UK Preparing For Changing Climate

Whilst some of us bury our heads in the sand over climate change, the people that matter are quietly preparing for the challenges of an uncertain future.

We're all aware that governments around the world are trying to come to a global agreement over carbon emissions. Many of those governments are already taking their own steps to curb CO2 over the next decade and beyond.

The UK government is no exception with commitments to cut our CO2 emissions by 34% by 2020 and 80% by 2050. They're even consulting with interesting parties (e.g. businesses, energy providers, and individuals) over the route to be taken to that 2050 goal (See here).

At a lower level, organisations responsible for key parts of the UK infrastructure are reporting what they'd do if the climate goes the way that's predicted. Things like the effects of flooding on the rail system, sea level rise on lighthouses, and rising temperatures on our roads.

Meanwhile, a number of UK engineering bodies have issued a report that looks at the infrastructure as a whole. It warns that, in a modern world, the different parts of that infrastucture have become so interdependant, any failure could cause a cascade effect. For example, if power stations are flooded it could bring down telecomm networks. They say that nations that have robust infrastructures will gain economic advantage because they will attract investment from companies looking for stable places to do business from. They then look at what needs to be done.

So, whilst a sizeable proportion of UK society are in denial over climate change, decision makers are quietly getting on with the job of ensuring future generations are left with a country worth living in.