Growing concern as further evidence shows climate change is impacting the UK

Laura Tobin explains more about the recent paper released regarding the state of the UK climate
Today the annual “State of the UK Climate 2020″ report has been published by the Royal Meteorological Society. It gives a summary of the UK weather and climate through 2020 and puts into context how it compares to our climate records. It shows that climate change is already being felt across the UK.

2020 was third warmest, fifth wettest and eighth sunniest on record for the UK. It’s the first year that all three (rainfall, temperature and sunshine) have been in the top ten in the same year.

2020 will be remembered for many other notable events:

Temperatures
Rainfall

Sunshine

Sea level rise

Sea surface temperatures

Prof Liz Bentley, Chief Executive of the Royal Meteorological Society, said “We recognise the importance of this annual report, published in our International Journal of Climatology, for climate monitoring and collating observations in the UK. This rich legacy of observational data in the UK, stretching as far back as the 17th century, is extremely valuable for ongoing work in climate science, highlighting our changing climate in the UK and our understanding of climate trends, variations and extremes.”

“Publishing this data and updates to the trends in an international, peer reviewed journal offers scrutiny and validation of the work, ensures there is a permanent record of the report and increases the reach of this important work that can be cited in other scientific studies. The report can help to update government, businesses, scientists and the public about changes in our climate and the impacts. I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank the authors who compiled this report.”

All of these changes to our weather and climate impacts us but also nature, wildlife and biodiversity.
It’s depressing what we are finding but to understand it and communicate is rewarding.

The most important thing is to understand what will happen to the climate in the future. That’s why this is so important, to know what is happening right now in the UK climate. It shows that out climate is changing right now, climate change is on our doorstep.

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