More skills capacity needed for UK drought response



In response to the announcement from the Environment Agency that they have convened the National Drought Group, because of recent dry weather and in preparation for potential drought, IEMA's Director of Policy and External Affairs, Martin Baxter, said:

“The climate emergency means we will face an increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events which the UK is less prepared to respond to.

“Environment and sustainability professionals work all year round to take action to limit global warming, and to reduce vulnerability to society and the environment, but we must make sure they are provided with the climate adaptation skills they need to enhance our resilience.

“It’s critical that government, industry and civil society work together closely to ensure a coherent approach to water management and drought mitigation.”

Photo of Tom P
Tom Pashby

Digital Journalist, IEMA

Tom Pashby is a Digital Journalist at IEMA, working alongside the Head of Media Abigail Simmons, and the Senior Media Officer Tim Farmer.

Alongside their work for IEMA, Tom is currently studying part-time for an NCTJ Diploma in Journalism with PA Training, and freelances as a writer and editor. They have written about the climate emergency, LGBTQIA+ rights and the UK constitution for publications including the Times, the i newspaper, Metro, PinkNews and the Ecologist.