UK Climate Change

The evidence for climate change in the United Kingdom comes from weather records extending back over 350 years. From these, it is clear that the 1990's was the warmest decade in central England since records began in the 1660's. Coastal waters have also warmed, changing the distribution of important commercial fish species and other marine animals.

A number of other changes to the UK climate include:

• The growing season for plants in central England is now a month longer than it was in 1900
• Summer heatwaves are occurring more frequently, and in winter there are fewer frosts
• Compared with 50 years ago, we now get more rain and snow, and on fewer days – so they are even heavier
• Average sea level around the UK is now about 10cm higher than it was in 1900.

This information is taken from Climate Change Scenarios for the United Kingdom: the UKCIP02 Scientific Report.