Summary
The Climate Change Act 2008 makes the UK the first country in the world to have a legally binding, long-term framework to cut carbon emissions. It also creates a framework for building the UK's ability to adapt to climate change. Part of the Act requires the Secretary of State to lay before Parliament a series of assessments of the risks posed to the UK by climate change, both presently and for future generations. This must be updated every five years, and the first of these was laid in Parliament in January 2012.
Framework
The framework for the UK’s first Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA) comprises eight stages:
- Identify problem and objective
- Establish decision-making criteria
- Assess risk
- Identify options
- Appraise options
- Make decisions
- Implement decisions
- Monitor and review.
Forest Research involvement
Forest Research was chosen as Sector Champion for forestry. Champions are required:
- To work with those involved in the stakeholder engagement activities to build good working relationships (taking advantage of and building upon existing networks) with relevant stakeholders in each sector
- To present the current “state-of-play” in each sector regarding climate change issues;
- To provide feedback to the core team regarding the proposed risk methodology and framework; and
- To review the application of the risk methodology and framework to each sector, ensuring relevance and effectiveness.
Deliverables
The first deliverable for this project has been an Early Issues Report (PDF-406K) highlighting main risks and current levels of understanding.
This was followed by the results of a survey of forestry stakeholder views on the main impacts and risks of climate change (PDF-662K).
A ‘Tier 2 report’ was prepared in conjunction with the main contractor. This involves further qualitative and quantitative analysis using a range of methods to gain a better understanding of risks both within and across sectors.
The final Forestry Sector Report (PDF-1880K) was published in January 2012. The Defra website supports access to the full range of reports from this project.
Status
The CCRA project began in October 2009, and will be concluded in 2012. Forest Research will begin to contribute to the development of the National Adaptation Programme, which follows on from the publication of the results of the CCRA.
Contact
For further information, please contact:
Prof. Andy Moffat
Centre for Forestry and Climate Change
Forest Research
Alice Holt Lodge
Farnham
Surrey
GU10 4LH
Tel: 01420 526202
Email: andy.moffat@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
