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In the UK

© Daniel SprawsonAn increase in winter rainfall (with associated flooding risks) and a decrease in summer rainfall is already being witnessed. This trend is expected to continue along with increased occurrences of extreme summer temperatures creating serious drought conditions.

The predicted sea level rises in our region are more severe than the average sea level rise, especially in the Thames Estuary and southern North Sea.

Although global warming will increase average global temperatures, some regions will actually get colder as a result of the complex interaction of atmosphere and marine systems.

The Gulf Stream transports vast amounts of warm water from the Gulf of Mexico up to Northern Europe, which is the only reason the UK enjoys such a relatively mild climate. There is already evidence of a reduction in flow of the Gulf Stream, probably due to the increasing levels of fresh water in the Atlantic from melting ice sheets, and the models predict a possible flow reduction by about 20%, which could make us increasingly vulnerable to extreme winters.

Gulf Stream dynamics aside, there is certain to be vast economic and quality of life costs from changes to our own climate.

It is clear that around the world, biomes, habitats and ecosystems are at real risk of being profoundly disrupted. They are critical for the survival of wildlife and provide humans with many services we are either unaware of or else take for granted. Their loss will increase flooding, soil loss and ultimately render large parts of the planet unsuitable for agriculture, with massive destabilising economic and welfare ramifications.