UK Braces for Environmental Troubles Ahead

01/31/2011

UK's Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs revealed some of its plans for "climate proofing" the nation last week, implementing climate adaptation plans submitted by government agencies. Under the Climate Act, organizations dealing with national infrastructure must release similar plans for national protection to face possible rising temperatures, rising sea levels, and increased incidents of extreme weather. The Trinity Lighthouse Authority outlined which lighthouses and docks along the shoreline would be at risk from rising waters, and the Environment Agency suggested that some fish species may have to be relocated should water temperatures rise. In total, 91 organizations are required to submit recommendations. In 2008, the government adopted new specifications for road construction when the Highway Agency suggested that they match those used in southern France in case rising temperatures and increased severe weather place additional strain on the road network. In the immediate future, the UK may be brought to court by the European Commission should EU Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik decline to grant the government an extension on reducing London's level of PM10. The last Labour government applied for an extension until June 2011 to reduce the emissions, and a decision is due in the next few weeks. London's mayor estimated last year that pollution costs the country up to £2 billion and causes up to 4,300 premature deaths a year. For the story on London's climate plans, see http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12302555. For a story on efforts to reduce CO2 emissions through energy use, see http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12297538. For the story on London's air pollution, see http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/jan/28/europe-air-quality-pollution.