Environment

The evidence for climate change in the UK comes from weather records extending back over 350 years. From these, it's clear that the 1990s were the warmest decade in central England since records began in the 1660s.

In addition to this, scientists have confirmed that ice cores drilled out of Antarctica reveal the Earth’s natural climate rhythm over the last 800,000 years. The in-depth analysis of air bubbles trapped in a 3.2km-long core of frozen snow shows current greenhouse gas concentrations are unprecedented.

Climate change will affect many aspects of our lives in the UK, our environment, business and public services. Scientists have identified some of the likely effects of this climate change:

Temperatures...

• It is likely that average temperatures in the UK will rise from present averages.
• High summer temperatures will become more frequent and very cold winters will become increasingly rare.

Rainfall...

• Rainfall amounts and frequency will change in the UK. Winters will become wetter and summers will become hotter and more prolonged.
• There will be increased local flooding with more flash flooding occurring.
• This will result in increased pressure on water resources in the UK.

Rising Sea Levels...

• Sea levels could rise by 40cm by the end of the century leading to further coastal erosion and flood risks.

Health...

• The food we eat and the water we drink are all affected by climate and weather .
• There will be a change in the types of heat and cold related illnesses. The elderly and very young will be most vulnerable to temperature changes.

Agriculture...

• Farming and crop yields will be affected by changes in weather throughout the UK which could impact on the types of crop grown, where they are grown and their availability.

Wildlife...

• Some birds, fish and land animals are under threat as their environment changes due to temperature variations. Inevitably, some of these species will not be able to adapt to these changes in their environment. This is an issue causing environmental concerns globally and at a local level.
• Plants, trees and shrubs will also have to adapt. Changes in climate will affect the established distribution of native species.

To find out more about Climate Change and its impacts in the UK visit UK Climate Impacts Programme.

Why not find out more about what Bradford Council is doing itself to reduce its impact on the environment by reducing carbon emissions on the EMAS webpages.