The UK Government has released scientific figures showing how climate change could affect the UK if the world fails to take action on reducing emissions.

Visit the UK Government website on adapting to climate change.

The UK Climate Projections report sets out how the country can adapt to the problems that could be caused by a warmer climate, such as rising sea levels and increased flooding.

Based on Met Office science, the projections show three possible climate change scenarios following low, medium or high levels of greenhouse gas emissions.

The projections show that following the medium emissions scenario, by the 2080s the UK could be faced with summer temperatures between two and six degrees warmer on average; a 22 percent decrease in summer rainfall in the South East; 16 percent more winter rainfall in the North West; and sea level rises of 36cm.

Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband said the UK must now aim for an ambitious global deal in Copenhagen in December.

“These projections add to the overwhelming body of scientific evidence that says mankind must cut carbon emissions now to prevent a future of extreme weather patterns which could threaten the livelihoods of people across the world as well as put plants, animals and sea life in peril.”

Environment Secretary Hilary Benn added that the landmark scientific evidence shows that the UK must also deal with the consequences of inevitable rises in temperature.

“The Projections will allow us to make sure we have a resilient infrastructure to cope - whether it’s the design of school buildings or protection of new power plants, maintaining the supply of drinking water, adjusting ways of farming for drier summers or understanding how our homes and businesses will have to adapt.”

The Prime Minister visited the Thames Barrier with Hilary Benn and Ed Miliband this morning. The Barrier was created to protect London from increased flooding which could result from a warmer climate.

Notes for Editors

Source: 10 Downing Street

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