Climate Change effects us! :: Wessex Scene Online

Climate Change effects us!

5th March 2008
Kieran Kelly

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Environmental experts have warned that Hampshire faces greater economic and environmental consequences from climate change, than most other parts of the U.K.

Southampton’s coastal location means that it faces increased levels of risk from rising sea levels and flooding. The news has provoked particular concern given that Southampton, Eastleigh and Winchester all have joint sewers and water drain systems, which are unable to cope with sudden downpours of excess water. The research carried out by Dr Pam Berry, has raised concerns that the catastrophic floods seen last summer in Hull, Doncaster and Sheffield, could soon be witnessed in Hampshire.

Southampton City Council has responded to the threat, by pledging to take the necessary measures to make Hampshire adjust and adapt to the inevitable effects of climate change. Environmental Futures Manager, Christine Seaward said: "All local authorities are going to have to look very carefully at how we are going to adjust to climate change, we are all on the front line." The Council will look at how the region can reduce its carbon emissions, exploring the possibility of initiatives to promote the use of public transport, low energy light bulbs and identify where energy is being wasted.

Environmental groups such as The South-East Climate Change Partnership believe that Hampshire is already seeing the effects of climate change, with rising average temperatures, milder/wetter winters and hotter summers. Spokeswoman Heather Buttivant sees the move as an exercise of damage limitation: "Whatever we do to reduce carbon emissions, we will see the effects of climate change over the next 50 years." Current estimates indicate that by 2050, Hampshire’s average annual temperature will have increased between 1.6–3.4 degrees Celsius, giving it a climate comparable to southern France. Sea levels are expected to rise 54cm during the same period.

The message coming from Southampton City Council and environmental groups, has been to reinforce the message of the reality and inevitability of climate change and remind everyone of their own responsibilities in reducing emissions to limit its effects.