December’s Extreme Weather Highlights Impact of Climate Change

Commenting on a new study which shows that man-made climate change made December’s record UK rainfall 50-75% more likely, Marylyn Haines-Evans, Vice Chair and Chair of Public Affairs Committee at the National Federation of Women’s Institutes said that there was ‘no time to lose’ in tackling climate change. “The recent flooding has been devastating for everyone affected, and has unfortunately followed many other similar events across the country over recent years,” she said.

“Climate change and its impact on future generations are real and growing concerns for members with 58% of WI members most concerned about the challenges that future generations will face as a result of climate change, and 76% believing that action to tackle this issue cannot wait.

“There really is no time to lose. We need strong leadership to protect against climate change for future generations before it is too late.”

Richard Black, Director of the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) highlighted the importance of research into the attribution of climate change on extreme weather events

“The emerging science of attribution is one of the most exciting developments in the climate change field,” he said.

“Only a few years ago scientists had to make do with saying things like ’this or that weather event is consistent with what we’d expect’ – but now, increasingly, it’s possible to determine whether climate change is increasing the risks of particular weather events, and by how much.

“That in turn gives policymakers the economic rationale they need to justify emission reduction programmes, as well as increasing the chances of legal action in future if decision-makers don’t act on the science.”