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When we think about the impacts of climate change, we initially think that this could mean we have longer and much warmer summers here in the UK, some may also think about the increased severity of storms, droughts etc. However not many people realise the full effects. We perhaps don’t consider the increased risk of modern slavery, biodiversity loss, food and water supply, rising sea levels, coastal erosion and the impact of climate change against the cost of living and forced displacement.
Over the coming weeks we will be exploring each of the major impacts below in more depth through our series of climate change articles.
- Warming Temperatures
As greenhouse gas concentrations are rising the global surface temperature increases. 2011 – 2020 was the warmest decade on record and since the 1980s, each decade has been warmer than the previous one. Globally, we’re experiencing warmer days and heat waves whilst higher temperatures have contributed to the increase in heat-related illnesses. Due to warming temperatures and climates, wildfires are beginning to become common whilst the temperatures in the Artic are warming twice as fast vs the global average and causing oceans to rise.
- Severe Storm and Weather Events
Across the globe, frequent and destructive storms have intensified in many regions. As temperatures rise, moisture evaporates and intensifying extreme rainfall leading to flooding and destructive storms.
- Increased drought
Whilst some parts of the world are experiencing severe storms and floods, other parts including the UK, are increasingly seeing droughts and hosepipe bans. Climate change is exacerbating water shortages in already water-stressed regions. On the other hand, deserts are expanding, reducing land for food growth and people are under threat of not having enough clean water on a regular basis.
- Warming and rising oceans
Over the past several decades, greenhouse gases have trapped energy from the sun, and as a result oceans are absorbing more heat and become warmer.. As oceans warm their volumes increase and water expands. Melting ice sheets have caused sea levels to rise, threatening coastal and island communities. Whilst oceans absorbs carbon dioxide therefore keeping carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, carbon dioxide is ultimately causing oceans to become more acidic and endangering marine life and coral reefs.
- Loss of species
Climate change poses huge risks to both land and oceans, and due to increased temperatures the world is losing species at a rate of 1,000x greater than at any point in recorded history. 1 million species are at risk of becoming extinct within the next few decades through forest fires, extreme weather events and invasive pests and diseases all due to climate change. A report by IUCN documents that the first reported mammal to go extinct as a direct result of climate change is the Bramble Cay Melomys (Melomys Rubicola) and whilst some species will be able to relocate and survive, others will not.
- Food crisis
Increased changes to climate change due to extreme weather events are a contributing reason behind global rise in hunger, poor nutrition and food costs increasing. Fisheries, crops and livestock are being destroyed or becoming less productive. Whilst oceans become more acidic, marine life that feeds billions of people are at risk, the Artic region have disrupted food suppliers. Climate change is also a leading cause of heat stress that diminish water and grasslands for grazing livestock and therefore a decline in crop yields.
- Increased health risks
Climate change is the single largest health threat facing humanity. Climate change impacts are already harming the health of billions through air pollution, disease, extreme weather events, forced displacement, mental health concerns and increased hunger and poor nutrition for those living in poverty. Year on year, environmental factors take the lives of 13 million people.
- Poverty and displacement
Through floods and extreme weather events, poverty and displacement has increased. Floods have swept through and destroyed communities, demolishing homes and livelihoods. Between 2010 – 2019, weather-related events have displaced an estimated 23.1 million people annually, leaving many more vulnerable to poverty and the risk of being entrapped into slavery. Most refugees come from countries that are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
The UK Government can be the lever for change if we want to address climate change with urgency. If we change how the public sector procure their goods, works and services. The Procurement Bill 2022 is an opportunity to do this if we amend the Bill to enshrine legally binding environmental and climate obligations. To do this, we’re urging our candidates, customers, partners and the wider procurement community to sign the petition: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/621955
