Potential impacts of climate change

Topic

Impact

Critical national infrastructure

- Vulnerability to flooding, storms and extreme heat

- Increased risk of summer water shortages and water quality problems 

- Less risk of disruption to transport from snow or fog but increased pressure on infrastructure due to heat and changing rainfall patterns

Healthcare

- Reduced winter mortality

- More heat-related heath problems

- Increased opportunities for outdoor sports

Natural environment

- Terrestrial and marine biology some species and habitats gained while native species lost

- Damage to ecosystems services, e.g. rivers or reduced quality in soil

- Loss of carbon storage in peat soils

Land based economy

- Potential to grow new crops

- Reduced yields for some existing crops and increased / different pests and disease

- Forestry increased productivity but also potential risk of drought

Wider economy

- Risk of damage to historic buildings

- Changing consumer demand and new markets

- New financial products needed to manage risks

- Tourism and leisure increase