A freedom of information request has disclosed that only 20 staff members, representing 0.3% of the workforce, are dedicated to climate adaptation within the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. This figure has drawn criticism from environmental campaigners and organizations concerned about the government’s preparedness for climate-related emergencies.
The climate change adaptation committee has warned that the UK is significantly lagging in its readiness for climate impacts driven by global heating. The committee projects that peak river flows could increase by up to 45% while daily water supply shortages may exceed 5 billion litres. Without adequate adaptation measures, the economic costs could range from 1% to 5% of UK GDP annually by 2050, translating to between £60 billion and £260 billion per year.
The disclosure comes as the country faces immediate climate challenges including record wildfire activity, extensive drought covering nearly three-quarters of the nation, and multiple heatwaves. Firefighters have reported 966 wildfires this year, with 458 occurring in July alone. Environmental organizations and the Fire Brigades Union have called for increased resources and staffing to address these crises, noting that the UK lacks dedicated aerial firefighting assets available to European counterparts.
Environmental groups including the Wildlife Trusts and Friends of the Earth have challenged the government to prioritize ecological restoration and climate adaptation in its first 100 days. They have also urged acceleration of the transition away from fossil fuels and rejection of new oil and gas developments. A Defra spokesperson responded that climate adaptation work is distributed across the department’s various functions and represents a key governmental priority, citing investments in reservoir construction and flood defense schemes totaling at least £10.5 billion through March 2036.
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