By Bethany Ruby Rose-
The British government has set out an ambitious strategy aimed at addressing the global problem and challenges of climate change. The second National Adaptation Programme 2018 to 2023 sets out the ambitious but viable strategy for dealing with the effects of a changing climate has been published by the government today.
The announcement comes in the wake of an earlier Climate Change Risk Assessment published in January 2017 . It addresses the risks affecting communities across England. It also sets out the government’s ongoing investment and work to tackle these risks. The news will please Prince Charles, who has for the past 30 years campaigned for steps to urgently address climate change. How effective the implementation of the ambitious programme will prove to be is yet to be seen. It is known whether Prince Charles influence played any role in today’s announcement, but there won’t be much complaints about the wide ranging plans.
A decade has past since the Climate Change Act came into play back in 2008. The programme commits the government, business and local communities to actions recognising the trend towards warmer winters, hotter summers and changing rainfall patterns. The UK is leading the world in our war against climate change – since 1990 we have cut emissions by more than 40 per cent while growing the economy by more than two thirds, the best performance on a per person basis than any other G7 nation.
Some of the work includes a government led programme to increase the security of water supply in order to mitigate the impact of drought and dry weather events. This means joining forces with water companies to facilitate the construction of large water infrastructure, where it is needed, thanks to the development of the National Policy Statement for water. It also engages the public through strategies to reduce demand.
Environment Minister, Lord Gardiner said:
Our changing climate is one of the most serious environmental challenges that we face as a nation and that is why we are taking joint action between government, business and local communities. This work is improving flood defences across the country and securing our critical food and water supplies, so we are climate ready. The latest National Adaptation Programme will help us develop our long-term plans to tackle these risks so we can continue our work to protect the nation today and for future generations.
The government’s strategy also incorporates a strategy for inviting infrastructure operators to report on the actions they are taking to adapt to climate change. They will also work to provide support to organisations as they develop their reporting processes which will help them understand and take action to address the impacts of climate on their businesses.
In the last reporting cycle, 86 organisations completed adaptation reports. Climate risks faced by their industry were identified. They presented the risks and associated opportunities, and set out actions they are implementing to adapt.
The NAP has complimented the government’s Clean Growth Strategy. It sets out how the whole country can benefit from low carbon economic opportunities through the creation of new technologies and new businesses. This will create jobs and prosperity across the UK, while meeting our ambitious national and targets to tackle climate change.