Climate change risks to infrastructure. The UK's transport system, energy and communications networks, and water infrast
Climate change risks to infrastructure Committee on Climate Change
The UK’s transport system, energy and communications networks, and water infrastructure are at risk from the impacts of climate change. Action is needed to prepare for increased flooding, sea level rise and more powerful storms.
UK Climate 2017 Change Risk Assessment
THE UK’S INFRASTRUCTURE IN NUMBERS
1.7 billion
400,000
railway journeys are made every year
kilometres of roads
Data centres occupy
3.5 million
square metres
25,000 kilometres of high-voltage power lines
CLIMATE-RELATED RISKS TO PREPARE FOR… HIGHER TEMPERATURE EXTREMES
FLOODING AND EROSION More infrastructure assets will be at high risk of flooding due to heavier rainfall and rising sea levels.
CL
Railways, roads, telecommunication and electricity networks will be more vulnerable to heat extremes.
TE CHA N GE RIS A K IM
S
INFRASTRUCTURE NETWORKS RELY ON EACH OTHER…
…SO DISRUPTIONS TO ONE HAVE AN IMPACT ON OTHERS
TO U
As weather extremes increase, heavier rainfall could cause more rail embankment failures.
K INFR STUC TU A
RE
More powerful storms could increase disruption to transport networks and overhead power and communication cables.
