A new report has warned of the impact global warming will have on Britain.

Published today, the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs report says that depending upon the level of emissions, the British climate will become warmer by between two and 3.5 degrees by the year 2080.

Forum Response: Country Land and Business Association

Tanya Olmeda-Hodge, head of environment at the Country Land and Business Association, told ePolitix.com: "The CLA's ideas and proposals in our document 'Climate Change and the Rural Economy' have been well received by DEFRA but it is time to take them forward. If government can identify what is going to happen, then surely it is time to find solutions before it is too late.

"In terms of prevention, the CLA has proposed, among other things, a simple carbon accounting process which can be applied by all land managers to their land and will create an approximate picture of the carbon balance. This information will then raise awareness amongst land managers of where they can use energy and nutrients more efficiently. It could also be used as a method to reward farmers for increasing soil organic matter which would in turn reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

"As seasons suffer more dramatic weather extremes, especially concerning rainfall, our response must be well planned. Flash flooding is an increasingly regular problem and the CLA has been recommending washland schemes to reduce the impact for some.

"Such schemes involve incentivising land owners and farmers to allow land along natural flood plains to be used to 'soak up' the excess and protect settlements downstream from severe flood damage. Such areas could also qualify for other environmental schemes. It is possible and desirable to use land for such purposes so long as it is done profitably.

"These changes in climate are going to have significant effects on land managers - as they are literally on the front line of this issue. After researching how climate change could affect rural economy sectors, we believe that given the right policy framework land managers and rural businesses can play a significant role in the reductions of greenhouse gases and ensure that we have a vibrant living and working countryside for generations to come.

"There is much that land managers will have to do to adapt and help and support will be required from government."