Changing Preston climate shows ‘definite’ need for action

Rising temperatures in Lancashire and the wider UK show the ‘definite’ need for immediate action.

Those are the conclusions from Preston City Council and the Met Office after the publication of The State of UK Climate report by the Royal Meteorological Society.

That report, which used data extending back to the 19th Century, concluded that 2023 was the second hottest year on record for the UK – with only 2022 warmer.

Read more: New podcast for Preston launches – introducing The Parched Pea Podcast

Extreme temperatures are on the rise, with the number of hot days (28C or more) more than doubling in both the UK and in Lancashire specifically. The number of very hot days (32C) has more than trebled – although they are still rare events in Lancashire.

The report also concluded that rainfall with five of the ten wettest years since 1836 happening since 2000 and 2023 showing the highest tides on record.

Mike Kendon, Met Office climate scientist, said: “Our new analysis of these observations really shines a light on the fastest changing aspects of our weather as a consequence of climate change. Long term averages can be difficult for people to relate to, but what we are showing here is the notable change in frequencies of extreme weather that can have a real impact on people’s lives.

“2023 was another year of interesting and at times significant weather. From the UK’s record warmest June by a wide margin, to a significant September heatwave and the most active start to the storm naming season culminating in serious flooding problems in the autumn, it was another year of typically varied weather. But underlying this natural variability is a continuing and increasing influence of climate change which is influencing the weather we experience.”

The increase in extreme weather brings challenges for infrastructure, health and wellbeing. The analysis from the report concludes – as is broadly accepted within the scientific community – that the increases in temperature are most affected by human-induced climate change.

Preston’s place in combatting climate change is a small part of a vast jigsaw but Preston City Council says it is committed to making the city carbon neutral by 2030.

As part of this, Preston City Council organized the Preston People’s Climate Jury with support from the UK’s Shared Prosperity Fund. This aimed to gather a broad spectrum of views and opinions from within the community to make recommendations about tangible changes in the city. One of the conclusions was that “we must act and we must act now.”

Among the recommendations to be made was to retrofit old housing stock, improve live information for public transport to make it a viable alternative and to provide more ongoing updates on the state of the climate in Preston. A Preston Climate Festival was also discussed to increase awareness and engagement surrounding the issue.

Councilor Carol Henshaw, Cabinet Member for Climate Change at Preston City Council, said: “The recent Met Office report is very concerning and shows a definite need for action. Preston City Council set a goal in 2019 to make Preston carbon neutral by 2030 and whilst we are developing our climate action plan, we have certainly not been idle. Preston Council is already supporting several initiatives across the city to make it more resilient to the effects of climate change.

“We have invested £1.2M of UK Government funding into climate action. This is being used on a variety of projects including supporting Cozy Homes In Lancashire to improve the homes of those on a low income or in fuel poverty. By making their homes healthier and more energy efficient, the carbon output is lower.

“Funding support is also in place to assist Preston businesses to decarbonise along with support for businesses developing low carbon technologies; and a community tree planting program is also underway.

“Earlier in the year we established the Preston People’s Climate Jury where a representative group of residents from the city worked together with experts and after a six-week period put forward their recommendations on how to drive action on climate change across the city. Our officers will be working with organizations from across the city to support those recommendations.

“The advancing a shared economy in Preston program is supporting Community Energy Preston who are working with local colleges to produce more renewable energy in the city and facilitating local, community owned renewable energy generation.

“We are committed to implementing our climate action plan and achieving our goal.”

Subscribe: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox.

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines