Met Office predicts changes to UK climateHotter, drier summers and wetter winters likely
18 June 2009
The UK is facing changes to temperatures, rainfall and sea levels that will affect 'every aspect of our daily lives' as a result of climate change, Environment Secretary Hilary Benn warned today.
Mr Benn today announced the findings of a major climate projections study from the Met Office, which has mapped out regional weather changes based on different scenarios of global greenhouse gas emissions - high, medium and low emissions.
Regional weather warnings
The study shows how weather in the UK could change over the course of this century, with all areas of the UK set to experience wetter winters and hotter, drier summers - therefore making climate extremes of floods and droughts more likely.
The South East of England could see increases in summer temperatures of between 2C and 6C by the 2080s with summer heatwaves of over 40C. Meanwhile London may have to defend itself against sea levels that could rise by 36cm.
Summer rainfall is likely to decrease by over 22% in the South East and Yorkshire and Humber, with winter rain potentially increasing by 16% in the North West.
Average temperatures will probably rise across the UK by 3-5C by the 2080s unless greenhouse gas emissions are reduced.
Reducing carbon emissions
It's hoped that climate change talks in Copenhagen in December will culminate in the agreement of a successful global framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which would in turn help to curb the levels of climate change outlined in the projections.
You can do your bit to reduce your carbon emissions too - Which?'s greener living section has information and advice on all aspects of your life, including 20 simple changes you can make to limit your carbon footprint. You'll also find advice on how to use less electricity and tips for a greener home.
Preparing for climate change
Mr Benn told MPs that a certain level of climate change over the next 30 years in the UK would almost certainly occur based on previous emission levels. He said: 'Climate change is going to transform the way we live. These projections show us both the future we need to avoid and the future we need to plan for.'
Mr Benn said there was a need to invest in measures - such as flood defences - that would protect people against the impacts of climate change, as well as taking steps to cut emissions.
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