The centre of government needs to support the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to drive climate adaptation progress across government, advisers to Keir Starmer have said.
The Council for Science and Technology, the prime minister’s independent advisers on cross-government science and technology policy issues, has made a series of recommendations focused on "leadership required from the centre of government" in a letter sent on 28 October but published on Monday.
The advisers said their recommendations aim to support the government to deliver "Labour’s manifesto commitment to achieve sustainable growth and improve resilience through climate adaptation".
One of the recommendations says No.10 and the Cabinet Office should “ensure each department has a set of specific and measurable climate adaptation targets”.
"We endorse work by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to help coordinate cross-government adaptation targets, but this needs support from the centre of government to ensure progress; overcome departmental silos; and ensure adaptation and climate risks are integrated with all relevant policies," the advisory council said in the letter, which was signed by co-chairs Dame Angela McLean and John Browne.
"Climate change has implications right across government, from health and housing to transport and business," McLean, who is government chief scientific adviser, and Lord Browne added.
Defra is the lead department for domestic climate adaptation, but actions and policies are implemented across government.
The Council for Science and Technology said the Climate Resilience Steering Board – which was set up in 2023 to help steer cross-government climate change adaptation action – should support the monitoring and evaluation of progress on the targets, alongside independent assessment by the Climate Change Committee.
The advisers also offered to provide further advice on targets “based on available scientific evidence on climate risks”.
“By implementing a strong domestic adaptation framework, the UK can demonstrate leadership and influence global standards and practices,” they added.
The Council for Science and Technology also recommended that:
- The Cabinet Office should commission a spatial dashboard that monitors and models climate risks and impacts over time under all scenarios – to inform policy and spending decisions to drive progress and ensure value for money
- No.10 should define and communicate the residual risks relating to climate change, how those risks will be managed, and how to navigate the inevitable trade-offs
- No.10 should lead communication to the public on the importance of climate adaptation, and the risks and actions that are already being taken to adapt
Labour’s 2024 election manifesto included a commitment to improve climate resilience and preparation across central government, local authorities, local communities and emergency services, warning: “Preparing for the future not only means tackling the climate and nature emergencies, but also adapting to the changes they will bring to our environment. Without action, flooding and coastal erosion will pose greater risks to lives, livelihoods and people’s wellbeing."
The Cabinet Office has been approached for comment.