Compelling new scientific evidence from the UK suggests that the UK climate would change significantly as a result of climate change. A report published today in the UK demonstrates that:

• On our current pathway average summer temperature in England by the 2080s would be about 3-4 degrees higher, with summer highs 4 - 5.5 degrees more than they are currently. For the south-east of England this would mean average summer daily highs of 24-26 degrees. This is higher than the temperatures experienced during the heatwave of 2003 - which led to 35,000 excess deaths across Europe - emphasising the risks of climate change.
  

• At the same time average summer rainfall in the south east of England is projected to decrease by 22 percent by the 2080s. In contrast winter rainfall in the north west of England is projected to increase by 16 per cent.
  

• The Projections show that we are locked into a climate trajectory for the next 30 years. Under all emissions scenarios average summer temperatures rise by 2-3 degrees, summer rainfall in the South East falls by up to around 13-18% and winter rainfall in the north west increases by 8-13%.

Hilary Benn, British Environment Secretary

"There is no doubt about it - climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing the world today. Never before have we such strong scientific evidence that shows that we not only need to tackle the causes of climate change but that we must also deal with the consequences".

Ed Miliband, Energy and Climate Change Secretary

"The science is pushing us harder than ever towards an ambitious global deal in Copenhagen this December. These projections add to the overwhelming body of scientific evidence that says mankind must cut carbon emissions now to prevent a future of extreme weather patterns which could endanger plants, animals and sea life and affect the way we live and work.

Now is the time to act. The UK has set an example to the world by committing to an 80% target on emissions reductions by 2050. We are well placed to achieve this and are determined to seize the opportunities presented by the shift to low carbon. We need all other countries to be part of a global deal on climate change."