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

simple as replacing light bulbs, powering
down equipment that can be
turned off when not in use or making
modifications to production line
processes. The cost of investing in
alternative sources of energy, such as
solar or wind technologies, may initially
be high but will translate into savings in
the medium to long-term.
� Use clean technology and sustainable
product sources. As with shifting to
alternative energy, the initial outlay for
newer, cleaner technologies can be
high, but they too generally translate
into savings in the medium to long-term.
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4.4.5 Advocating for
implementation of national
adaptation plans and sustainable
development policies
Citizens play an important role. UKOT citizens
and citizen organisations can call for
national climate change adaptation plans
to be developed and implemented. They
can promote the implementation of sustainable
development policies. Examples
of such policies include the designation
and proper management of protected
areas, the implementation of coastal zone
plans and compliance with development
planning regulations.
Chapter summary
Choosing not to address climate change and its impacts would be a false economy
for UKOTs. Although it is hard to say what the full impact of climate change on the territories
will be, it is already apparent that they will be adversely affected.
Addressing climate is, however, an opportunity for UKOTs to scale up existing measures
for dealing with natural hazards and to improve natural resource management
and physical planning processes. The inherent vulnerability that comes from their
small size makes them even more sensitive to climate change impacts. It is, therefore,
very important for UKOTs to take measures to shore up their structures to withstand
climate change (adaptation).
Even if they did not have to contend with climate change, adaptive measures would
make UKOTs better able to deal with the natural hazards that are part of the normal
climate variability, as well as the growing human-induced stresses on the environment.
Although they are not major producers of greenhouse gases, UKOTs can play
a role in helping to reduce the human impact on the climate system (mitigation).
Addressing climate change is everybody’s business. Governments have an important
role to play in setting the national agenda and putting in place the policies, programmes
and structures that make it possible for others to play their part in adaptation
and mitigation. It is important to have incentives in place that encourage early
appropriate action rather than promote remedial responses.
No contribution to the national effort to address climate change is too small. Businesses,
households and even individuals can take steps to make their property more
resilient to extreme weather, reduce their energy use and play their part in maintaining
a healthy environment.