‘Is the UK on track to adapt to climate change?’, a science-policy conference hosted by @AtmosScience @UKCRP_SPF Champions & @theCCCuk 13-14 Oct debated the climate science, impacts and adaptation to 3C+ of global temp rise.
10 key reflections are set out below
#UKClimateAdapt

1. The changes to the UK’s climate that have already happened at 1°C of warming are significant.

What used to be extreme is now becoming normal.

A 3°C+ rise in global temperature will lead to systemic alterations to our society and environment.
#UKClimateAdapt

2. The UK is not just at risk from direct climate impacts; it is vulnerable to indirect effects from climate change overseas that may be more severe than direct impacts.

Climate change could increasingly affect trade, conflict, finance & ultimately global stability.

3. Climate science has become increasingly sophisticated, but evidence gaps remain.

In a 3°C+ world we are in unchartered territory & chances of tipping points increase.

While we cannot define what the worst case looks like, uncertainty should not be an excuse for inaction.

4. Understanding climate hazard is only half of the story; there remains deep uncertainty about future vulnerability and exposure.

We need better ways to incorporate socio-economic scenarios - and to be ready for surprises.

#UKClimateAdapt

5. We are making improvements in some areas of adaptation response in the UK (eg water use, flood defence spending).

There is still a lot to learn, including better monitoring and join-up between climate science, impact and adaptation research and practice.

#UKClimateAdapt

6. The UK is not yet resilient to the minimum level of climate change we are experiencing. We are not in a good place to plan for 3°C+.

As temps rise, transformational change is more and more likely to be needed. A delay in acting means higher costs & much harder choices later.

7. Public support for strong government action has increased.

Understanding of the risks from climate change has improved dramatically; there is strong public support for many adaptation policies.

Actions with co-benefits (eg increasing urban green space) should be done now.

8. We already know a lot about actions that can have big effects in reducing climate risks but they are not happening at scale. Businesses & local government need support; resource for coordinating adaptation across Government needs to be increased substantially. #UKClimateAdapt

9. A national conversation is needed about what the UK should look like as the climate changes, supported by a citizens' assembly on adaptation.

The Government must articulate a vision of a well-adapted UK that is measurable and championed at the highest levels.
#UKClimateAdapt

10 Adaptation presents great challenges, but also opportunities, especially for those that move more quickly.
There are opportunities for the UK to develop quality services (eg in the finance sector) that build resilience at home and can also be exported worldwide.
And finally/

Climate change will pose profound risks to the UK at higher levels of warming.
Adaptation must take place now, alongside & together with mitigation.
We have to consider plans for 3°C+ but it is a world we should try to avoid at all costs.
https://bit.ly/3dKKnrL 
#UKClimateAdapt