The climate is changing. This means we are likely to experience more flooding, faster coastal erosion, more heat-waves, droughts and extreme weather events. We need to take action now to prepare for these changes.

The Government has published the UK Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA), the first assessment of its kind for the UK and the first in a 5 year cycle. The reports provide an evidence base which will help us better understand the risks, and will inform development of a National Adaptation Programme.

What can you do?

Sector specific advice for:

• individuals – general advice for citizens on how to cut emissions and prepare for the effects of a changing climate can be found on Directgov
• businesses – including guidance and information for organisations with reporting obligations under the Climate Change Act 2008
• communities and civil society – including news and useful links
• local authorities – resources, guidance and networking

Other material:

• How do we prepare for a changing climate?
• Defra’s role in climate change mitigation
• Climate science and research
• What is the government doing?
• A to Z of adaptation

Latest News

• 26 January 2011 – The Government has published the UK Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA), and launched development of a National Adaptation Programme.
• 8 June 2011 – Latest newsletter from Defra’s Adapting to Climate Change Programme (PDF 120 KB) published.
• 20 May 2011 – Reports for Water Companies and the Northern Lighthouse Board published under the Adaptation Reporting Power.
• 20 May 2011 – Updated Departmental Adaptation Plans published, showing the continuing commitment across Government to put in place measures to adapt to climate change.
• 18 May 2011 – An independent review assesses how the UK can best support developing nations to reduce deforestation for action to reduce carbon emissions, poverty and biodiversity loss.
• 9 May 2011 – New Climate Resilient Infrastructure report and accompanying news release published.

Translations

Key information on climate change adaptation is also available in the following languages:

• French (PDF 300 KB)
• German (PDF 300 KB)
• Spanish (PDF 200 KB)

If you can’t find the information you’re looking for, or to offer comments and suggestions, please contact us at acc.mailbox@defra.gsi.gov.uk.

Recent publications

• UK Climate Change Risk Assessment: Government Report

• Air Pollution: Action in a Changing Climate

• England Biodiversity Strategy – Climate Change Adaptation Principles

• Defra’s Climate Change Plan 2010

• Climate Change: Taking Action

• Adapting to climate change – UK Climate Projections 2009

• Benefits of reporting greenhouse gas emissions

• Climate Resilient Infrastructure: Preparing for a Changing Climate

• Climate Resilient Infrastructure: Preparing for a Changing Climate

• Natural Environment – Adapting To Climate Change

All climate change publications