Make a Difference to Your Climate with the Met Office

Together Make a difference to your climate with the Met Ofﬁ ce Contents

Climate change is with us 01 What is climate change? 02 Top 10 climate facts 03 The science 04 The greenhouse effect Is climate change natural?

Is it really down to our CO2 emissions? 05 How do we know? Is there proof? The effects of climate change 06 The economic impacts 10 The economic costs 12 The hidden costs What can you do? 14 Can we still make a difference? 15 What, even me? Can we be sure? 16 How can we manage an uncertain future? Slow down or brake? How we can help 20 What’s the Met Office Hadley Centre? 22 What exactly do we do? How can we work together? Could we do even more? The topline 23 Act now! 24 Climate change is with us

Many people are now aware of the potential impacts of our changing climate. An increase of just one degree in average temperature, possible in the UK in the next 20 years, could lead to more flash floods and sea level rise.

The purpose of this guide is to set We can work with you to provide and climate, including the practical out what’s really happening and how general advice on the science of climate experience of helping our customers climate change will affect you. change and, more important, help you manage the impacts of the weather adapt. on the ground. We also have the Reducing (mitigating) and preparing business insight to minimise its economic for the effects of (adapting to) climate It could mean a changed approach impact on you and your organisation, change are high on the political, to insurance, air transport quotas and an impact which could be up to 20% of business and media agendas. Many investment in water resources. And that’s global Gross Domestic Product (GDP), organisations need to know how it just the start. according to the 2006 Stern Review on will affect them, their policies and the the Economics of Climate Change, if decisions they make today. Climate A world-leading authority on climate action is delayed. change predictions from the Met Office change we, at the Met Office, have the Hadley Centre are used by the UK expert knowledge and experience to For all organisations, making the right Government to make policy decisions guide you through. Uniquely, we have decisions about climate change impacts about mitigation and adaptation. world-class knowledge in both weather will safeguard success in the future.

Climate change is with us 01 What is climate change?

To understand climate change, it’s important to recognise the difference between weather and climate. Weather is the variation of temperature, precipitation and wind, which change hour by hour and day by day. The climate is the average weather and its variations across decades. Climate change is the long-term change in climate and is usually used in the context of man-made climate change.

02 What is climate change? TOP 10 Climate FACTS 1. 2. 3.

The world’s ten warmest years have Over the last 100 years, the global Since 1960, the mean temperature in occurred since 1995. mean temperature has risen by more central England has risen by around 1°C. than 0.7°C.

4. 5. 6.

During the European heatwave of 20–30% of assessed species are likely By the 2020s it is estimated that 75–250 August 2003 there were around 35,000 to be at increased risk of extinction million people in Africa will experience deaths due to the extreme heat. if the global mean temperature rises increased water shortages due to climate 1.5–2.5°C above 1990 levels. change. 7. 8. 9.

Arctic summer sea-ice cover has shrunk According to Oxfam there could be over Sea levels around the UK have risen by by around ¹⁄5 over the last 30 years. 150 million environmental refugees by about 10cm since 1900 and the rise in 2050, largely due to climate change. recent decades has been faster than previously observed. 10.

Floods in the UK during 2007 caused damage estimated at £3 billion. As our climate changes, heavy rainfall events are expected more often in the UK.

“The Met Office Hadley Centre has created an international reputation in climate modelling… they have the full range of measurements going back to 1864, so there is a long tradition there.” Professor Sir David King Planet Earth magazine Autumn 2006

What is climate change? 03 CASE STUDY 6 CASE STUDY 1 What the Met Office did Impacts on the energy industry

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Our research THE PROBLEM We provide health Climate change could have a serious impact on the forecasts to the National energy industry. National Grid, EDF Energy and E.ON-UK Health Service (NHS) and needed critical advice to understand and prepare for the at-risk groups whenever threats and opportunities ahead. heat poses a threat to human health.

