Why Climate Resilience Is More Important Than Ever
When climate change is discussed, whether at UN climate summits, in company boardrooms, or in the media, the focus is often on mitigation (cutting greenhouse gas emissions to achieve net zero). Adaptation, the practical steps to prepare for the consequences of a changing climate, is often overlooked in the UK and around the world. Tech billionaire and philanthropist Bill Gates recently ignited discussion by opposing a mitigation-only approach. His point wasn’t to dismiss climate action; rather, he emphasized that adaptation and mitigation must function in tandem with health, housing, and prosperity needs. Adaptation focuses on the appropriate responses to the weather-related impacts of a changing climate, stemming from the emissions we have released – and continue to release. The UN has issued a warning that the world has failed to meet its target of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Scientists widely concur that surpassing 1.5 degrees Celsius will lead to irreversible tipping points in regions such as the Amazon rainforest, which is at risk of transforming into grassland or savanna, and Greenland, which is threatened by permanent melting of snow and ice. Indeed, describing climate change merely as average global temperature increases obscures the severe extremes that many individuals will face. Rather than a smooth trajectory on a graph, fluctuations in temperature may resemble jagged peaks and valleys, indicating increasingly severe instances of flooding and drought.
Even in the typically mild UK, this more severe weather may impact individuals in unforeseen manners. For instance, in instances of heatwaves exceeding 35 degrees Celsius, children’s sports clubs must take the weather into account before determining if they can proceed without violating their insurance policies. The likelihood of experiencing drought conditions in the UK is projected to rise by 86%. Consequently, how individuals engage in gardening, utilize open water spaces, and partake in activities in and on water will likely encounter greater restrictions. Additionally, certain housing in the UK may become costly or uninsurable, as a result of the insurance industry’s reaction to cases of recurring or predictable flooding or fire hazards. With weather conditions increasing the likelihood of wildfires, there will be heightened restrictions on outdoor activities in grass, moorland, or forest areas. Similar to many nations, the UK still has significant progress to make in terms of proper adaptation, as noted by the government’s Climate Change Committee, which oversees both mitigation and adaptation efforts. The adaptation reports indicate that there has been insufficient actionable progress in addressing the UK’s changing climate, coupled with a notable absence of leadership and strategy at the national level. Without forward planning and adaptation measures, managing the effects of storms, floods, and extreme heat in UK hospitals, prisons, care homes, and social housing will become increasingly challenging, leading to severe consequences for the health of many individuals in the most at-risk communities residing in these facilities.
Research on societal-wide risk and resilience examines our understanding of risks and the measures we can take to prepare for them. Although we cannot prevent further increases in the magnitude or frequency of adverse weather, individuals can take steps to mitigate the impacts on their lives by adhering to the principles of adaptation. It is essential to be ready to safeguard yourself and your vulnerable neighbors ahead of local emergencies like floods, especially as the demands on emergency services continue to rise. These services will require distinct equipment and training to effectively address the challenges posed by such emergencies. Engaging with supermarkets to inquire about their efforts in supporting food resilience is essential for fostering more sustainable food systems. This is particularly crucial as global agriculture faces threats and supply chains become increasingly vulnerable due to extreme weather events or crop failures. Encouraging organizations responsible for people’s recreation, heritage, and culture to safeguard precious trees, buildings, and other places of importance to communities will protect the elements that represent us and our way of life. In the UK, the significant consequences of losing iconic cultural assets, such as the Sycamore Gap tree and properties managed by National Trust and English Heritage, have become evident.
Engaging in conversations within workplaces, schools, and community spaces can ignite innovative ideas on effectively planning for individuals’ wellbeing during heatwaves, storms, and other extreme weather events. Schools are closed on exceptional “snow days”; however, broadening their inclement weather policies to include flooding could enhance safety for a greater number of individuals. Building a nation that is well-adapted presents significant challenges. However, framing adaptation as a component of a larger initiative to address broader societal challenges (including poverty, inadequate housing, health, and economic development) shifts the climate dialogue from one of sacrifice and compensation to one focused on resilience and quality of life.
