Experts say UK is ‘built for a climate that no longer exists’

WALES is being warned it cannot afford to wait to adapt to a changing climate, as high temperatures continue to affect communities across the country.

Climate experts and campaigners say Wales and the wider UK remain dangerously underprepared for worsening heatwaves, flooding, drought and pressure on food production.

The warning follows a major report by the Climate Change Committee, the UK’s independent climate advisory body, which states that the country is “built for a climate that no longer exists”.

The committee says climate change is already undermining the UK’s security and prosperity, with impacts expected to intensify rapidly over the coming decades unless urgent action is taken.

Bethan Sayed, Head of Politics at Climate Cymru, said: “The message is clear: Wales cannot afford to wait. We are already living with the impacts of a climate our infrastructure was never designed for, and things are only going to get worse.

“Our farmers are on the frontline, facing drought, flooding and growing uncertainty about what they can produce. At the same time, our towns and cities are not prepared for the levels of heat we are heading towards, putting lives at risk, especially among the most vulnerable.

“We know what needs to be done, from climate-resilient farming and water security to redesigning our communities to cope with heat and flooding.

“Across Wales, local groups are already taking action to try and protect themselves, but the question remains: will governments act with the urgency this moment demands?

“Delaying action will cost far more, in lives, livelihoods and public finances, than investing now to protect people and build resilience.”

The Climate Change Committee warns that by 2050 the UK could face significantly more extreme climate conditions.

Among the risks identified are up to 92% of homes overheating during severe heatwaves, river flows increasing by up to 45%, and summer droughts causing water shortages of more than five billion litres a day.

In Wales, many of those pressures are already being felt. Farmers are dealing with increasingly unpredictable weather, crop losses and rising costs, while communities face greater exposure to floods, heatwaves and water scarcity.

Campaigners say the issue is no longer only about cutting emissions, but also about preparing homes, public services, transport, farming and water systems for the climate impacts that are already locked in.

Despite growing evidence of the risks, adaptation efforts are not keeping pace with the scale of the challenge. Experts warn that without faster action, Wales risks avoidable damage to infrastructure, food systems, public health and local economies.

The committee says the UK must prepare for at least 2C of global heating by 2050, while recognising that 4C by the end of the century remains possible.

Climate Cymru said this means urgent, large-scale investment is needed across all sectors to protect people, strengthen communities and reduce the cost of future climate damage.

New analysis says the county’s net zero sector supports 1,600 jobs and accounts for 5.3% of local economic output

PEMBROKESHIRE has been named as one of Wales’ leading “net zero economy” hotspots, with new analysis suggesting the sector now supports around 1,600 jobs in the county.

The report, commissioned by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit and carried out with CBI Economics and The Data City, found that net zero-related industries contribute £4bn in Gross Value Added across Wales and support more than 41,300 jobs.

That represents 4.3% of Wales’ total economic output and 3.1% of employment.

Pembrokeshire was listed among the strongest-performing areas, alongside Wrexham, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Newport.

The county’s net zero economy was said to account for 5.3% of local GVA, with its position linked to emerging low-carbon infrastructure, including the consented 100MW green hydrogen facility at the Pembroke Net Zero Centre, battery storage projects, and local solar installation businesses.

Wrexham recorded the highest share of local economic activity supported by net zero industries, at 7%, followed by Pembrokeshire, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Newport.

Across Wales, the report found more than 1,300 businesses are now part of the net zero economy, with 87% of them classed as small or medium-sized firms. Around 15% have started up within the last five years.

The analysis also claims workers in the sector are highly productive, generating an average of £117,500 of value each — around 1.7 times the Welsh average. Average earnings in the sector were put at £39,812, around 11% higher than the Welsh industry average of £35,796.

Jobs identified in the report include energy generation, manufacturing, construction, engineering and professional services, with firms involved in solar panels, electric vehicle charging, renewable heating and low-carbon technologies.

Russell Greenslade, CBI Wales Director, said Wales had a major commercial opportunity because of its natural assets, advanced manufacturing base and established supply chains.

He said: “This new report underlines just how central the net zero economy is to our future prosperity.

