The North East Climate Change Adaptation Study predicts future weather patterns and advises how to prepare for them.
North East England is the only region in the world known to produce a study of this kind using such detailed analytical techniques.
It is hoped that this world first will provide inspiration, and guide organisations and businesses in other regions – and countries – to move forward in their own preparations for climate change.
The adaptation study was commissioned by the North East Climate Change Partnership (NECCP) in response to the threat of the changing climate on the region’s communities, economy, infrastructure, and natural resources.
Along with other areas of the UK, North East England has already suffered extensively from the effects of climate change with the heavy floods of 2005 and the recent extreme gales causing havoc and devastation across the region.
Climate change predictions from the study suggest that in the future the region could be affected by more flooding, wildfires, and extreme weather patterns, but while some negative impacts are inevitable, climate change also opens the door to the possibility of new economic opportunities.
Investment in innovative new technologies could create thousands of jobs, thus strengthening the economy and putting the region at the forefront of the renewable energy industry.
As well as assessing the likely impact of climate change across the region up to 2050, the study also identifies what should be done to adapt to potential changes, and recommends the action that needs to be taken now for the future.
There are recommendations for a number of regional adaptation strategies that include greater information sharing, effective emergency and long term planning, co-ordinated communications, and both risk and asset management.
The research also identifies the organisations that are best placed to take the lead where adaptation strategies are concerned.
The NECCP wants the study to be a starting point for further debate and is calling for input from regional organisations with a view of taking forward the actions for the future.
Nick Brown MP, Minister for the North East, said: “The study's predictions on future weather patterns in the North East region are interesting and it is, I think, a world first. I welcome the detailed consideration that has gone into the study, it underlines the need to adjust to climate change as well as take urgent action now to avoid the situation getting worse than it already is. It is a useful study and a timely warning."
Wyn Jones, chair of Sustaine, the regional champion body for sustainable development, said: “Climate change affects us all and we need to act now. This study provides North East England with a clear picture of the changes that the region is likely to face in the years ahead, the areas that will be most affected and what we need to do now to prepare and adapt for the future.
“It highlights the challenges we face and the economic opportunities that are presented by our changing climate. By acting now, the region, and the rest of the country can avoid or at least reduce aspects of climate change that have a detrimental effect on our society and in turn take advantage of the economic opportunities that accompany it.”
The North East Climate Change Adaptation Study is available online at www.adaptNE.org
For more information contact Adrian Hilton, the North East’s regional climate change coordinator, on 0191 497 8451 or email adrian.hilton@northeastassembly.gov.uk
1. The North East Climate Change Adaptation Study focuses specifically on actions to adapt to climate change.
2. It is closely linked to the Climate Change Action Plan for North East England, a regional framework that incorporates both adaptation and mitigation measures as well as actions for communication. (www.climateNE.org.uk)
3. The following funding partners that contributed to the adaptation study are: One North East, Government Office for the North East, North East Assembly, Environment Agency, Northumberland Strategic Partnership, Tees Valley Climate Change Partnership, Newcastle City Council, Gateshead Council, County Durham Sustainability and Environment Partnership.
4. The North East Climate Change Partnership is made up of regional partners who work together to tackle climate change and contribute to the national energy policy goals.
5. Sustaine is the independent regional champion body for sustainable development in North East England, chaired by Wyn Jones OBE. (www.sustaine.com)
6. The North East Assembly provides communications support to, and works in partnership with, the NE Climate Change Partnership and Sustaine.
