Country

United Kingdom

Explore historical and projected climate data, climate data by sector, impacts, key vulnerabilities and what adaptation measures are being taken. Explore the overview for a general context of how climate change is affecting United Kingdom.

Country Context

The United Kingdom lies between latitude 49º and 61ºN and longitude 8º and 2ºW in the north western part of Europe. The total population of the UK was estimated to be 65.6 million in mid-2016, with over 83% living in urban areas. The UK economy is dominated by the service sector (79% of GDP), which has been the driver of growth in recent years. In 2015, the UK had a GDP of $2.9 trillion. The UK’s economic performance in the latter half of 2016 following the EU referendum was robust, consumers remained resilient, and investment was largely unaffected. Over 2016 as a whole the UK economy grew by 1.8%, the 2nd fastest growth in the G7. During the first quarter of 2017 there was a slowdown in economic activity, as the Pound’s depreciation and rising inflation weighed on consumer expenditure. The UK’s climate is maritime, moist and temperate, with a moderate annual temperature range. Average annual precipitation in the UK typically ranges from approximately 800 mm to 1,400 mm. The UK climate is heavily influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf Stream/North Atlantic Drift which brings warm water into high northern latitudes (Seventh National Communication, 2017). The UK submitted its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) as an EU Member State in 2015.

Country level data at a glance

Climate Data

Historical Trends

The section provides access to historical climate datasets for both temperature and precipitation from 1900 to 2016.

Projected Trends

The section provides access to future climate datasets for both temperature and precipitation and their statistical derivatives for various timeframes and emission scenarios from 2020 to 2099.

The section provides access to future climate datasets for both temperature and precipitation and their statistical derivatives for various timeframes and emission scenarios from 2020 to 2099.

Climate by Sector

This section contains information from multiple climate indicators and indices relevant for key economic sectors. Simple narratives can help you interpret and extract summaries of potential climate change impacts at the sector level.

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Vulnerability

This section allows you to explore the susceptibility of livelihoods and natural systems to impacts from climate variability and change and facilitate the exploration of socioeconomic and development data and its relationships with natural hazards vulnerable areas.

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Impacts

This section allows you to explore the climate information from multiple climate indicators and present them with simple, embedded interpretation for an informative, high-level summary of the potential for future climate change impacts on key socioeconomic sectors.

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Adaptation

This section helps you grasp key national adaptation policies and reports, explore options for key sectors, and understand current adaptation gaps and needs for enhanced climate smart planning.

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