COMMENTING on a new report published today that warns millions of people living near the coast of Scotland and the rest of the UK are likely to be hit by rising sea levels, erosion and storm surges, WWF Scotland’s director, Dr Richard Dixon, said:
“We are only seeing the first impacts of climate change, there is more to come and potentially much worse.
“Climate change will mean Scotland’s weather will become more extreme and more unpredictable.
“That means more floods, storms, droughts and even heatwaves. One area of greatest concern is the threat to coastal communities from climate change-induced flooding and storms, on top of higher sea levels.
“As with many environmental problems, this report correctly highlights the increased threat posed to the poorest and most disadvantaged in our society. It should act as a reminder politicians of the urgency with which we all must tackle the problem of climate change.
“Storms will combine with sea level rise to become a serious problem for coastal communities and not just in the west and the islands. There are also about 90,000 homes close to sea level around the coast which the government has identified as at risk, including areas along the Clyde, Forth and Tay.
“The best way to head off the worst danger is to reduce the emissions which cause climate change and we will look to all of Scotland’s political parties to tell us how they will deliver on Scotland’s tough climate targets during the election campaign.”
ends
NOTES TO EDITORS:
[1] Impacts of Climate Change on Disadvantaged UK Coastal Communities published by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation
http://www.jrf.org.uk/publications/impacts-climate-change-disadvantaged-uk-coastal-communities
More details from: Liz Hirst on 01904 615958 / 07929 363024
[2] Oxfam in Scotland are already working with the community on South Uist on adapting to climate change:
http://www.oxfam.org.uk/applications/blogs/scotland/2010/03/south_uist_locals_take_climate.html
MEDIA RELEASE posted by WWF Scotland. You too can post media releases (aka press releases) on allmediascotland.com. For more information, email here.
Contact: Lang Banks
Phone: 01350 728200
Website: http://www.wwfscotland.org.uk
