United Kingdom: The National Trust has called on the UK Government to introduce climate resilience legislation to establish climate change adaptation as a legal requirement for public bodies.
In a new report, the trust said it is already experiencing first-hand the consequences of more frequent extreme weather events, such as drought, heavy rain, and wildfires, on its properties. They’re proposing a “Climate Resilience Act” to establish goals for dealing with higher temperatures and extreme weather. They emphasize the urgent need for focused attention on this matter.
The National Trust will release a significant report detailing its efforts in adaptation. This includes collaborations with landowners to control water flow from hills by restoring peatlands and planting trees. They’re also restoring river floodplains and reintroducing traditional roofing techniques for better protection of older buildings.
Mr. Patrick Begg, the outdoors and natural resources director at the National Trust, said that,”we’re at a point where we we need to raise a flag. We’re living the change. There are some serious, serious impacts happening.”
“The National Trust is a canary in the mine and every corner we look in is being affected by climate. Being resilient and thinking ahead has never been more needed. This report is drawing that line in the sand and saying this is the moment where we really need to respond properly,” Mr. Begg said.
“You don’t call lightly for legislation. I worry that political timeframes, electoral cycles – none of them lend themselves really well to coping with long-term adaptive change,” Mr. Begg added.
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