New climate web site urges businesses to prepare for the worst

Businesses environmental policies may be focused on avoiding the worst effects of global warming by curbing carbon emissions, but the government has today warned organisations that they will also have to develop new approaches to cope with a level of climate change that is now unavoidable.

Speaking at the launch of a new web site designed to offer firms advice on how to adapt to changing climate, climate change minister Joan Ruddock said that alongside measures to cut emissions, the UK needed to step up its climate adaptation efforts.

"Our climate is changing [and] we need to future proof our buildings and public spaces against this as much as possible," she said. "We'll need good design that works with the environment rather than against it, creating buildings that stay cool in the heat and deal with water that will be in short supply in summer and pouring into the drains during heavy storms."

She added that the new web site would provide a "one-stop-shop" for businesses and other organisations seeking to adapt to the changing climate.

It is to feature a range of resources, including projections on how the climate will change, information on the best practices, technologies and design principles that can be embraced to help aid adaptation, and examples of those adaptation projects and buildings that are already in place.

Ruddock said that some "visionary climate-resistant" buildings were beginning to emerge, featuring innovations such as reinforced foundations designed to cope with shrinking soil, permeable paving for absorbing heavy rainfall, improved rain water storage and greater flood resistance.

But she added that more builders and designers now needed to embrace these innovations and begin factoring climate change into their plans.