Climate change: what's in store for your region?
If you’ve looked out of any window lately, you can testify the British climate is changing. Our summers have never have been known for their Mediterranean qualities, but the 5ft floodwaters that engulfed much of the country this so-called summer, in contrast to last year’s searing heat wave, are not the norm.... at least, for now.
The ways in which climate change manifests itself will vary dramatically from region to region in the UK, according to the experts. City centres will become hotter, changes in agricultural practices will alter the rural landscape beyond recognition and some coastal areas could find themselves completely submerged – a major concern for the economy, as half of Britain’s prime agricultural land is below the five metre contour.
Many of Britain’s large industrial plants—from oil refineries to nuclear power stations—are also concentrated on the coastline, and may have to be moved or defended in the face of rising sea levels. Some of the country’s largest landfill sites are situated on former coastal marshes, which could spell environmental disaster in the event they become swamped.
Droughts are expected to increase in the south, especially in the summer. The north and west are more likely to suffer from abundant and intense rainfall. The combination of sea level rise with high tides and changes in winds means severe flooding – the likes of which has plunged much of Britain under water in recent weeks – will become a regular threat.
Research carried out by the UK Climate Impact Programme and various regional development agencies (not including Scotland) presents a stark picture of how the UK's regional climates are set to change - some beyond recognition - in the not-too-distant future.
Find out what's in store where you live:
