Water is biggest UK risk
UK water supplies are near their limits and are most at risk from climate change, according to the second assessment report from the Committee on Climate Change's adaptation group.
The group's report says that, although only 8% of water resource zones in England are currently at risk of falling short of demand during a severe drought, this could increase to around 45% by 2035 without remedial action.
The committee reports that water companies have not yet made any specific investment in climate adaptation to tackle potential shortfalls in water supply. Delay in investment could lead to higher costs in the future or increased risks of water shortages.
The report recommends embedding climate risks more fully into decision-making as, at the moment, there is no evidence that they are fully incorporated into some major strategic decisions.