Climate Change in Suffolk
The recent UK Climate Projections 09 study predicts that by 2080 the East of England may experience:
- 3.6 ºC increase in average summer temperature
- 20% increase in winter rainfall leading to increased flooding
- 20% decrease in summer rainfall leading to summertime droughts and impacts on crop yields
- increase in relative sea level rise e.g. 37cm in Southwold by 2080
At a local level, the future implications of these climate projections could include:
- Increases in heat-related deaths and admissions with acute heat stress in summer months and other sun exposure disorders (e.g. skin cancer)
- Increased coastal and flood-plain flood events leading to damage to property and disruption to economic activity
- Water shortages
- Permanent coastal land loss leading to longer term relocation of coastal communities inland
- Higher incidence of damage to transportation, utilities and communications infrastructure caused by an increase in the number of extreme weather events (e.g. heat, high winds and flooding)
- A longer growing season
- Decreased crop yields
- Increase in tourism to Suffolk
A study was carried out on the impact of past extreme weather events on Suffolk to enable us to plan better for the future. Read the Suffolk LCLIP for further information.
But how does this impact us in Suffolk? To find out more download the report below
Climate Change - What Risk to Suffolk
I know about reducing my carbon footprint, but how can we adapt to climate change?
Climate change has implications for everyone as shown by the recent extreme weather events in the UK and we need to be more prepared for the future. Climate adaptation is about thinking ahead. Is your project / building / service going to be in existence in 15 years time or more? If so, it needs to be able to cope with extreme weather events.
- For communities it is about taking action to become more resilient to the consequences of a changing climate.
- For local authorities this challenge is set against the need to continue to provide high quality services across the county.
- For businesses it is to ensure that economic sustainability and security of supply chains are maintained
Suffolk Climate Change Partnership Team
The Suffolk Climate Change Partnership consists of Suffolk’s local authorities and the Environment Agency, working together locally with a number of other organisations including University Campus Suffolk and Groundwork East of England. We have a shared interest in supporting Suffolk’s communities, businesses and residents to reduce carbon emissions, realise the economic benefits of reducing energy consumption and adapt in advance to the future impacts of climate change.
To see what we do, please take a look at our latest Annual Review 2011
- If you represent a community group and want to know how we can support you with talks and to find grants for projects you may wish to complete, our Communities Advisor may be able to help.
- If you are a small or medium-sized enterprise and would like to know how we can help you reduce your resource use and costs, why not get in touch with our Environmental Business Advisor service?
- If you would like information on energy reduction measures you can take, please call our Climate & Energy Helpline on 0800 02 88 938.