Our findings As our climate changes, extreme heatwaves are expected OBJECTIVES to become more commonplace, including in the UK, with variation possible from one year to the next. 1. 2. 3. Our advice RISK IMPACT PLAN Studies have shown that a significant rise in heat-related Identify risks Assess the Predict future illnesses occurs when excessive and prioritise impact of changes in heat lasts more than two days. action. climate change demand for gas Our advice to the NHS means that across the and electricity. preventative measures can be industry. taken. CASE STUDY 1 CASE STUDY 6 What the Met Office did Impacts on public health

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OUR RESEARCH There’s more to We looked in detail at the ‘feeling under the high-level risks and other weather’ than most impacts of climate change on people realise. the generation, transmission, demand and supply of energy. This pioneering study led to further projects. DANGER The big picture For instance, heat can kill We are helping the energy industry by: by pushing the human body beyond its limits. 1. 2. 3. The detail DETAIL GUIDE RESPOND The Met Office helps healthcare Working on Agreeing the Ensuring professionals protect the most a follow-up way to set a targeted vulnerable to these effects, project to guidelines response to particularly the elderly and explore specific for the industry. the threats and very young. issues in detail. opportunities that emerge. 1. Sunlight passes through 2. Infrared Radiation (IR) is 3. But some IR is trapped the atmosphere and given off by the earth. Most by gases in the air and warms the earth. IR escapes to outer space this reduces the and cools the earth. cooling effect.

The greenhouse effect

The science The greenhouse effect Is climate change natural? The earth is warmed mainly by visible Clouds and greenhouse gases act as There is natural variability in the climate. light from the sun, which the earth’s filters and soak up some of the infrared UK summers can be hotter or cooler, surface radiates back into space as and heat, acting like a natural blanket winters colder or milder. These infrared radiation. Whereas most warming the earth. Without this variations may persist from year to year sunlight travels straight through the greenhouse effect, most of the sun’s or from decade to decade. But in the last atmosphere, much of the infrared heat would escape back into space century, our dependency on fossil fuels radiation is absorbed by atmospheric and the earth would be at least 30°C for energy and changes in agricultural gases (greenhouse gases) – principally cooler – too cold to sustain human practices have increased greenhouse water vapour and carbon dioxide (CO2). life. Human activities have increased gas concentrations in the atmosphere Some is then re-radiated back to the greenhouse gases and heat trapped in to well above natural levels, warming earth’s surface causing it to warm. the atmosphere to unprecedented levels the earth’s surface even further. As a

This is known as the greenhouse effect. and CO2 is the main contributor. result, by the middle of this century, with continued emissions, this warming effect is likely to be more marked than in the last 100,000 years.

04 What is climate change? IS IT REALLY DOWN TO How do we know? Is there proof?

OUR CO2 emissions? Scientists have studied the climate The IPCC was formed in 1988 by the In the last century we have seen and predicted its effects for many World Meteorological Organization the amount of CO2 rise to levels years. They see serious changes and the United Nations Environment unprecedented in the past 600,000 ahead. We, at the Met Office, Programme. Its task is to take all the years. Evidence shows that about half measure temperature changes via scientific research and draw together of the CO2 caused by human activity weather stations on land and ships, the worldwide authoritative consensus is still in the atmosphere (the rest is ocean buoys and satellites. Scientists on climate change. It involves hundreds dissolved in the oceans and absorbed by have also used data on the thickness of scientists around the world and the plants and soils). of tree rings, air bubbles trapped in Met Office is a major contributor. Its ice cores and ocean sediments to study latest report states that warming of climates before measurements were the planet is now unequivocal and available. indisputable.

The Met Office with the University of It also states that the scale and pattern of East Anglia also maintains and tracks recent changes in our climate can only the global mean temperature record, be explained if we include the effects of which is used in critical reports such as man-made greenhouse gases as well as the recent UN fourth assessment report natural causes. of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

What is climate change? 05 The effects of climate change

Global warming will lead to hotter, drier UK summers and warmer, wetter winters. Some will welcome these warmer temperatures. Lifestyles and employment patterns will change and some industries will benefit from the opportunities these bring. The potential boost for UK tourism, for instance, could create more jobs throughout the country. Conversely, an increased reliance on refrigeration and air conditioning systems could bring added costs and contribute to further global warming; while the severity and impacts of recent heatwaves, droughts and floods remind us of our vulnerability to extreme weather, even in developed countries.

06 The effects of climate change Extreme weather could be more frequent and dangerous. This may restrict imports of certain foods and other essential goods to the UK, boosting prices.

The severity of these effects will depend largely on the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere from now on, and how the climate responds. Global forecasts from the Met Office show the likely range of impacts we can expect:

+1°C

Some marine ecosystems suffer irreversible change. +2°C

Melting of Greenland ice-sheet may become irreversible. +3°C

Risk of significant loss of Amazon rainforest. Did you know? We are a major contributor to the work of the Intergovernmental Globally, few ecosystems can Panel on Climate adapt which could lead to further Change. damage to the climate system.

