Monday 25 February 2008

"An increase in average global temperature of more than two degrees centigrade will have catastrophic results for our planet. Closer to home, the way we travel to work, the sports we play, our health, and our environment could all be affected by shifting weather patterns," explained Colin Butfield, Head of Campaigns at WWF-UK.

Buckled rail lines, parched golf courses, disappearing wildlife and freak weather delivering alternating flood and drought could be part of a dramatically changed way of life illustrated in the booklet which delivers a stark but simple message: If you love England, act now to save what makes it special.

The booklet called Our Changing Climate, Our Changing Lives - South East is produced by Tomorrow's England, a coalition of 11 organisations including the National Trust, the National Federation of Women's Institutes, the Woodland Trust and WWF-UK.

Toolkit provides solutions
The booklet raises awareness of what hotter drier summers, water shortages, flash floods and storms would mean to the region. It comes with a toolkit to help people communicate the reality of climate change and inspire everyone to take action.

"The changes which will alter the appearance of so many of our cherished landscapes in the South East are a wake-up call. Climate change presents us with huge challenges, but there are also opportunities for everyone to take action at a personal and a local level to reduce the impacts now and for generations to come," said Andrea Davies, Senior Campaigner at the Council for the Protection of Rural England.

The reality of climate change in the South East

Flash floods and storm surges are set to increase as the climate changes; this will particularly affect the low-lying South East, impacting on thousands of homes and businesses. Water demand in the region is due to rise by 11% by 2030, and water will become more scarce and expensive. Hosepipe bans are likely to become permanent in many places.

More than two thirds of land in the South East is farmed with traditional crops such as potatoes, apples and strawberries. Warmer weather could see this landscape altered with the introduction of figs, soya and even olives, suggests the report.

Other effects include effects to plants and gardeners: by 2050 favourites like delphiniums and lupins could be replaced by pomegranates, citrus fruits and apricots.

Hot spells could cause chaos on the roads as road surfaces suffer. On the trains, speed restrictions from buckled and fractured rails or trackside fires would become the norm but frozen points would be a thing of the past.

"We are already witnessing changes in our climate in the South East, along with every other part of the country. Such severe scenarios could be lessened as we still have the power to make changes for the better. The impact of homes on the environment can easily be decreased, for instance, with new developments built to high eco-standards and renewable energy playing an increasing role in providing our energy needs," Colin Butfield explained.