Breaking Down UK Climate Change Risk Assessment 2017

Adapting to the potential effects of global warming is a complicated process demanding actions by government and support from individuals. Sustainable lifestyle requires an understanding of the interdependence between environmental, social, cultural and economic systems.

To communicate the complex data quickly and clearly, GreenMatch developed an infographic that highlights the observed changes in climate and the key risks for the United Kingdom from the current and predicted impacts of climate change. 

Under the 2008 Climate Change Act, the UK government is required to publish a UK-wide Climate Change Risk Assessment every five years. The effects of climate change are already being noticeable in the country, therefore an urgent action is required to address global warming related risks.

The UK Climate Change Risk Assessment 2017 has been published on January 18, and will be followed by the second National Adaptation Programme, due to be published in 2018, and determining how the government will ensure the country can adapt to a changing climate. The report identifies the key priority risk and opportunity areas identified in the independent evidence report by the Adaptation Sub-Committee.

These broad findings conclude that the most critical threats resulting from climate change are risks to:

• communities, businesses, and infrastructure
• health and well-being
• water availability
• natural capital, ecosystems, and soils
• food production and trade
• expansion of pests and diseases

In spite of the general scientific consensus concerning the climate change and its effects, the blizzard of information on the topic can overwhelm anyone. Undeniably, human activities like the burning of fossil fuels, which emits greenhouse gases, as well as agriculture and deforestation have a tremendous impact on the health of our planet.

Consequently, climate change causes risks to economic development, ecosystems, social and cultural systems, and most importantly human health. Although the changes that range from unusual seasonal patterns to more extreme weather events are established facts gathered from profound observation and analysis, there is a certain amount of political commotion about the subject causing dispute whether the government makes the rights decisions regarding the climate policy. To learn more, visit GOV.UK.