Through its inquiry, the Committee will consider whether the government’s current approach to adaptation goes far enough and what changes are needed to improve the UK’s resilience. The new inquiry comes shortly after the UK experienced its hottest summer since records began in 1884, with nearly three-quarters of England and Wales in drought, 23,000 hectares destroyed in major wildfires and the year’s harvest expected to be the worst on record. 

Action has historically focused on reducing emissions, but scientists now agree that the climate will change significantly even if global targets are reached. By 2050, the Climate Change Committee (CCC) believes heatwaves will cause 92% of existing homes to overheat, peak river flows to be higher, longer lasting and increasing the risk of flooding and drier weather leading to water supply running five billion litres short a day. 

The Committee invites written evidence on a range of topics including:  

• The most significant climate risks facing the UK and whether the government’s approach to adaptation is fit for purpose  

• Whether the UK’s key infrastructure, including water, transport, communications and health are adequately prepared for extreme weather  

• What support farmers need to adapt to climate change and the role of nature-based solutions  

• How it should measure progress on adaptation  

• Whether DEFRA and the Environment Agency are equipped to coordinate adaptation across government and whether enough funding is being invested in adaptation across government  

Read the call for evidence for more information about this inquiry, and to find out how to submit written evidence through the Committee's online evidence submission portal.