Adapting to Climate Change

Adapting to climate change is about preparing for the changes to our climate and likely impacts we anticipate as a result of human activity since the industrial revolution. This is largely due to increased green house gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide, released from burning fossil fuels like coal and gas to create heat and energy.

Science shows that we are now already locked into an amount of climate change even if we stop the use of all fossil fuels today. This is because of the time lag in the effect of green house gases already emitted into the atmosphere. Whilst work will continue at all levels to ensure we limit any further changes to our climate we must now also prioritise work to adapt to the changes we are committed to.

How did Projections in Practice week go?

In the week 21st - 25th September a wide range of organisations - from Local Authorities through to businesses attended events where they were provided with technical training and guidance to enable them to use the UK Climate Projections 09 in future planning for their organisation and sector. The week ended with a successful high level meeting led by Rt Hon Rosie Winterton MP, Regional Minister and Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, Defra Secretary of State, which brought together key regional senior decision makers to consider how the region could take forward adapting to climate change - not just lowering emissions.

For more information regarding the UK Climate Projections click on the link below:
http://www.ukcip.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=603&It

If you attended PIPs week you can provide feedback via this link below:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=GVbsdIYI_2fM032C1q0LNypw_3d_3d

Please find the presentations from PIPs week attached below:

Monday - Localities Day

What do the projections say about the changes we face? by Natalie Davis - Defra

Key regional findings and actions at the local level by Jon CLubb - YH Climate Change Co-ordinator

Meeting level 1 of NI 188 by Tim Godson - GOYH

Thursday - Regional Day

Built Infrastructure session

What do the projections say about the changes we face? by Jonathan Capstick - Defra

Protecting our Future by Gail Hammond - Environment Agency

The Coast and Climate Change by Jeremy Pickles - East Riding Council (waiting presentation)

Sustainable Cities and Climate Change by Paula Vandergert - CABE

UKCIP interactive session (waiting presentation)

Biodiversity session

What do the projections say about the changes we face? by Jonathan Capstick - Defra

The future for our regional landscapes by Richard Wilson - Natural England (waiting presentation)

UKCIP interactive session (waiting presentation)