“From onshore and offshore wind to carbon capture and emerging clean technologies, Wales can be at the forefront of the UK’s energy transition, with high-value, highly productive jobs created in every part of the country.

“The UK and Welsh Governments must now work in partnership with business to seize that opportunity. That means creating a stable, competitive business environment and investing in the skills that will enable Welsh workers to thrive in the energy transition.”

Peter Chalkley, Director of the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, said reaching net zero was not only about tackling climate change, but had become a major part of the Welsh economy.

He said Wales was part of a global race to build competitive clean industries, warning that jobs and livelihoods could be at risk if policy shifted and Wales fell behind.

The report also identifies a potential £13.1bn renewable energy generation infrastructure pipeline in Wales, representing 10.9GW of capacity, although it warns that not all of that pipeline is guaranteed to be built.

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens said the UK Government was putting Wales “at the heart” of its clean energy plans.

She said: “The UK Government is putting Wales at the heart of our clean energy mission, with £2.5 billion invested in new nuclear in Wylfa, and up to £64 million to support floating offshore wind in Port Talbot.

“We’re determined to go even further, including by speeding up the delivery of major clean energy infrastructure projects by protecting them from legal challenges and delays.

“That’s because the UK Government recognises the key role that the Welsh clean energy industry plays in boosting the country’s economic growth, securing our energy independence, bringing down household bills, and supporting over 40,000 jobs in Wales.”

The findings are likely to be closely watched in Pembrokeshire, where the future of heavy industry, the Haven Waterway, floating offshore wind, hydrogen and grid infrastructure are all central to long-term economic plans.

While supporters say the transition could bring skilled jobs and major investment, questions remain over planning, infrastructure, local benefit, and whether promised projects will be delivered at scale.

PUBLIC INVITED TO LETTERSTON EVENT HOSTED BY TRANSITION BRO GWAUN

A FREE public screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing is to be held at Letterston Memorial Hall on Friday, May 29.

The event, hosted by Transition Bro Gwaun, starts at 7:00pm, with doors opening at 6:30pm.

The screening will be introduced by Dr Sarah Beynon, of The Bug Farm, St Davids, and will be followed by a structured discussion on climate and nature risks and what they may mean for local communities.

The 50-minute film has been adapted from the National Emergency Briefing, held at Westminster Central Hall in November 2025, where more than 1,200 MPs, peers, business leaders, cultural figures, faith representatives, sports figures and media leaders gathered to hear from experts on climate and nature risks.

The briefing, introduced by Chris Packham CBE, examines the potential impact of climate and nature breakdown on food security, public health, infrastructure, the economy and national security.

Dr Beynon said: “We are in a biodiversity and climate emergency. We have destroyed over half of our wildlife. In my late father’s lifetime, we have destroyed 97% of our wildflower meadows.

“Over 80% of our habitats are in poor condition. Over 60% of our rivers are not in good health and one in five species is at risk of extinction.

“How do we want to leave this planet for future generations? Then ask yourself if you are prepared to act. If you are, the first step is to understand the issues facing us, and this film is a vital part of understanding the situation we are in so we can all step up and do something together.”

The People’s Emergency Briefing was launched nationwide in April and is now being screened in communities across the UK. Organisers say more than 300 showings have already taken place, with around 1,000 scheduled over the summer.

Further local screenings are also planned for Solva and Cardigan in June.

Transition Bro Gwaun said the Letterston event comes at a time when communities in Pembrokeshire are facing increasing pressure from severe weather, flooding, dry spells and wildfire risks.

November and December 2025 saw flooding affect many areas, with the Met Office confirming rainfall was more than 50% above average during that period.

The group said the event was not intended to be “doom and gloom”, but would also focus on practical and hopeful responses.

Henry Tufnell MP, Pembrokeshire county councillors and town and community councillors have been invited to attend.

Tom Latter, trustee at Transition Bro Gwaun, said: “TBG welcomes the opportunity to host one of many Emergency Briefing events around the UK, addressing the climate and nature crisis.

“Co-ordinated restorative action is urgently needed, and understanding of the urgency for honest commitment to resilience planning from all branches of society.”

Free tickets are available through Transition Bro Gwaun, and refreshments will be provided.