Reducing emissions and preparing for climate change: 2015 Progress Report to Parliament (UK)

This is the Climate Change Committee’s first report to the new UK Parliament and the first report under sections 36 and 59 of the Climate Change Act (2008), covering both progress towards meeting carbon budgets and progress on adaptation to climate change. It includes the CCC’s first ever statutory assessment of the UK’s National Adaptation Programme (NAP).

It assesses how the Government is addressing the increasing risks caused by past emissions. Some investment has been made in flood defences but the risk to some households continues to rise. In addition, higher temperatures pose risks to health and productivity that are not being properly addressed. Action will be needed in this Parliament to respond to these priorities. This report recommends a number of specific actions that would reduce emissions and help to address climate risks at low cost, while recognising fiscal and other constraints. It will also open up opportunities for new areas of economic growth, improved health and other benefits.