Transcript Climate change adaptation (& the challenges we face in the UK)

Climate change adaptation
(& the challenges we face in the UK)
UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH
[SCOTLAND]
Thomas Barningham
Maria Hillenkamp
Judith Payen
Sara Pflaum
Stephi Walker
Definition & Predictions
 adaptation Predictions for the
UK
“Adjustment in natural or human
systems in response to actual or
expected climatic stimuli or their
effects, which moderates harm or
exploits beneficial opportunities”
-- IPCC
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annual warming of between 0.5°C
and 3.0°C by 2050
wetter winters and drier summers
increased frequency and intensity of
extreme weather conditions
global sea level rise
Implications for infrastructure
 Agriculture & Forestry
e.g. Change in crop range - maize production moving north
 Water Resources
e.g. Increased pressure on drainage systems &
increased need for water storage
 Energy Security
e.g. Pressure to shift to low-carbon energy
generation
human attitudes as barriers to
change
 Uncertainty in
foresight
provisional nature of
scientific knowledge
gives reason to delay
action
Social &
Behavioural
human tendency to act
reactively, rather than
proactively
NIMBY
“ Not In My Backyard ”
people in the UK have
generally understood &
accepted terms of
climate change
adaptation, but are
unwilling if it “ruins their
view”
Historical Responsibility
 Historical Obligation
»
UK’s wealth - created by early
industrialization - emitted large
amount of greenhouse gases &
used up vast amount of Earth’s
common resources
»
moral responsibility to combat
climate change
 Greater Capabilities
»
Greater financial resources and
technological ability than developing
countries
» obligation to invest in developing
nations to do the same