Report highlights new challenges to the UK from international climate change
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Issued on 11 Jul
2011
Climate change impacts from abroad could affect the UK more
than climate change at home according to a report, published today by
Foresight, the Government�s futures think tank.
The report �International Dimensions of Climate Change� shows
that the UK will be vulnerable to adverse impacts from climate change
abroad. More attention needs to be given to how climate change effects
in other countries may have domestic impacts here.
The report has identified a wide range of risks to the UK from
climate change impacts in other parts of the world, which may have
implications for:
Foreign policy and security
International instability could increase as a consequence of
climate change, either directly through extreme weather events and
water system stresses, or indirectly as social and political systems in
vulnerable parts of the world come under increasing strain. Also, the
UK has a moral, political and legal obligation to support certain
regions that are particularly at risk from the effects of climate
change, such as small island states which include many of the UK
Overseas Territories.
Resources and infrastructure
Climate change could affect the overseas resources and
infrastructure on which the UK depends. The impacts could arise from
global temperature change, water stresses, sea level rise and extreme
weather events. A wide range of potential threats are identified
including disruption to essential infrastructure serving global markets
and energy supplies, as well as the potential impact of extreme weather
events on communications networks and data centres.
Financial sector and business
The report argues that the financial sector and business more
generally may fail to properly evaluate and take into account changes
in the balance of risks associated with climate change overseas. UK
firms managed worldwide assets of �1.2 trillion in 2008, and the
failure to accurately assess their level of exposure to climate change
effects may result in these assets being insufficiently insured or
protected. The UK�s financial exposure to overseas climate change
impacts may increase if international business and financial policy
frameworks do not appropriately account for climate change, and
institutions are exposed to additional risks and uncertainties as a
result.
Other UK areas that could be affected from climate change
impacts abroad include: health and the UK�s role on the global stage.
The report demonstrates how the UK is closely interconnected
with the global economy, and has an important role in addressing risks
internationally. It points to opportunities in business, finance and
global leadership, for example:
Business and financial opportunities for key sectors of the
UK economy, either where there are recognised strengths in engineering,
in insurance and in climate forecasting or where new opportunities are
generated because of the need to reduce emissions or adapt to climate
change. They include a wide range of green technologies, particularly
in the energy sector, such as carbon capture and storage, and new forms
of financing for the green economy. The global environmental and
low-carbon market was estimated to be �3.2 trillion in 2008/09 with a
predicted 4% growth rate to 2013/14, with the UK forecast to achieve up
to 3.9% growth in these areas by 2016. Professor Sir John Beddington,
the Government�s Chief Scientific Adviser and the project�s director
said:
�Our world is getting warmer, and the UK�s extensive
international economic, political and cultural ties mean that the UK is
at increasing risk from impacts of climate change overseas. The UK must
not respond by becoming insular but instead broaden its international
reach to tackle climate change. This report is designed to help
Government consider how these impacts will be felt here in the UK so we
can better prepare and adapt for the future.�
Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman, said:
�As John Beddington�s report recognises, the effects of
climate change extend beyond environmental concerns into geo-political
considerations.
�For the international community to deal with these challenges
we must adapt together to ensure sustainable economic growth, maintain
global stability, and support developing nations and countries
particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change.�
This shorter type of Foresight project examined how climate
change impacts in other parts of the world could affect the UK. It has
identified a broad range of risks to the UK from international climate
change, in the areas of: global governance; foreign policy and national
security; financial services; physical resources and commodities;
overseas infrastructure; health and behaviour.
The project�s evidence base will inform the UK's first Climate
Change Risk Assessment (as required by law through the 2008 Climate
Change Act) to ensure that the Government�s policy on adaptation to
climate change takes appropriate account of international impacts. The
Assessment will be published in January 2012.
The project is co-sponsored by Defra and DECC, and FCOwho
will use the report to inform their wider international agenda on
climate change.
Notes
1) Download the full report at www.bis.gov.uk/foresight.
2) Foresight is in the Government Office for Science
(GO-Science). GO-Science supports the Government�s Chief Scientific
Adviser in ensuring that the Government has access to, and uses, the
best science and engineering advice. It is located within the
Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
3) The UK Government's Foresight Programme helps Government
think systematically about the future. Foresight uses the latest
scientific and other evidence to provide advice for policymakers in
addressing future challenges.
About the Author
� Crown Copyright. Material taken from the BIS Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. Reproduced under the terms and conditions of the Click-Use Licence.
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Article Published/Sorted/Amended on Scopulus 2011-07-12 11:20:01 in Economic Articles
