The UKCP09 climate projections launched today highlight the need for swifter action to adapt to London's increasing temperatures, rising sea level and changing rainfall.
The London Climate Change Partnership has welcomed the publication of new climate change projections by the Government today. The UKCP09 climate projections are the latest data to show that London should plan for hotter, drier summers and warmer, wetter winters. UK scientists have been advancing techniques of climate modelling and the new projections provide an increased level of detail and a more sophisticated way of looking at the uncertainty inherent in planning for the future.
Gerry Acher, Chair of the London Climate Change Partnership, said "what matters now is what we do with them. The key issues are flood risk, high temperatures and the availability of water". He continued "all organisations in London need to consider how London's changing climate will affect their business: clients, staff, buildings, processes, transport connections, demand for products and availability of supplies. And then to decide to make changes. The new projections must give Londoners new impetus to take action to reduce the risks from our changing climate so that this great city can continue to thrive."
Long-lived infrastructure and buildings must be top priority. Anyone commissioning or designing aspects of the built environment should take account of the way the climate is likely to change over the life of the structure. The Partnership has produced a checklist for developers and their architects and engineers. And we have also reported on how the existing housing stock needs to be upgraded with measures which will make them more comfortable and cheaper to run now.
The Partnership will be working to explore what these new projections mean for London, and to help organisations to use them appropriately. We want to engage with every sector to work through the impacts of climate change, consider the risks, opportunities and available options, and to then make plans to adapt for the future. Our combined efforts can make London more resilient and more competitive.
Notes to editors 1. The London Climate Change Partnership aims to help ensure that London is prepared for climate change. It is supported by the Greater London Authority and comprises a number of public, private and voluntary sector organisations working together, including: Government Office for London, the Environment Agency, Thames Water plc, the Association of British Insurers, the City of London Corporation, London Councils, the London Sustainability Exchange, the London Development Agency, Transport for London, the Homes and Communities Agency and Natural England. 2. The Chair of the Partnership, Gerry Acher CBE LVO, is available for interview by arrangement. 3. The Partnership has produced a number of key reports on the impacts of climate change on London and ways to address them. These are available at www.london.gov.uk/lccp/publications 3. Further information about the Partnership is available at: www.london.gov.uk/lccp or by contacting the Partnership manager Matthew Chell 020 7983 4908 Matthew.Chell@london.gov.uk
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