South East England Development Agency (SEEDA)

Average global temperatures have risen by about 0.6 oC over the past 100 years. A large part of this cannot be explained solely by our understanding of the natural variability of the climate system. The climate of the UK as a whole and of South East England has also changed over this period. By the 2080s, the average annual temperature in much of the South East could be up to 4.5 oC higher than the 1961-1990 average - with Summer increases exceeding this. That is as large as the temperature rise from the last Ice Age to now.

Climate change during this century will affect the social, economic and environmental well-being of the South East. We need to develop integrated responses to reduce the risks and seize the opportunities.

The South East Climate Change Partnership (SECCP) was created by a range of public, private and voluntary sector organisations to investigate, inform and advise on the impacts of climate change on the region. SEEDA is a key player in the partnership.

Our mission is to investigate, inform and advise on the threats and opportunities arising from the impacts of climate change in South East England and to promote adaptive planning in the region. The partnership aims to:

• Identify the potential impacts of climate change;
• Raise awareness of the need to adapt to climate change as well as mitigate against it;
• Help to develop integrated responses which enable the region to adapt to the impacts and avoid exacerbating global warming;
• Identify any opportunities which could arise from climate change;
• Link with national and other regional organisations addressing related issues.

Further information can be accessed at: www.climatesoutheast.org.uk