In its latest report, Progress in preparing for climate change – 2019 Progress Report to Parliament, the Committee on Climate Change has found that “many national plans and policies still lack a basic acknowledgement of long-term climate change”.

The Committee has pointed out that England is currently unprepared for even a 2°C rise in global temperature, while the government has only delivered one of 25 critical policies to combat emissions.

Baroness Brown of Cambridge, Chair of the Committee’s Adaptation Committee, said: “The UK is not ready for the impacts of climate change, even at the minimum expected level of global warming. The government is not yet addressing adequately all of the climate risks it has itself identified as critical – including from surface water flooding and the impacts of high temperatures on health.

“As the UK prepares to host next year’s global climate summit, the government has a window to demonstrate its commitment to addressing these responsibilities. Citizens, homes, workplaces and critical infrastructure must be prepared for a future with unavoidable climate impacts. The effects of climate change are already being felt in the UK.”

As part of its report, the Committee on Climate Change has made an additional 12 recommendations to the government for action to meet emissions targets and prepare for climate change. These recommendations, and the full report, can be found here.