Simply put, climate adaptation refers to the actions we take — from individuals to businesses and everyone in between — that help maintain our wellbeing and improve our ability to recover from the impacts of climate change.
The impacts of climate change are wide-ranging. While science has made enormous progress, it can’t predict the future with complete accuracy. Since the 1970s, we’ve seen a rise in extreme weather events worldwide, clearly linked to man-made climate change. A warmer planet will likely lead to more frequent and severe adverse weather events. The impact of climate change will vary depending on the region and season.
The figures below are based on The UK Climate Projections 2018 (UKCP) which is a set of tools and data that shows you how the UK climate may change in the future.
Average temperatures in winter are likely to be between 0.7°C and 4.2°C degrees warmer than they were between 1981-2000.
Average temperatures in summer are likely to be between 0.9°C and 5.4°C degrees hotter than they were between 1981-2000.
Our hottest 1 % of days throughout the summer are projected to be between 3.7°C and 6.8°C degrees hotter than they were on average between 1981-2000.
By 2070, if emissions continue to rise unabated, average rainfall is projected to increase in winter and decrease in summer.
By 2070, we could see an increase in the likelihood of extreme rainfall intensity.
By preparing for these likely changes, we can create a safer, more resilient world for everyone.
In Plymouth, we may experience the following as average temperatures increase globally:
We’re already feeling the impacts of climate change, and it can seem overwhelming to manage day-to-day. The silver lining is that, alongside with taking action to reduce our emissions, we can also take action to protect our homes and families. There are many ways we, as individuals, communities, and businesses, can adapt to our changing world.
