Key facts
- Only 20 out of 6,600 staff at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) are dedicated to climate adaptation.
- This staffing level represents 0.3% of Defra's total workforce.
- The UK faces increasing risks from heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires due to climate breakdown.
- The Climate Change Adaptation Committee has warned of significant economic costs if the UK fails to adapt.
- Environmental groups are calling for increased funding and staffing for climate adaptation and a faster transition to clean energy.
Just 20 staff members within the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) are currently working on climate adaptation, a figure representing a mere 0.3% of the department's total workforce of 6,613. This revelation comes amid a severe heatwave, widespread wildfires, and drought across the UK, prompting warnings from the Climate Change Adaptation Committee that the nation is significantly unprepared for the escalating impacts of global heating.
The committee has cautioned that peak river flows could rise by up to 45% and water supply shortfalls may exceed 5 billion liters daily. Failure to adapt could result in annual economic costs ranging from 1% to 5% of UK GDP by 2050, equating to £60 billion to £260 billion.
Environmental writer Guy Shrubsole, who secured the data through a freedom of information request, criticized the government's response, stating, "England is desperately unprepared for the impacts of the climate crisis, and these shocking figures show how few officials are working on the problem at the top of government." He urged the new environment secretary, Angela Eagle, to seize the current moment of extreme weather to substantially increase staffing and funding for climate adaptation.
Environmental NGOs, including the Wildlife Trusts, are challenging the government to reset its approach to environmental emergencies. They advocate for recognizing ecological restoration as crucial for national security and public health. Friends of the Earth's head of policy, Mike Childs, emphasized the growing climate crisis and the risks posed by heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires. He called on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to address the climate emergency and prioritize strengthening community protection plans, while also urging a faster transition to clean energy and an end to new oil and gas developments.
Firefighters are currently battling a record number of wildfires, with 966 incidents reported this year, including 458 in July alone. The Fire Brigades Union general secretary, Steve Wright, is advocating for the recruitment of 5,000 additional firefighters, deeming it a national priority. The UK also faces a deficit in specialized aerial firefighting equipment compared to other European nations.
In response to the extreme heat, Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced he would chair an emergency Cobra meeting. Temperatures are forecast to reach 33C, with a potential high of 38C on Thursday.