ABI Climate Change Manifesto

by Gill Montia

Story link: ABI Climate Change Manifesto

The Association of British Insurers (ABI ) has developed proposals aimed at urging the Government to develop a workable climate change strategy.

The Climate Change Adaptation manifesto outlines strategic solutions and action needed to manage the expected increase in adverse weather conditions.

Despite current measures to reduce carbon emissions, weather damage is expected to worsen over the coming 40 years because of past emissions and the ABI believes that the Government should use the Climate Change Bill and Comprehensive Spending Review to outline an effective climate risk management strategy.

Key measures that the ABI would like to see in place by 2011 include an investment of at least £750m a year in flood defences (this represents a 10% annual increase on current levels).

It is also recommending that buildings such as hospitals and schools should be designed to accommodate the expected change in climate up to 2050, as should regeneration projects. At the same time steps should be taken to protect energy supplies against severe weather.

In the report, the ABI argues that the Government should treat adaptation measures as seriously as the need to reduce emissions.