Climate change
Climate change refers to the concern that the world's activities are creating conditions in our atmosphere which are reducing the amount heat which would normally escape into space. This is causing an increase in the global temperatures on planet Earth. These increasing temperatures are resulting in global warming which has various consequences including melting the icecaps thus increasing sea levels around world and causing flooding in low lying areas.
The UK government department responsible for coordinating steps to minimise risks to the UK of rising global temperatures is the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
The minister, Caroline Spelman, has issued a 'wake-up call' for urgent action on climate change. She has produced a report assessing how well prepared the UK is for climate change.
The government have put particular emphasis on how the UK manages the natural environment, with a focus on critical areas such as water efficiency, biodiversity and food production.
Flooding risks
One important aspect for many in the UK is that of insurance for flood risks to property. Those houses build on flood plains and low-lying areas will have difficulties in getting insurance. According to DEFRA England has 5.2 million properties are at risk of flooding. Of these, 1.4 million are at risk from rivers or the sea, 2.8 million are at risk from surface water and 1 million are at risk from both.
It is also estimated that in the next 20 years, over 2000 homes are likely to be lost to coastal erosion with others being being put at risk.
The allocation for 2011/12 also covers maintenance of existing defences, developing flood forecasting technologies and heightening public awareness of flood risk.
The government expects to spend at least £2.1bn on flooding and coastal erosion over the next four years and improve protection for at least 145,000 homes.
These plans also involve expenditure on additional work to improve coastal flooding defensesp
References
DEFRA Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
ASC Reports - How well prepared is the UK for climate change - 16th September 2010
flood defence - 39 new flood and coastal defence projects