Adapting to an uncertain climate

With the Climate Change Bill reaching its report stage in the Lords and shortly beginning its passage through the Commons, the Woodland Trust has called for a renewed emphasis on adaptation.

Sir Nicholas Stern demonstrated that adapting to climate change is not only a moral obligation but an economic imperative. And in their report, the Joint Committee on the draft Climate Change Bill endorsed the need for the adaptation section to be strengthened.

The Trust believes that helping the natural environment adapt is central to the provision of key life support services. By making our natural systems more resilient and creating robust habitats, both wildlife and humankind will benefit.

Society derives many services from a healthy natural environment including flood relief, healthy soils, enhanced water quality, and carbon sinks. It is vital that these be protected.

Whilst the Bill as it stands contains a strengthened adaptation section, a number of amendments that would have built on this were rejected during the Lords committee stage. In particular the Trust believes that there is a need:

a) For 'adaptation' to be defined on the face of the Bill in the form of the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) definition which is: 'Adjustment in natural and human systems in response to actual and potential climatic stimuli and their effects, which mutually moderates harm and exploits beneficial opportunities'.

b) To ensure that the secretary of state-led adaptation programme should further adaptation through a sustainable economy, good governance, and sound science.

c) For public bodies to be required to further sustainable development.

d) To guarantee independent scrutiny of government and public bodies when carrying out their duties in the Bill.

e) For a clear reporting cycle on adaptation, with annual reports made to Parliament, a mid-term review of progress and independent scrutiny of the programme.

Given the increasing recognition that policy solutions must enable the natural environment to adapt to climatic change, the Trust urges the government to pick up the baton and strengthen the relevant section of the Bill.