Climate change threatens East Anglia

At a conference in London today (29 November) the NFU is making a call for a Minister to be put in charge of climate change with the power to co-ordinate different Government departments.  At the conference the NFU also released the results of a specially commissioned report on the effect of climate change on British agriculture. In the report horticulture is singled out as a likely casualty of the increased incidence of extreme weather. And The Fens of East Anglia are identified as being especially at risk from rising sea levels. According to the NFU, about 57% of grade 1 agricultural land lies below the five-metre contour, leaving it subject to flooding, inundation, erosion and salinisation of fresh water

 NFU President Tim Bennett identified four areas for action:

 1.      The appointment of a dedicated, cross-departmental government minister to co-ordinate climate change and energy policy.

 2.      Dedicated research into how farming can adapt to cope with climate change.

 3.      The utilisation of market mechanisms like renewable energy obligations and carbon trading systems to help farmers and growers substitute renewable energy sources for fossil fuels and reduce their carbon footprint.

 4.      Increased research and development in the area of energy efficiency.

Mr Bennett said: “It is clear from this document that urgent action is needed. It confirms that even in the short-term the impact of climate change on farming and growing will be profound. But there are holes in our knowledge that need to be filled. If we are to rise to the challenge of adapting to climate change and indeed capitalise on the opportunities then we need a much better idea of what is coming. A driving force is needed to encourage research into the right areas and to work across all aspects of industry and government to ensure that co-ordinated action is taken to combat global warming. We believe the government has a responsibility in this area and that a dedicated, cross-departmental minister must be appointed to take a lead.”

Mr Bennett continued, “British farmers, like everyone, have a vested interest in reducing the impact of climate change. Global warming will present a number of significant challenges to the industry with new diseases and pests to combat and increased competition for vital resources like water. Climactic volatility across the globe will make our role as food producers increasingly important and securing a domestic supply of high quality food will become paramount.”

 Click here for a copy of the NFU’s ‘Climate Change and Agriculture’ document.