This report provides the Committee’s biennial report of progress
in preparing for climate change as required under the Climate
Change Act. It provides an assessment of progress at the end of
two National Adaptation Programmes, the statutory programme
required from Government to help prepare the country for climate
change. The second National Adaptation Programme covered the
period of 2018 – 2023 and the third is due to be published in
summer 2023.
Contents
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Response by the Environmental Audit Committee
Reacting to the Climate Change Committee’s report ‘Progress in
adapting to climate change – 2023 report to Parliament’,
Environmental Audit Committee Chairman, Rt Hon MP, said:
“The CCC’s latest report paints an alarming picture. There are
clearly significant holes in the policy response to the effects
of climate change. We are seeing impacts now: the recent
shortages of fruit and vegetables on supermarket shelves
highlight the vulnerability of the food sector to climatic
extremes. The reported increase in heat-related mortality during
the record-breaking temperatures last summer demonstrates our
need to adapt to the increasing frequency and intensity of
heatwaves.
“The CCC’s assessment of nature and biodiversity raises clear
concerns: indicators are either static or declining.
Implementation to drive through the improvements set out in new
environmental policies is critical, and work must start at pace
on this. Nature must not be a casualty of man-made climate
change.
“The Committee has called on the Government to address how we
manage heat and energy in Britain’s homes. There are many
existing measures that could keep homes warm in winter and cool
in summer, cut energy bills and reduce fuel poverty. Insulating
lofts and cavity walls can also keep the heat out and address
overheating in homes. There is no tangible reason not to take
quick action on addressing energy efficiency in our buildings:
the Government just needs to get on with it.
“I sincerely hope that the significant policy gaps will be
addressed when the Government responds later this week with its
refreshed Net Zero Strategy.
“The heat is on the Government to show grit and determination to
address the negative impacts that the changing climate will
continue to have on our daily lives. Time is running out to adapt
the country to the hotter drier summers and wetter winters which
will be a feature of our future climate. Ministers must rise to
the challenge now rather than pushing adaptation issues further
down the agenda.”
