How could climate change in Kirklees?

Across the world, temperatures are likely to rise bringing more extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes, droughts and higher sea levels. Climate change may already be having an effect on our lives here in Kirklees, and could continue to do so into the future.

Here are a few examples of the effects caused by recent extreme weather events in the Kirklees area recently:

• Severe flooding in the summer of 2007.
• Drainage problems in the region as a result of increased rainfall.
• Storm and flooding damage to houses and businesses in parts of Kirklees.
• Storm damage to historic buildings and heritage sites in Kirklees.
• Heat waves in Kirklees reaching record highs in the summer of 2003.
• Higher risk of Moorland fires due to increasing summer temperatures.

Changes to the climate in Kirklees have, and will continue to have, an effect on many aspects of our lives. Here are a few more examples of what could happen:

• An increase in heat-related summer deaths and associated health problems.
• Water shortages could lead to reduced crop production.
• Intense rainfall and periods of drought would lead to soil damage and erosion.
• High temperatures can cause damage to road and rail infrastructure.
• Plant and animal species may be adversely affected.