UK climate change adaptation funding slashed

The UK government has nearly halved its spending on preparing the country for the increasing effects of climate change. Figures that have been released under the freedom of information act show that since Owen Paterson, environment secretary took office, the amount of money that goes into to preparing for global warming impacts - such as increased flooding - has been dramatically slashed.

Annual spending on climate change defence between 2012 and 2013 reached £29.1 million, a stark contrast to the £17.2 million that was spent in 2013 to 2014. Not only did the amount of funding rapidly decrease in 2013, but the number of people employed to deal with the issue of climate change and what it could mean for the UK, fell from 38 to just six in May 2013.

The Department of Environment, Food, and rural Affairs (Defra) uses the adaptation funding to develop new ways that droughts, floods and heat waves - which are expected results of increased global warming - can be dealt with in order to protect the country and its citizens. The funding had increased under Caroline Spelman, the previous environment secretary, but was reduced by 41 per cent when she was replaced by Mr Paterson in September 2012.

Some of the funding is also used to develop ways that could lead to a reduction in the amount or carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that are emitted within the UK. However, the lead on dealing with preventing climate change is taken by the Department of Energy.

Bob Ward, policy director at the London School of Economics' Grantham Research Institute, told the Independent on Sunday: "These shocking figures should worry everyone in the UK. Defra is the lead government department for climate change adaptation and is primarily responsible for making the UK resilient to the impacts of global warming, such as increased flood risk."

The revealed cuts to funding follow on from Mr Paterson saying in September 2013 that climate change could be a positive thing, as global warming would see a reduction in the number of deaths that occur in winter and help to extend the seasons in which crops are grown.