We need to prepare and adapt to the changing climate so that we are ready for the impacts on our homes, businesses, civil infrastructure and health that will arise from the effects of climate change. The climate will continue to change even if emissions are reduced to zero in the near future.
Higher temperatures, rising sea levels and more frequent, more intense storms are likely to lead to greater damage to property, utility networks, travel and communications infrastructure and interruptions to business supply chains. Furthermore, health and social care requirements and the way other public services are delivered are likely to change.
Planning ahead is more likely to lead to cost-effective adaptation than responding to changes as and when they happen