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Further Information

Mitigation

In terms of climate change migitation is the action needed to reduce Greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.

Adaptation

Although governments and businesses are starting to take responsibility for their emissions, we cannot prevent climate change. We need to adapt to its impacts (both the risks and opportunities) and manage these for future generations.

Useful links

Defra – Climate change – information on actions to tackle Climate Change

England’s South East Climate Change Partnership – Information and advice on the impacts of climate change on the South East region, including policy papers on principles for spatial planning

Climate change science

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change – Essential background information on climate change science, the convention and Kyoto Protocol.
Intergovernmental panel on Climate Change – Information on Climate Change impacts and options for mitigation and adaptation
The Tyndall Centre publications page – Various reports and publications on the centre’s research activities and findings
The Hadley Centre for Climate Prediction and Research – Information and reports on the scientific issues associated with Climate Change
Centre for International Climate and Environmental Research – Reports and information on Climate Change issues

Climate change

Climate change is the most significant environmental threat to face the modern world. During the last century, global temperatures climbed by an average of 0.6C, the largest increase in at least one thousands years.

Evaporation deficit (mm) Jan-Aug 2003, Netherlands © WaterWatch; Sunset over a National Nature Reserve. Paul Glendell/English Nature

On land, its impacts are already affecting our wildlife and countryside, and along our coasts, sea level rise and increased storminess are changing the landscape and threatening habitats.

Climate change will continue for at least 50 years even if all proposed life style, economic and political measures to mitigate change are implemented. It is crucial then, that we raise awareness of the need to adapt to climate change. Integrated responses need to be developed which enable the regions of Europe to adapt to the impacts of climate change and avoid exacerbating global warming.