The University of Exeter at COP26: Climate Change Risk Assessment

The Third Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA3) outlines the severity of the climate emergency. This detailed report proves that measures to improve the UK’s resilience to climate change are failing to keep up with the effects of global warming. It aims to influence policymakers and inform change.

The assessment was led by the UK Government’s Independent advisors on climate control, the Climate Change Committee (CCC). This agency works to inform the UK, and other developed governments, on emissions targets, reporting to Parliament on the progress that has been made in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By sharing their evidence-based research, they are preparing for and adapting to the impacts of climate change.

Over 450 experts from 130 organisations were involved in the creation of the CCRA3. Professor Richard Betts MBE, a member of the University of Exeter’s Global Systems Institute and Head of Climate Impact Research at the Met Office Hadley Centre, took the lead on the detailed 1500-page CCRA3 Technical Report, a major component of the Independent Assessment.

This Technical Report accumulates the latest evidence, highlighting the dangers climate change poses to the UK. It has assigned an urgency score to over 60 risks and opportunities across every aspect of life in Britain. This includes threats to ecosystems, society, health, industries, and infrastructure, along with risks to the UK from climate change impacts developed from the rest of the world. Across the UK, nearly 60% of risks were allocated the highest urgency score.

The assessment also outlines the concerns around greenhouse gasses building up in the atmosphere. Without action, this could lead to the planet’s temperature increasing by 2°C to 4°C by the end of this century. The impact of which would be severe, affecting not just the UK but the whole world.

It is clear action needs to be taken. This analytic report will inform the Government’s third UK Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA3 Government Report) and the next UK and devolved National Adaptation Plans, in the hope to raise awareness around priority climate change risks and opportunities for the UK.

Professor Richard Betts will is speaking at several COP26 events, including: Climate Risk and Adaptation: How We Understand and Respond to Climate Change Hazards (8th November); and Climate adaptation: Through infrastructure risk resilience and governance – a global perspective (10th November).

If you wish to work with us or find out more about Richard’s work and expertise, please contact greenfutures@exeter.ac.uk.