Climate change in the UK, if ignored, could increase tourism spending 3-fold in the South West over the coming decades to £1.5 billion a year, reduce the number of cold-related deaths in winter, benefit farming from the warmer seasons with more continental produce [such as vines] being grown, and produce an abundance of some species of fish such as plaice and sole, the Plymouth Herald reports.
This information comes from an assessment conducted for the Government. Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? Now, let’s take a look at the flip side of that.
Here’s what would also happen if climate change is ignored:
- Water shortages
- A shortage of some species of fish, such as cod and haddock
- An increase in fatalities caused by heat, esp. among the elderly and other vulnerable groups
- Significant flooding along road and rail networks
- A reduction in staff hours due to overheated office buildings
The £2.8 million assessment study — which is legally required under the Climate Change Act — highlights 100 threats the UK could face from climate change if no action is taken to cope with rising temperatures and other effects of global warming.
Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman told the Plymouth Herald: “This world class research provides the most comprehensive case yet on why we need to take action to adapt the UK and our economy to the impacts of climate change.
“It shows what life would be like if we stopped our preparations now, and the consequences such a decision would mean for our economic stability.”
This assessment is vital to understanding what we need to do to stop potential threats from becoming a reality and to the development of innovative products and services to tackle those threats, she continued.
Lord Krebs, chairman of the group that advises the Government on adapting to climate change, told the Plymouth Herald: “Without an effective plan to prepare for the risks from climate change, the country may sleepwalk into disaster. This report represents an important step in the process and demonstrates why the UK needs to take action to adapt now.”
What do you think? Share your thoughts below.
Author: Roberta Seldon
