Last week, leading experts were asked “Is the UK on track to adapt to #ClimateChange?”

Over 300 participants debated the impacts of high levels of warming, the risks, and requirements for adaptation.

Alongside @UKCRP_SPF and @theCCCuk, we compiled ten key reflections:

1. What used to be extreme is becoming normal. The changes to the UK’s climate that have already happened at 1°C of warming are significant. A 3°C+ rise in global temperature would 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, which may be more severe than the direct UK impacts. #UKClimateAdapt

3. Climate science has become increasingly sophisticated, though key evidence gaps remain. We cannot define exactly what ‘worse case’ looks like, but this should not be an excuse for inaction. #UKClimateAdapt

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 be ready for surprises. #UKClimateAdapt

5. We are making improvements in some areas of adaptation response in the UK, though 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. A delay in acting now will result in higher costs and much harder choices later. #UKClimateAdapt

7. Public support for strong government action has increased. There is strong support for policies to build more water storage, tighten building regulations, invest in flood defences, diversify food chains, help communities move and protect natural habitats. #UKClimateAdapt

8. We already know a lot about actions that can have big effects in reducing climate risks, and pockets of excellence exist, but these actions are not yet happening at scale. Resources for coordinating adaptation policy and action must be increased substantially. #UKClimateAdapt

9. A national conversation is needed about what the UK should look like in the future as the climate changes. The Government must articulate what its vision of a well-adapted UK looks like. This vision must be measurable and championed at the highest level. #UKClimateAdapt

10. Whilst the challenges of adaptation are great, there are also opportunities, especially for those that move more quickly. There are opportunities for the UK to develop quality services that build resilience at home and worldwide. #UKClimateAdapt

Ultimately, higher levels of warming pose profound and potentially catastrophic risks.

But, society can respond to the risks now, taking inspiration from existing innovative and effective adaptation. This must take place in coordination with mitigation. https://www.ncas.ac.uk/waking-up-to-the-realities-of-climate-change-the-uk-is-at-risk-but-not-yet-resilient/