Traditional fare in the South East of England could change beyond recognition within 50 years if opportunities to lessen the impacts of climate change are not taken now, according to a booklet released today.
Overall, buckled rail lines, parched golf courses, disappearing wildlife and freak weather delivering alternating flood and drought could be part of a dramatically changed way of life illustrated in the booklet which delivers a stark but simple wake-up message: If you love England, act now to save what makes it special.
Without action, by people and government, everything from food and drink to fishing, sport to gardening and house prices to hedgehogs could undergo some form of change. The booklet raises awareness of what hotter drier summers, water shortages, flash floods and storms would mean to the region, notably for agriculture and horticulture.
‘Our changing climate, our changing lives - South East’ is produced by Tomorrow’s England, a coalition of 11 organisations ranging from the National Trust to the National Federation of Women’s Institutes, and from the Woodland Trust to WWF-UK.
It comes with a toolkit to help people communicate the reality of climate change and inspire everyone to take action. A copy of the booklet is available on a new web , together with key reports which have influenced coalition thinking and downloadable images from the report.
Local spuds, rhubarb crumble, roast beef and fish and chips; all could in some way face supply threats or rising prices as a result of climate change and altered farming and growing practices to suit rising temperatures.
Food and drink prices would certainly escalate, as rising oil prices inevitably raised the price of oil-based fertilisers used in cultivation.
Farmers could be forced to switch from traditional potatoes and grain to new crops, such as sunflowers, soya, even olives and figs. With water demand in the region due to rise by 11% by 2030, the quintessential vegetable plot would also face new challenges.
Climate shift could be also bad news for the soft fruit industry with its high water-consuming crops and their extreme weather susceptibility.
Polytunnels would proliferate to help growers of strawberries, blackcurrants and gooseberries short term, but even tunnels would only work as long as temperatures did not become too high.
Cider makers could enjoy initial bumper harvests, suggests the report, but thereafter see a rapid decline to a day when apple orchards are a thing of the past as warmer winters prevent blossom buds setting.
Conversely the English wine industry could flourish. There are already more than 60 vineyards regionally, with numbers set to soar alongside rising temperatures. French champagne producers are already turning their attention to the south east to produce sparkling wine as climate change adversely affects their own vineyards.
Ed Pomfret, head of campaigns at the Woodland Trust, said: “Climate change is already having a profound effect on the natural environment, including irreplaceable habitats like ancient woodland, raising life changing implications for us all.”
“This is a valuable document which not only presents a snapshot of how that might affect everyday life, but also provides ideas for what we can do as individuals to make a real difference.”
WWF-UK head of campaigns Colin Butfield added: “An increase in average global temperature of more than two degrees centigrade will have catastrophic results for our planet. Closer to home, the way we travel to work, the sports we play, our health, and our environment could all be affected by shifting weather patterns,” explains Colin.
“It is also essential for the government to take a lead now with action to reduce our carbon emissions by including the 80% target for CO2 reduction by 2050 in the Climate Change Bill, currently being debated in Parliament.”
Andrea Davies, senior campaigner at the Council to Protect Rural England, commented: “The changes which will alter the appearance of so many of our cherished landscapes in the South East are a wake-up call. Climate change presents us with huge challenges, but there are also opportunities for everyone to take action at a personal and a local level to reduce the impacts now and for generations to come.”
Colin Butfield added: ““We are already witnessing changes in our climate in the South East, along with every other part of the country. Such severe scenarios could be lessened as we still have the power to make changes for the better. The impact of homes on the environment can easily be decreased, for instance, with new developments built to high eco-standards and renewable energy playing an increasing role in providing our energy needs.” |
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