The UK Climate Projections 2018 (UKCP18) are the first major update to the UK’s national climate change projections for nearly 10 years. They are based on the latest climate science and were subject to an independent peer review.
- By the end of the 21st century, all areas of the UK are projected to be warmer, more so in summer than in winter. In the recent past (1981-2000) the chance of seeing a summer like 2018 was low (<10%). The chance has already increased due to climate change and is now between 10-20%.
- Winter precipitation is expected to increase significantly and summer rainfall is expect to decrease significantly but when it rains in summer there may be more intense storms. However, natural variations mean that some cold winters, some dry winters, some cool summers and some wet summers will still occur and users may need to factor this into decision-making.
- UK coastal flood risk is expected to increase.
NFU Deputy President Guy Smith said: “Climate change is already putting pressure on food production globally. When it comes to UK food security, Government’s focus must move to home production rather than imports. As the Secretary of State said, British producers could also have a bigger role to play in feeding the world. The projections highlighted that this summer’s weather will be more likely in the future, and so measures must be put in place which support businesses in managing volatility, build resilience and encourage investment in infrastructure and technologies.”“It is encouraging that in his speech Mr Gove emphasised the importance of the Agriculture Bill in rewarding farmers for climate mitigation and adaptation, but we want this to go further. The Bill must enable farm businesses to become more profitable, productive and progressive so they can play their part in producing food for the world and meeting the climate change challenge.”
See more information on the UKCP18 website
Read more about the NFU and NFU Cymru's policy asks to help farmers better manage the impact of drought