A new report has been released identifying the research and innovations needed to support the UK on its path to climate adaptation.
Developed by the Government Scientific Bureau and the Environment, Food and Rural sectors, the Climate Adaptation Research and Innovation Framework (CARIF) outlines the research and innovation needed for climate adaptation.
The Caliph is designed to facilitate governments, industry and research communities to work together to tackle the challenges facing climate change adaptation.
The new framework is the first time that UK research has been united in one place across government and sectors.
Why climate adaptation is important
As a result of global warming, severe climate impacts have already been seen, with increased frequency and intensity of heat waves, droughts, wildfires and torrential rainfalls leading to flooding.
Furthermore, the ocean is warming, and the glaciers and ice sheets are melting, causing sea levels to accelerate and rise. Scientific evidence increasingly reveals that human-induced climate change has increased the possibility of many extreme weather events around the world.
The effects of global rise in temperatures have also been experienced directly in the UK. In July 2022, temperature records were set across the UK, with the highest high in Conningsby, Lincolnshire, at 40.3°C. In a climate that is not affected by human influence, it is virtually impossible for UK temperatures to reach levels above 40°C.
UK climate forecasts show that the UK will continue to warm up in the future, increasing the frequency and intensity of hot spells. There is an increasing likelihood of exceeding 40°C somewhere in the UK in a given year, and such extreme events can occur every few years with a climate of 2100 under high emission scenarios.
Well adapted UK research and innovation
This climate adaptation research and innovation framework outlines the research and innovation needed to address risks across the UK government and sectors and to support climate adaptation plans.
Environment Minister Emma Hardy explained:
“This is why, alongside research on climate adaptation, we are exploring ways to set stronger goals to encourage action to increase preparation for the impacts of climate change up until the next national adaptation program in 2028.”
The framework lays out R&I challenges across 11 sectors based on the CCRA3 monitoring framework.
Natural labor land and sea food security supply energy telecommunications transport town and city building health business and finance
This framework also identifies cross-cuts and system-wide issues and links between sectors. Ultimately, investments are needed to develop both adaptation solutions and policy mechanisms to ensure that the UK is effective and equitably adapted to changing climates.
Issues in departmental research and innovation
The research and innovation needs identified for each sector are divided into three challenge areas.
Risk assessment: This relates to the evidence and methods needed to fully understand the changing risks, including the possibility, size, and extent of extreme weather events, along with changing exposures and vulnerabilities. The risk assessment also includes stress testing scenarios for existing thresholds and potential climate adaptation options, taking into account broader uncertainties for design purposes. Decision-making support and solutions: This relates to the evidence that decision makers need, whether government or business, and the assessment of innovation, design, testing, cost-benefit analysis, and adaptation interventions. Data needs: This includes availability and access to evidence that underpins climate risk assessment and management.
Professor Dam Angela McLean, a scientific adviser to the government, said, “New research is needed to make the UK more resilient to climate change, and innovations are needed to improve the system for change at an effective and affordable price.
“The UK has the world’s leading scientific ability to ensure that it is ready for future climate impacts.”
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