Climate change in the UK
Climate change is not only about distant places. In the UK it shows up as hotter summers, heavier downpours, flooding, coastal erosion and pressure on food prices and insurance.
Hotter, more intense summers
In July 2022 the UK passed 40 degrees Celsius for the first time in records, something previously considered very unlikely in the British climate. Hotter summers raise risks for health, transport and infrastructure that were built for a cooler norm.
Heavier downpours
A warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture, which loads the dice towards heavier bursts of rain. That raises the risk of surface and river flooding in a country with a lot of building on flood-prone land.
Knock-on pressures
Rising seas add to coastal erosion and flood risk around the UK\'s long coastline. Beyond the weather, the UK is exposed through global supply chains: disruption to harvests and trade abroad feeds through to food prices and insurance costs at home.
What this does not mean
None of this means every hot day or storm in the UK is caused by climate change. Weather still varies naturally. The point is that the odds and intensity of certain events are shifting.
Frequently asked
Through hotter summers, heavier rainfall and flooding, coastal erosion, and pressure on food prices and insurance via global supply chains.
Yes. In July 2022 the UK exceeded 40 degrees Celsius for the first time in records.
No. Weather still varies naturally, but climate change is shifting the odds and intensity of extreme heat.