In recent news, it has become increasingly clear that governments across the world are not treating the issue of climate change with the urgency it requires. This lack of urgency is exemplified by recent reports highlighting the fact that England has lost a decade in preparing for the impact of climate change, and the UK as a whole is not adequately prepared for the impending climate crisis.
The consequences of climate change are no longer a distant threat, but a reality that is already affecting the world we live in. From rising sea levels to extreme weather events, the impact of climate change is being felt across the globe. Unfortunately, the government’s lack of action is making the situation worse.
One of the key issues is the failure to take meaningful steps towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The world’s leading climate scientists have warned that urgent action is needed to prevent the worst impacts of climate change, yet many governments, including the UK, have failed to take the necessary steps.
The recent report from the UK’s Committee on Climate Change (CCC) highlighted the fact that England has lost a decade in preparing for the impact of climate change. The report states that “England’s adaptation progress has stalled since 2018, with many areas making little or no progress.” This is an alarming finding, given that the UK is one of the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
The report goes on to say that “climate risks are not being systematically considered in decision-making across government.” This is a major problem, as it means that the government is not taking into account the potential impact of climate change when making important decisions.
It’s not just England that is unprepared for the impact of climate change. The IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) recently released a report stating that the world is “woefully unprepared” for the impacts of climate change. The report warns that “extreme weather events will become more frequent and more intense, and sea levels will continue to rise, threatening coastal communities and low-lying areas.”
The lack of urgency on the part of governments is a major concern, but it’s not too late to take action. The CCC report makes several recommendations for how the UK can prepare for the impact of climate change, including improving flood defenses and ensuring that infrastructure is resilient to extreme weather events.
The government must take these recommendations seriously and take action to address the issue of climate change. We cannot afford to wait any longer, as the consequences of inaction will be severe. It’s time for the government to step up and take the urgent action needed to address the climate crisis.
