Comment: Climate Change Committee ‘Progress in adapting to climate change – 2023 report to Parliament'

“The CCC’s latest report paints an alarming picture. There are clearly significant holes in the policy response to the effects of climate change. We are seeing impacts now: the recent shortages of fruit and vegetables on supermarket shelves highlight the vulnerability of the food sector to climatic extremes. The reported increase in heat-related mortality during the record-breaking temperatures last summer demonstrates our need to adapt to the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves.

The CCC’s assessment of nature and biodiversity raises clear concerns: indicators are either static or declining. Implementation to drive through the improvements set out in new environmental policies is critical, and work must start at pace on this. Nature must not be a casualty of man-made climate change. 

The Committee has called on the Government to address how we manage heat and energy in Britain’s homes. There are many existing measures that could keep homes warm in winter and cool in summer, cut energy bills and reduce fuel poverty. Insulating lofts and cavity walls can also keep the heat out and address overheating in homes. There is no tangible reason not to take quick action on addressing energy efficiency in our buildings: the Government just needs to get on with it. 

I sincerely hope that the significant policy gaps will be addressed when the Government responds later this week with its refreshed Net Zero Strategy. 

The heat is on the Government to show grit and determination to address the negative impacts that the changing climate will continue to have on our daily lives. Time is running out to adapt the country to the hotter drier summers and wetter winters which will be a feature of our future climate. Ministers must rise to the challenge now rather than pushing adaptation issues further down the agenda.”

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