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Adaptation |
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| Objective
To introduce climate change adaptation fully in all new and reviewed policies and related activities, and minimise future risk through appropriate adaptation measures |
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| Context
Climate change adaptation is changing behaviour, institutional arrangements or economic activity to adapt to both direct and indirect consequences of climate change (UK Climate Impact Programme).
Climate change will happen. Whilst our actions now and in the future can limit it, past behaviour means greenhouse gases have accumulated in the atmosphere and we will have to adapt to the changes this is causing. If the increased numbers of hurricanes affecting North America and local tornadoes are a trend, we should expect increasing numbers of extreme weather events such as flooding, heat-waves and storminess. Global temperature rises by the 2080s could mean Warwickshire has an average annual temperature 5oC higher than the 1980s. We could experience winters up to 13% wetter and summers up to 37% drier. Sea level rises around UK coasts could lead to increased development pressures inland.
Nationally agencies are already taking steps to adapt the way that we manage flood risks and our assets. Overall these changes are expected to have a major negative impact on the way in which we run our lives and on the local economy but could also present many new economic opportunities. Renewable energy, energy efficiency, intelligent transport systems, new designs and methods of building, and processes that enable people to adapt to their changing circumstances will create business opportunities, building on Warwickshire’s well established engineering skills and track record for innovation.
By acting now we can limit climate change, even though our past behaviour means greenhouse gases have accumulated in the atmosphere and we will have to adapt to some change. A Citizens’ Panel in February 2006 showed 74% of residents believe climate change is a problem everyone can do something about.
National and local government, together with other organisations, are now taking action to minimise the adverse impacts of climate change on society, the economy and natural environment. Climate change adaptation is crucial to minimise future risks in Warwickshire and it is proposed that key areas of activity crucial to businesses and residents are prioritised for attention.
Working with partners such as the UK Climate Impacts Programme (UKCIP), the Environment Agency, Severn Trent Water and others, knowledge can be pooled to create a more accurate picture of the conditions that Warwickshire will be facing in the future. The more information we have, the better equipped we will be to take action. |
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