Researchers have warned about the impact of ‘climate tipping points’ on the UK due to its position near the North Atlantic, as such an event could ‘wipe out’ domestic crop growing.
An assessment of climate threats to UK food security has put a spotlight on climate tipping points as a ‘severely overlooked danger’, a new report published today warns.
Researchers from the Institute of Public Policy Research (IPPR) and others point to the fact that climate change is already playing a significant role in several threats to UK national security, including food supply.
But they warn that the government has a ‘blind spot’, as major climate threats are not adequately addressed in its national risk register, while some threats – like climate tipping points – are not included at all…
Obviously that’s not good, but serious question: could we potentially grow more crops that are currently suited to warmer climates? Grapes, olives etc?
It’s the cost to transition, it’s different equipment such as tractors for vines are different from tractors for cereal crops, it’s the other facilities, field layouts, soil composition, training for the farmer that they will need support with. Plus picking fruit currently requires people in much larger numbers than harvesting traditional cereals.
With the bad weather we are getting for winter crops with the heavy rain ruining planting, climate change is already here for UK farmers. We have to do something, even if it’s just funding to improve drainage for those who can.
The real problem is the lack of appetite from government as it needs actual planning and money, something lacking so far.