CIWEM calls for UK legislation, action

Sept. 17, 2007 -- The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) is calling for legislation and actions that reconcile the needs of the environment, people and businesses, and that are responsive to changing climatic conditions.

According to CIWEM, recent extreme weather should be regarded as evidence that our climate is already changing, so we need to act accordingly. 2005 and 2006 were some of the driest years in the UK but the summer of 2007 was our wettest ever. So while last summer hosepipe bans and drought orders were imposed to conserve water, this year's flooding may cost up to £6 billion. And despite all the rain, the summer of 2007 was still warmer than average.

CIWEM believes that these weather patterns are an indicator that climate change must be a major consideration in all future Government policies.

It is essential, they say, that we recognise that current extreme weather patterns may become 'the norm' in the future, with more frequent storms, heatwaves and droughts predicted. Scenarios suggest that winter rainfall will increase across the UK, whilst summer rainfall may decrease by up to 50 percent by the 2080s in some parts of the UK.

CIWEM believes, furthermore, it must be recognised that even in a small island there can be pronounced differences in weather from one area to the next. The full range of possible future climate scenarios need to be taken into account and it is not acceptable to choose a scenario because it is easier to manage. CIWEM believes that forward thinking, long-term strategies should be adopted to tackle the issues, including adaptation and mitigation.

CIWEM also encourages further research into the ways in which our environment will be affected by climate change and into the socio-economic impact of climate change on water availability.

Nick Reeves, CIWEM Executive Director, said: "We have been warned -- we cannot continue with unfettered consumerism, disregarding the impact our population and lifestyles have on the environment."

"Millions of gallons of expensively treated drinking water flood away every day due to consumer profligacy. This reflects badly on the values of a modern twenty first century economy committed to sustainability. No longer can we assume inexhaustable supplies -- on tap. The way that we live has an important part to play in protecting the environment for the future."

The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) is an independent professional body and a registered charity, advancing the science and practice of water and environmental management for a clean, green and sustainable world.

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