UK 'not built' for climate change: The Reengineer Monitor #74
Bhutan climate migrants, coal troubles solar - and more!
SPECIAL: Report criticises UK’s climate readiness
“The UK was built for a climate that no longer exists today” – that was the stark warning at the top of a major new report from the UK government’s independent advisers on climate change, the Climate Change Committee. The more than 500-page document highlighted the lack of preparedness in the UK for what climate change is bringing. 92% of existing homes could overheat in future heatwaves; peak river flows will be up to 45% higher, and will occur more frequently, leading to flooding; and water scarcity caused by droughts could reach more than five billion litres per day. The Committee recommends that the UK install more air conditioners and other cooling devices, boost flood defences, and improve management of water resources. The public are already demanding such reengineering, the report notes: “People want to see adaptation happening now and for it to be done ‘properly’, with long-lasting preventative solutions.”
