Urgent action is required to protect the infrastructure which the national economy relies upon from the effects of climate change, Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman warned today.
Planning and design will need to take into account the impact which more extreme weather will have on essential services such as transport networks and power supplies, otherwise the economy could suffer.
Speaking at Blackfriars Station in London, which is under-going extensive reconstruction work, Mrs. Spelman said:
“Our economy is built on effective transport and communications networks and reliable energy and water supplies. But the economy cannot grow if there are repeated power failures, or goods cannot be transported because roads are flooded and railways have buckled, or if intense rainfall or high temperatures disrupt Wi-Fi signals.
“£200bn is expected to be invested in the UK’s infrastructure over the next five years. But if the facilities which support our society cannot cope with floods, droughts, or freezing winters then that money will have been wasted.”
The stark message was delivered at the publication of “Climate Resilient Infrastructure”, a cross government report which outlines the challenges to the transport, energy, water and ICT sectors. The report also sets out what action needs to be taken by infrastructure owners and operators, regulators, insurers and Government.
