Lord Krebs urges local authorities to welcome adaptation

Published by GovToday for GovToday in Environment

Lord Krebs, Chair of the Adaptation Committee has urged local authorities to focus on adaptation when assessing the threat of Climate Change. Speaking to GovToday- The online portal for Public Sector news and opinion, Lord Krebs spoke of the need to move away from just information and start acting on adaptation, which may bring further opportunities to both authorities and businesses.

Speaking to GovToday, Lord Krebs said:

"Our report concludes that the government has made good steps in raising awareness and providing information, but what we need now as a matter of urgency is to move away from information and guidance to action which will be delivered by businesses, local authorities and citizens. This will only happen if the barriers to action are removed and incentives are given."

Discussing the barriers further, Lord Krebs said:

"The incentives might take the form of regulation or statuary guidance, for instance, in the relation to buildings. It is important that new buildings whether commercial or domestic such be constructed with climate change in mind. It is a matter of future proofing buildings for flood risk or against extreme heat in the summer. Another example would be to provide fiscal incentives for preparation against flooding or extreme high winds."

The report, which was warmly recently welcomed by Secretary of State for Environment Caroline Spelman and her Department , details the progress already made on adaptation whilst proposing possible benefits Climate Change can bring. One such benefit is the extension of crop seasons, which would see crops such as sunflower and grapes benefit from warmer temperatures. Commenting on this possible benefit, Lord Krebs said:

"I believe the agriculture sector has already noticed the patterns of rainfall and that seasons are changing, perhaps through NFU or Defra, guidance could be provided to farmers on where opportunities could lay."

The full interview with Lord Krebs can be found at www.govtoday.co.uk