The Climate Change Committee (CCC) has issued a stark warning that worsening climate extremes are putting the British way of life at risk, from lives and livelihoods to the NHS, seasons, and leisure activities. The committee has set out targets for the government to invest in air conditioning, flood defences, and water efficiency to protect citizens.
Workplace Temperature Rules and School Year Changes
The CCC urges the government to set maximum temperature regulations for workplaces and roll out air conditioning in hospitals and care homes. Baroness Brown of the CCC suggested that the school year could be changed so pupils do not sit important exams in summer heat, when they may not have slept properly and are not at their best.
Costs of Climate Inaction
The committee estimates that investing to protect the UK from climate change will cost around £11 billion a year of public and private money up to 2050. However, climate impacts already cost up to £60 billion a year in flood damages, crop losses, excess deaths, productivity decreases, and transport and health service disruptions. This figure could rise to £260 billion a year by 2050 without action.
Heatwaves and Flooding Risks
Without adaptation, heatwaves in the 40Cs by mid-century could cause up to 10,000 excess deaths annually. Heavy rainfall may become more intense, sea levels could rise 20-45cm, and peak river flows could nearly double by 2050, raising flood risks. Drought could also become common, with water shortages of up to five billion litres a day.
Recommended Solutions
- Set workplace maximum temperature regulations.
- Install cooling measures in hospitals and care homes by 2035, and schools by 2050.
- Support vulnerable people with cooling technology, including heat pumps that provide both heating and cooling.
- Increase annual flood defence spending to £1.6-2.2 billion across the UK.
- Avoid building new homes in undefended flood-risk areas.
- Ensure new homes are water-efficient and set water efficiency standards for appliances.
- Protect 30% of land for nature by 2030, with all in good condition by 2050.
- Maintain domestic food production at 60% of all food consumed, and help farmers store water for dry conditions.
Government Response
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said the government is acting to protect people and places from climate impacts, with a record £2.65 billion invested in flood defences and the largest nature-friendly farming budget in history. She added that the government will carefully consider the CCC's recommendations.
