Climate change in the UKOTs an overview of the ... - JNCC - Defra

play their filtering role that reduces the
amount of land-based run-off and
debris that enters the seas. They are
also less effective in protecting the
coastal zone from storm surges and
wave action.
� Maintain and protect coral reefs. Pollution
from activities on land – improper
waste disposal and run-off from
farming and industry – affects the
health of coral reefs, as do activities in
the sea. In addition to reducing the
land-based sources of reef stress, it is
important to ensure that commercial
(fishing) and recreational (scuba
diving, snorkelling and swimming)
activities do not contribute to damaging
reefs.
� Avoid unsustainable farming practices.
The misuse and over-use of pesticides
and fertilizers, over-cultivation on marginal
lands, and inappropriate farming
techniques on hillsides all contribute to
soil erosion and soil loss. Some of this
soil ends up in inland water bodies
Beach clean-up in Anguilla.
Credit: Anguilla National Trust
(rivers, lakes, ponds); some makes its
way to the marine environment. Pollution
of water sources reduces the
amount of fresh water that is available
for domestic and commercial use. In
drought-prone areas, this could lead to
competition over a scarce resource.
4.4.4 Improving business practices
Understanding both the need and the
opportunities for adaptation to climate
change is fast becoming an essential
requirement of both governments and the
private sector of vulnerable countries and
makes good business sense. No matter
how big or how small, businesses can also
do their bit to tackle climate change.
� Manage risk. As extreme weather
events and intense natural hazards
increasingly become a part of life in
some UKOTs, businesses of all sizes
will have to look carefully at their exposure
to risk and take proactive measures
to reduce it. This could mean
taking steps to secure equipment, vital
records, and buildings during cyclones
or taking measures to ensure consistency
of adequate water supplies
during periods of shortage. Reducing
risk also means adhering to building
codes, complying with environmental
regulations and legislation and not
taking short cuts. Much can be done at
the design stage to minimise risk, from
choices about building materials to
where to site buildings and even architectural
features.
� Increase energy efficiency and use
renewable energy sources. Businesses
in UKOTs are not likely to face a cap on
their emissions any time soon, but the
savings that come from increased
energy efficiency and from replacing
fossil fuels with alternative sources of
energy will make a difference to their
bottom line in the medium to long-term.
Increasing energy efficiency can be as
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