DEFRA have launched new projections of the impacts of future climate change. Named the UK Climate Projections 2009, they outline the likely changes in temperature, sea level, cloud cover and precipitation which are to be expected the Northwest.
More Information available at the DEFRA website, and directly at the UKCP09
In advance of the publication of the UKCIP projections and as a means of enabling adaptation activity, the North West Climate Change Partnership commissioned a study by Arup Consultant to identify those economic sectors for whom the greatest impacts will be felt. The report identifies that the impacts of climate change are a real issue for the Northwest of England. Impacts will affect a considerable range of business sectors and public service activities including, for example: the reliability of the region's transport infrastructure, reliability of service delivery, food and materials supply chains, building maintenance, staff welfare and health and wellbeing.
The sectors identified as having the highest exposure to climate change impacts are the marine and logistics sector; the visitor economy; the construction industry; food and drink; and retailing. The sectors identified as being least exposed to negative impacts include: the energy and environmental sector; business and professional services; digital and creative industries; and the biotechnology sector.
Of these, the sectors working from modernised facilities with, for example good quality and well maintained climate control systems in place, will be best placed to cope with change.Whilst climate change will happen slowly, the cumulative effects of change could mean that, without early action on adaptation, businesses and public services could be left with challenging and costly problems to resolve in a short space of time.
The study can be downloaded from the publications section or using the link on the right hand side.
