Speaking as the UK’s independent climate adaptation sub-committee published its latest findings, chairman Lord Krebs said: “The impacts of climate change are becoming ever clearer, both in the United Kingdom and around the world. We must take action now to prepare for the further, inevitable changes we can expect.
“Delaying or failing to take appropriate steps will increase the costs and risks for all UK nations arising from the changing climate.”
Flooding and extreme weather events which damage assets and disrupt business operations are said to pose the greatest risk now and in the future. But the report also recognises the potential opportunities for farming that could arise from a modest level of climate change through extended growing seasons and improved productivity.
“The committee recognises that the UK could increase its comparative advantage in specific areas of agricultural production as the climate changes” said NFU Vice President Guy Smith.
"If British farmers are going to deliver on this potential, it’s critical that that they have access to a range of tools including herbicides like glyphosate to help them be better prepared for the uncertainty ahead, especially as the report identifies the threat of new and emerging pests and disease as a major research priority.”
NFU Environment Forum chairman, Mark Pope called for a “strategic, longer-term approach to total water management to increase the resilience of agricultural businesses and rural communities to extreme weather conditions”.
He added: “Without a step change in our national approach, lack of access to adequate water supplies could lead to some businesses being unable to operate through reduced yields or lower quality crops.
“It is vital that the government removes regulatory barriers, to enable businesses to mitigate the impacts of future water shortages.
“We are pleased the government is committed to review constraints facing rural businesses, including an examination of planning barriers to the installation of farm reservoirs.
“Flooding and water management in river and coastal areas must be properly funded to protect urban and rural businesses, infrastructure and communities. Economic impacts on agricultural land must be correctly valued, considering the effects caused by crop type and the time of year of the floods.”
A government spokesperson said: “We are committed to making sure the UK is prepared for the challenges of climate change.
“That is why we are investing record amounts in flood defences and developing a long-term plan for the environment. We continue to work closely with more than 250 organisations spanning central government, businesses, councils and academia in taking action to adapt to the effects of climate change.”
Whose report?
The Adaptation Sub-Committee of the Committee on Climate Change is an independent statutory body which provides advice to the UK and devolved governments on climate change risks and opportunities. Today’s report is the result of more than three years of work involving hundreds of leading scientists and experts from the public and private sectors and civil society.
The risk assessment has been peer reviewed by UK and international specialists.