Action in the UK - Adapting to climate change
Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, have a relatively long lifetime in the atmosphere. The climate system is adjusting only slowly to the increased concentrations of these gases from human activities over the last century.
Therefore, even if we stopped all global emissions tomorrow we would still expect to see 30 to 40 years of climate change, and over 100 years of sea level rise. This means that whatever we now do to reduce greenhouse gases, some climate change is inevitable. Our climate is changing now, climate change is bringing and will continue to bring implications for many aspects of the natural environment, society and economy. Alongside efforts to cut emissions, we must also adapt to unavoidable climate change.
Working as part of a set of policies and measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the UK Climate Change Programme also includes Government policy on assessing and adapting to the impacts of climate change. Government also funds research into the impacts of climate change to provide a sound basis for adaptation decisions.
See also
Page last modified: 8 May 2008
Page published: 01 December, 2005