Plans to protect UK from extreme weather are inadequate, Climate Change Committee says in scathing assessment

In a strongly worded report, the Climate Change Committee (CCC) has issued a dire warning regarding the UK government's preparedness for the escalating climate crisis, particularly in relation to extreme weather events like floods, heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires. This latest assessment underscores that the government's efforts to implement effective climate adaptation measures have not only stagnated but are reportedly worsening, prompting urgent calls for action. Baroness Brown, the chair of the CCC's adaptation committee, highlighted that out of 46 key adaptation measures, none have made ‘good’ progress. Alarmingly, the report projects that properties at risk of flooding could climb from 6.3 million to 8 million by 2050. Furthermore, heat-related fatalities are predicted to escalate to over 10,000 annually by mid-century, tied directly to increasing temperatures and ineffective adaptation strategies. The critique extends to both the previous Conservative administration and the current Labour government, noting that despite the rhetoric around climate leadership post-election, tangible actions remain absent. Baroness Brown lamented, “It still seems to feel like it's tomorrow's problem… if we don't tackle it today, it becomes tomorrow's disaster.” Additionally, CCC's findings reiterate the need for clear objectives and enhanced funding to tackle adaptation, as areas like the agricultural sector are increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather. The report stresses that immediate government action is essential, particularly in light of potential budget cuts for crucial adaptation programs amid economic pressures. This assessment shines a light on an urgent national discourse on climate resilience. As calls from various sectors—including farmers, scientists, and think tanks—grow for the government to treat climate adaptation as a national security risk, the broader implications for public health, infrastructure, and economic stability become increasingly pressing. The CCC's report ultimately serves not just as a warning but as a crucial reminder that without a coherent and well-funded strategy for climate adaptation, the UK is willingly exposing itself to a future rife with climate-related disasters. The findings create a clear demand for action now, leveraging existing knowledge and international examples to achieve a more resilient future for all Britons.