EA to advise on climate-change adaptation

The Environment Agency (EA) will be responsible for advising businesses and local authorities on preparing for climate change from September 2011, Defra has announced.

The agency will receive an additional £2 million of funding to take over the delivery of practical guidance to help organisations and communities cope with the increased risk of severe weather and flooding, which is currently provided by the UK Climate Impacts Programme (UKCIP).

Chris Smith, chair of the EA, said: “These extra responsibilities enable us to build on the work we already do to tackle flooding and coastal erosion and manage precious water resources, water quality, wildlife and habitats.”