The effects of climate change 07 CASE STUDY 5 CASE STUDY 2 What the Met Office did Impacts on travel networks

Our research The problem This type of service had never been To help it plan ahead, the Rail Safety and Standards tried before for bluetongue. Board (RSSB) requested climate change information from the Met Office.

Our OPINION It was based on The big picture limited understanding Climate change could impact rail travel in many of how the disease different ways: spreads in relation to environmental conditions. SUMMER AUTUMN WINTER Heatwaves Changes to Heavy rainfall in summer. leaf-fall in in winter. Our advice autumn. Defra was keen to make the most of the service in its attempt The detail to recognise the Other extreme weather events such as high winds presence of bluetongue could lead to fallen trees on land and storm surges on and eliminate further the coast. spread. CASE STUDY 2 CASE STUDY 5 What the Met Office did Impacts on animal health

Our advice The PROBLEM Amongst other data, we provided the RSSB with details Bluetongue virus causes disease in cattle and on the changing marine climate. sheep. It relies on a vector (carrier) to spread.

Our findings included detail on: The big picture Traditionally found in Africa and parts of the Waves – where land, beaches and dunes are Mediterranean, since the late 1. worn away by water, which may threaten existing 1990s bluetongue has moved and planned railway lines close to the sea. considerably further north, helped by climate change.

Storm surges – where high winds push on the 2. ocean’s surface causing a rise in water, which The detail can flood railway lines and add to coastal erosion. In response to recent bluetongue outbreaks in Europe, a new predictive We helped the RSSB judge the long-term safety and service was tested by the Met viability of its coastal railway lines. Office for the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). “Climate change will affect all aspects of modern life, and only by working together – government, business, NGOs and individuals – will we be able to create a more sustainable world for future generations.” Sir John Bond Group Chairman HSBC Holdings Plc October 2006

Did you know? We are helping the Ministry of Defence with its operational and procurement plans relating to climate change.

08 The effects of climate change ENERGY WATER AGRICULTURE DEFENCE CONSTRUCTION TRavel tourism W EA E

XT Energy production Wetter winters, A single extreme Several overseas Buildings in the Increased Thunderstorms,

REME and use are more frequent weather event, areas of strategic UK will have to temperatures, snow, fog, strong T

HER sensitive to storms and sea such as a flood importance to the withstand more wind, rain and winds, wind changes in the level rise will or heatwave, UK will be among extreme weather storminess will shear and icing all climate and the increase flood risk can exert major the worst affected — increased have a big effect affect airports and more extreme in the UK damage to crop by more extreme temperatures, on road and rail airlines and hamper weather expected yields weather and rain, wind and networks in the UK international travel as a result climate change storminess Tem H igh Hotter UK summers Cities built of Higher year-round The performance Construction and Air-conditioning Warmer weather will increase the dark materials temperatures could and lifespan of other outdoor will become may increase the p

era demand for air- absorb the sun’s allow new crops to military equipment workers will be increasingly attractiveness of conditioning, while rays causing flourish in the UK. will be affected by more vulnerable to important in cars the UK as a holiday t ure s power cables will temperatures and However, diseases climate change — heat stress caused and on public destination need de-rating water demand and pests could particularly hotter by increased transport as UK more frequently to rise survive milder UK temperatures temperatures, temperatures soar winters humidity and in the summer exposure to the sun o Dr Many power Frequent droughts Longer droughts With 50% of the Droughts Prolonged high Visitors may stations use water will exacerbate could reduce world’s drinking complicate temperatures can encounter limited ugh from rivers to cool current pressure UK crop yield or water extracted land-disturbing cause road surfaces access to or even their turbines — on water demand, increase demand from rivers, flow activities due to the to melt and railway closure of some t less water will be supply and quality for irrigation, but across borders dryness of the soil lines to buckle, places, especially available and its — including in will hit resource- increases the risk — vegetation and creating delays and land which is temperature will be the UK vulnerable of international mulching conserve disruption closed at times of higher countries the conflict water and act as increased fire risk hardest vital stabilisers Fl In the UK, many With 7,500 miles of More heavy rain Key military The location of Coastal roads Floods are one oods power stations are coastline, flooding and the increased bases in the UK building projects, and railways are of the most situated on the may occur in the risk of flooding may may suffer from drainage and threatened with destructive coast, so will need UK where it hasn’t wash out crops in sea-level rise and flood resilient wetter UK winters, consequences of to account for sea- before the UK coastal erosion and construction will greater storminess, climate change and level rise in their will be expensive to be increasingly coastal erosion and can affect areas plans relocate important in the UK sea-level rise dependent on tourism, destroying livelihoods i U s

