Not Knowing Which Way the Wind Blows

Its advisory, cross-party Climate Change Committee (CCC), opines that the UK is 'strikingly unprepared' to deal with imminent global heating impacts. It says urgent action is needed to protect people; their homes and livelihoods from climate change-mediated disruptions. The CCC believes, however, that, in spite of the obvious urgency, the last 10 years have been largely wasted (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/mar/29/uk-strikingly-unprepared-impacts-climate-crisis). Priorities, the CCC say must include heat-proofing buildings and reducing water supply leaks. The latter are, of course, largely the responsibility of the UK's privatised water companies. For decades, they have focused on their profits rather than on fixing pipelines. Perhaps, a little gentle compulsion is needed? In addition, the UK needs to prepare to deal with increasing numbers of flash flood events. Extreme weather events will become more common and more intense. The UK will also face shortages of food and other imports, as climate change disrupts other countries (we have already seen this, with abrupt loss salad imports from Morocco). The CCC remind the government of the truism, that early preparation for dealing with challenges, is always more effective. Our leaders know, however, that there's always manana.