The Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA) presents the latest evidence on the risks and opportunities of climate change for the UK to 2100. For the first time, it provides a national overview of potential risks based primarily on the UK Climate Projections, which were published by Defra in 2009. Its findings, particularly related to those risks that require early action, will inform the development of adaptation plans by the UK Government and the Devolved Administrations.

This report draws together and presents evidence from individual CCRA sector reports, other studies commissioned by the project and recent research literature. The findings are presented for a range of possible future scenarios, including different levels of population growth, with an indication of our overall confidence in the results and areas where there are significant evidence gaps. Further research is needed on how global changes in climate may affect the UK and how climate, social and economic changes influence the ‘risk landscape.’ At the same time continued and improved monitoring of climate risks and adaptation outcomes are needed to support decision making. (DEFRA 2012: The UK Climate Change Risk Assessment 2012: Evidence Report.)