The UK Committee on Climate Change (UKCCC) has expressed concerns that the UK is not adequately prioritizing climate change as a national issue. The recently released Third National Adaptation Plan (NAP), a five-year program aimed at preparing the UK for climate change, has been criticized for lacking substantial new funding or legislation. The plan focuses on addressing issues related to overheating and flooding.
While the NAP includes measures such as constructing new public buildings designed to cope with higher temperatures, investing £15 million in climate change research, and piloting a climate risk information service, the UKCCC noted that most of these actions are merely re-announcements of existing commitments from other plans. Baroness Brown, Chair of the Adaptation Committee of the UKCCC, highlighted that the scale of climate impacts demands a more significant national priority for climate resilience.
Overheating is identified as one of the major risks that the UK population faces due to climate change, particularly in dense urban areas like London, Manchester, and Birmingham. Vulnerable groups, including the elderly, face significant health issues like dehydration and heat stress during heatwaves. The government aims to implement cooling measures in new schools and hospitals, but there is no new legislation or funding to update existing homes to ensure protection. Flooding and storms are also major concerns for the UK, with events like Storm Arwen causing extensive damage to homes and infrastructure. However, the NAP does not include specific targets for improving the communications sector's strength, despite recommendations from the UKCCC in March. Instead, Ofcom will issue new guidance to companies to prepare for climate change.
The UK's reliance on imports for 50% of its vegetables and 16% of its fruits makes the country vulnerable to extreme weather events abroad, which can affect food supplies. Despite recommendations to require large food companies to assess climate risks to their supply chains, the government did not propose this in the NAP, stating that the industry is best placed to deal with the issue. Overall, the UKCCC urges the government to take more decisive actions and allocate sufficient funding to address the imminent threats posed by climate change. Failure to do so leaves the country unprepared for the challenges ahead, risking lives, infrastructure, and food security.
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