rban hea rban Urban heat islands Fewer trees and Urbanisation The poorer health On hot days, city Summer Air pollutants from lan — where cities are plants to cool and industrial of city dwellers — temperatures can temperatures road traffic, power much warmer than buildings and development e.g. due to the link be 2–6°C warmer can reach stations, industry ds their surroundings intercept solar see arable land between pollution — reflective roof uncomfortable and homes are — are responsible radiation increases replaced by and asthma — will coverings and light- levels on public more concentrated

t for 5–10% of air- water demand concrete, reducing reduce the number coloured building transport systems in the world’s cities

conditioning use in large cities, food supplies and of people qualified materials can help in UK cities and are and can harm in the UK especially in hot increasing city to serve in the UK combat this effect set to continue human health and weather temperatures military the environment

The effects of climate change 09 The economic impacts The Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change (pub. October 2006), to which we contributed, gives a comprehensive independent assessment of the economic impacts of our changing climate. It also shows how to deal with it through mitigation and adaptation, from an international perspective. Its main conclusion is that we need to invest 1% of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) every year to mitigate the effects of climate change. Doing nothing could reduce global GDP by as much as 20%.

10 The economic impacts The economic impacts 11 CASE STUDY 4 CASE STUDY 3 What the Met Office did Impacts of rising water levels in the Thames

Thames barrier

London

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Our research Our findings Coastal floods can be one We looked at different We predicted that, of the most destructive scenarios, including one by 2100, storm surge natural hazards. with continuing high heights may increase

Thames Barrier London protected from storm surge

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Our research THE PROBLEM With the Environment Agency and others, we simulated Rising sea-levels are a flood in the Thames Estuary. Despite the extremely predicted as a result NUCLEAR POWER testing conditions of a high tide and a storm surge, of climate change. STATIONS the flood defences proved too strong to be affected.

Our models THE BIG PICTURE Separately, we modelled the In the UK, many power average sea level in a changing stations are situated on climate and predicted the intensity the coast, so will need and frequency of storm surges. to account for rising sea-levels in their plans.

Our advice These studies for British Energy (BE) asked the Environment the Met Office to assess Agency will inform the impact of climate future design change on its nuclear improvements to the sites across the UK. Thames Barrier. The economic costs The hidden costs −−Extreme weather could reduce global Climate change will affect the GDP by up to 1%. basic elements of life for people around the world – access to water, −−A 2–3°C rise in temperature could food production, health and the reduce global economic output by 3%. environment. Every single country will be affected, but perhaps not all −−If temperatures rise by 5°C, up to 10% adversely. of global output could be lost with the poorest countries losing Taking advantage of changes in more than that. our climate will, however, require investment so the poorest countries −−In the worst case scenario, global and populations – already the most consumption per head would fall vulnerable to climate change – are likely by 20%. to suffer earliest and most, even though they have contributed less to the causes. −−To reduce climate change to a manageable level, carbon emissions The Met Office is working to better need to be stabilised in the next understand these effects and has 20 years and fall between 1% and undertaken a number of studies on 3% after that – this would cost the impacts of climate change on the 1% of global GDP. developing world.

Although developed countries may be able to adapt to some of the direct impacts of climate change, there will also be indirect effects on, for example, international trade or global security, which could have a profound effect on the economics and stability of many countries.

Did you know? Energy companies have sought our advice on generation, transmission, demand and supply issues, and the risk of sea-level rises, in relation to climate change.

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Variations of the earth’s surface temperature: 1900 to 2100 (relative to 1980–1999)

“I am writing to express my great thanks for the tremendous help that you and your team have given to our Review over the past year. The Met Office Hadley Centre has been invaluable in helping us build a rigorous scientific basis for our analysis.” Sir Nicholas Stern FBA Head of The Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change October 2006

The economic impacts 13 What can you do?

The earlier action is taken on climate change, the more effective it will be. Evidence shows that ignoring climate change will eventually damage economic growth. Mitigation, though, is an investment to avoid the risks of very severe consequences in the future. If we invest wisely, the costs will be more manageable and there could be a wide range of opportunities for growth and development along the way.

14 What can you do? Did you know? The Department for Transport needs to change its infrastructure to avoid melting road surfaces, buckling railway lines and subsequent disruption in hot weather.

