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According to a report published by the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) on 25 March 2010, adapting to climate change must become as much of a priority as cutting emissions. Climate projections show that Britain can expect wetter winters, drier summers and a higher likelihood of flash-floods, heat waves and droughts. The report concludes that government must do more to raise awareness of the need to prepare for a changing climate.
Adapting infrastructure and homes will be expensive – flash flooding will be more likely and the risk of coastal erosion will increase as climate change causes sea levels to rise. To maintain current levels of flood protection, spending on flood defences will need to increase from £600 million per annum to around £1 billion in 2035. Estimates in 2009 suggest that by the end of the century around £7 billion may be needed to improve the Thames flood barrier and tidal defences.
The report emphasises that new homes being built now must be designed to cope with the expected changes in climate over the next 50 to 80 years and adaptation and mitigation must become more central to the planning system. New developments should only be permitted if they are suited to future climates.
Existing homes will also need to be adapted so that they are comfortable during hotter summers and better protected against the risk of flooding. An integrated retro-fitting programme that covers adaptation, water efficiency and energy efficiency is recommended. The report suggests that green infrastructure - such as water storage, greater tree cover and more open green spaces – should also be promoted.