Negative effects of climate change on the UK:
1. Climate change could lead to an increase in precipitation in the future. Extremely wet winters could become up to five times more likely over the next 100 years. More intense downpours can lead to a greater risk of flash floods and river flooding. Extreme flood events like in the summer of 2007 could become more frequent and severe, putting homes, businesses and infrastructure at greater risk. The government estimates that annual damages from flooding could increase to between £2bn and £12bn by the 2080s which is 2-10 times larger than current figures. This also threatens schools, transport, hospitals and electricity and water systems that could be damaged by flooding and heavy rainfall also increases the risk of water contamination if sewers overflow which could lead to disease. Currently 330,000 properties are at risk of flooding but climate change could increase this to 1.2 million by the 1980s.
2. The climate change model has also suggested that Britain will experience warmer, drier summers in the future as temperatures increase. This could mean increased risk of drought, and extreme events like heat waves becoming common by the end of the century. Heat waves lead to increased pressure on the NHS because older people are more vulnerable to extreme heat and often become ill. It also impacts transport, as higher summer temperatures mean more delays on rail services if the facilities can’t cope with the temperatures. Higher temperatures can also lead to forest fires which can destroy huge agricultural areas and could lead to food shortages and the risk of starvation or malnourishment for many.
3. Climate change could also threaten the water supply in the UK. Increased evaporation due to higher temperatures and reduced groundwater replenishment contribute to water loss, which could result in water shortages and lead to restrictions such as a hosepipe ban. The government estimates that 27-59 million people...