Only 4% of the British public believe that the UK government is well prepared for climate change, according to a National Trust survey which highlights nationwide concerns about the issue.
The research, which investigated opinions on adapting to the impacts of a warming planet, comes ahead of the government’s new National Adaptation Programme, which is due to be released this summer and will help set the UK’s climate agenda for the next five years.
Around 57% of UK adults surveyed said that they wanted to see immediate steps taken by the government to respond to the threats of climate change, while 79% of the public said that were worried about being personally affected.
In addition, 82% of respondents said that they believe that there will be health risks from heat waves and unpredictable weather, while 76% think that insurance premiums will rise due to climate change.
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When asked about the impact on specific business sectors, 50% believed that roads and railways are not at all prepared for more hot summers. Some 38% think historic buildings and tourist destinations are similarly ill-prepared for the rising temperatures.
The National Trust is calling on the government to set specific targets for climate adaptation – the process of adjusting to the current and future effects of climate change. In particular, it is calling for the National Adaptation Programme to show the government takes the problem as seriously as mitigation (reducing greenhouse gas emissions).
An ongoing marine heatwave in the UK seas has led to concerns among people in coastal areas about the impact of the temperature rises, while just last month, scientists from the WMO (World Meteorological Organisation) said the world is almost certain to rise above the threshold of 1.5 C above pre-industrial levels by 2027.
“Facing into the effects of climate change is the elephant in the room,” said National Trust climate change advisor Keith Jones.
“We need a frank conversation but also urgent action to address the level of risk we face, what we’re prepared to live with, and ambitious targets that can be measured and monitored
