yet sure about this.
Click here for graphs and more information
Page last modified: 16 November 2004
Page Published: 16 November 2004