Can we still make What, even me? a difference? Yes, every single action counts. In a word, yes. Some climate changes Every reduction in greenhouse gas can’t be reversed, but if we act now we emissions, however small, no matter can decrease the risk of big changes in where it is, makes a difference by not the second half of this century. Further adding to the risk. The Met Office can changes depend on how well we help people and organisations adapt to mitigate against the causes from now climate change by providing timely and on. In the meantime, we must develop relevant climate projections and risk our resilience to existing climate assessments. This could turn necessity change and extreme weather. into opportunity. Planning now could mean profits later. Every organisation needs to ensure it has an in-depth understanding of the likely future impacts of climate change on its policies and business aims. Leading organisations in the climate change era will have made careful risk and opportunity assessments and adjusted the decisions made today to enable success tomorrow.

What can you do? 15 CASE STUDY 3 CASE STUDY 4 What the Met Office did Impacts on coastal power stations

Thames Barrier London protected from storm surge

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Thames barrier

London

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CO2 emissions. dramatically. THE BIG PICTURE Climate change could increase the risk of Up to Up to flooding along the 7,500 miles of UK 1.7m 0.9m coastline. at Sizewell, the most at Hinkley Point, the least The detail affected site. affected site. The Environment Agency wanted to know whether the Thames Barrier, designed to withstand a 1 in 1,000-year weather Our advice event, could cope with Based on our advice, BE is developing a long-term a storm surge from the strategy for these sites and its new build projects. North Sea. Can we be sure? How can we manage an Slow down or brake? We use low, medium and high-risk uncertain future? Tackling climate change is a bit like scenarios to estimate future climate Our short range weather forecasts are learning to drive and asking, change. The climate system is extremely very accurate but, longer term, there “To slow down, should I take my foot complex though so there are still are inherent uncertainties in the off the accelerator or use the brake?” processes that we don’t fully understand. weather and climate forcasting models. In fact, you need to do both. The full For example, scientists are fairly certain By understanding these uncertainties effect of past carbon emissions on our about future temperatures but it’s we can make climate predictions for climate has yet to be realised. Even with harder to predict sea level rise. At the decades ahead which can help you large cuts in emissions we’ll still need to moment, the annual average global make informed decisions about the adapt to some level of climate change. sea level is predicted to rise anywhere future. The trade-off between mitigation and between 9 and 69cm by 2080; adaptation is that the less we mitigate, possibly more if ice sheets are less We are working hard to bridge gaps in the more we and future generations stable than expected. the research and see the relationship will need to adapt. There are many between climate change and regional ways you can do both. weather systems to help you in your area. For instance, 2005 saw the coldest winter of a decade in Europe, while 2006 was the warmest year on record in the UK.

However, for many organisations the degree of certainty within the next few decades is sufficient to warrant taking detailed guidance and direction on climate change impacts from us. Those who take this first step will be better prepared for the range of climate change effects on their sector, region, or policy area.

We’re also working to reduce uncertainty by building in the best possible estimates of uncertainties in global and regional weather patterns, using advanced technology. As we discover more about climate change and options for mitigation and adaptation at local, regional and global level, we’ll equip you with the latest and best information.

16 What can you do? Did you know? We are working closely with the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs and its agencies on marine issues, flood risk, water use, air quality and animal health, each connected to climate change.

“Humanity is incredibly innovative. We have the capacity to solve the problem of climate change; the only issue is whether we as individuals, governments and businesses have the courage to act together to do what needs to be done. The stakes could not be higher.” James Murdoch Chief Executive BSkyB September 2006

What can you do? 17 “The thing that will make the biggest difference is if you get the investment in the science and the technology.” Tony Blair then Prime Minister Environmental Audit Committee February 2007

18 What can you do? Did you know? The Department of Health has sought our help in predicting the impact on human health of extreme weather, such as heatwaves, to help protect the most vulnerable.

What can you do? 19 CASE STUDY 2 CASE STUDY 5 What the Met Office did Impacts on animal health

Storm surges – where high winds push on the 2. ocean’s surface causing a rise in water, which The detail can flood railway lines and add to coastal erosion. In response to recent bluetongue outbreaks in Europe, a new predictive We helped the RSSB judge the long-term safety and service was tested by the Met viability of its coastal railway lines. Office for the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). CASE STUDY 5 CASE STUDY 2 What the Met Office did Impacts on travel networks

Here, at the Met Office, we offer some of the best climate change advice in the world. We play a major role in limiting the problem by continuing to study its causes and effects and by helping you understand the science behind mitigation and adaptation. The results of decisions to protect environments, societies, economies and businesses today may last decades or even centuries so it’s important that we work together to get it right.

