ANKARA
The UK government must upgrade its buildings and infrastructure to withstand at least 2 degrees Celsius of global temperature rise by 2050, according to the Climate Change Committee (CCC), which warned that current plans to combat extreme weather are insufficient, press reports said on Wednesday.
"Adaptation has been underresourced and underfunded," said Julia King, a peer and chair of the CCC's subcommittee on climate impacts, according to the Guardian.
"A lack of action will leave the UK dangerously exposed to future effects," she was quoted by the newspaper as saying.
The CCC urged that any new construction intended to last for decades be designed to withstand up to 4°C of warming above preindustrial levels.
Heat waves are projected to hit England four out of five years by 2050.
Drought duration is expected to double, with peak wildfire conditions in July potentially tripling.
Some river flood peaks may increase by 40%, while flooding could occur throughout the year.
King pointed out that global warming is already affecting the National Health Service, schools, transportation, energy, and communication networks.
She said the government's plan to build 1.5 million new homes must ensure long-term sustainability.
The CCC was responding to a request from Floods Minister Emma Hardy for new guidelines on preparing for future risks.
The committee's full report on a “well-adapted” UK is due in May.
Greenpeace UK’s chief scientist Douglas Parr warned: “Alarm bells should be ringing in government,” adding that worsening weather could alter daily life, food systems, and safety.
A separate report called for a major food system overhaul, with reduced meat consumption and livestock numbers to enhance food security and cut emissions.
“Significant change is inevitable,” said Neil Ward of the University of East Anglia, according to the Guardian.
The CCC said adapting now will cost less than reacting later.