20 How we can help “Going green is not some fashionable, pain-free option. It will place a responsibility on business. It will place a responsibility on all of us. That is the point. Tackling climate change is our social responsibility – to the next generation.” David Cameron Conservative Party Leader October 2006

Did you know? We provided the scientific risk assessments that underpin the Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change (pub. October 2006).

How we can help 21 What’s the Met Office How CAN we work Hadley Centre? TOGETHER? The Met Office Hadley Centre leads Our highly-skilled consultants work the way in modelling climate change. closely with our scientists to interpret Funded jointly by the Department for the best weather and climate information Environment Food and Rural Affairs and give you the advantage of tailored (Defra) and the Ministry of Defence advice when you need it. We can (MoD), it guides the UK Government on provide detailed risk and opportunity climate change issues and can translate assessments to inform your major its science into in-depth advice that is decisions through to a complete meaningful and relevant to your review of your day-to-day and future circumstances. operations. As well as climate predictions for the next decade and What exactly do we do? beyond, our forecasters also work By studying it, our scientists can identify around the clock to predict shorter term who and where are likely to be affected weather impacts. by climate change, when and to what extent. Our research is world-class and We provide forecasts for the next hour, global in coverage. Run on powerful day, five days or ten and up to nine supercomputers, our sophisticated months in advance, advising on the climate models include detail on all the likelihood, for example, of a colder or main components, including processes milder winter ahead. This will become in the atmosphere, on land and in the increasingly important as global ocean. We interpret these predictions temperatures rise, bringing more and share our knowledge and expertise regional changes in seasons, rainfall in international fora to consolidate the and wind patterns and potentially more global effort required. extreme, severe and intense weather.

Could we do even more? Yes, we want to look in greater detail at regional effects and variability, the likelihood of extreme weather and rapid climate change. As the cost of mitigating and adapting to climate change is so significant, central government and regional planners work with us to ensure that action taken is informed by the very best research and advice.

That’s why Defra and MoD have funded the Met Office Hadley Centre in a 5-year climate research programme which will deliver a stream of cutting- edge climate change science and advice. As our knowledge increases on the challenges and opportunities posed by our changing climate, we will further define our advice and direction on the investment required to inform your decisions.

22 How we can help The topline 1. 2. 3.

We’re dedicated to reducing business We listen to government and business We’re at the cutting edge of climate and society’s exposure to and risks and understand the way you work. science and weather advice. We’ll show from climate change. We can enable We offer the best climate change you new discoveries relevant to your you to make the best-informed advice there is and tailor it specifically organisation and policy area. strategic and operational decisions. to your needs.

4. 5.

We lead the world in developing We are working hard to make and providing risk-based forecasts our forecasts essential to everyone, from days to decades ahead. We’ll help every day. you maximise safety and profit while minimising risks and losses.

How we can help 23 CASE STUDY 1 CASE STUDY 6 What the Met Office did Impacts on public health

Sweating

Hot Dehydrated

Healthy Exhausted

Dead Heat stroke

Critically ill

OUR RESEARCH There’s more to We looked in detail at the ‘feeling under the high-level risks and other weather’ than most impacts of climate change on people realise. the generation, transmission, demand and supply of energy. This pioneering study led to further projects. DANGER The big picture For instance, heat can kill We are helping the energy industry by: by pushing the human body beyond its limits. 1. 2. 3. The detail DETAIL GUIDE RESPOND The Met Office helps healthcare Working on Agreeing the Ensuring professionals protect the most a follow-up way to set a targeted vulnerable to these effects, project to guidelines response to particularly the elderly and explore specific for the industry. the threats and very young. issues in detail. opportunities that emerge. CASE STUDY 6 CASE STUDY 1 What the Met Office did Impacts on the energy industry

Sweating

Hot Dehydrated

Healthy Exhausted

Dead Heat stroke

Critically ill

For more help and guidance on how weather and climate change could affect you, call us on 0870 900 0100 or email [email protected]

We’re here 24 hours a day.

24 Act now! Did you know? Our research informs the UK Climate Impacts Programme on how climate change will impact at regional and national levels in the UK. Met Offi ce Tel: 0870 900 0100 Produced by the Met Offi ce FitzRoy Road, Exeter Fax: 0870 900 5050 © Crown copyright 2007 06/0328 Devon, EX1 3PB enquiries@metoffi ce.gov.uk Met Office and the Met Offi ce logo United Kingdom www.metoffi ce.gov.uk are registered trademarks