Compelling new scientific evidence suggests that the UK climate would change significantly as a result of climate change. The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) launched the UK Climate Projections, 'Adapting to climate change: UK climate projections 2009' [PDF] , setting out the building blocks of a five point plan to: 

1. Protect the public from immediate risk including through increased flood protection, coastal erosion management, efficient use of water and health contingency plans.
2. Prepare for the future by, for instance, changing the way we build our houses and infrastructure and developing new ways to do business.
3. Secure a global deal in Copenhagen in December to limit temperature increase to less than 2°C and avoid the most dangerous effects of climate change. Countries around the world need to cut emissions by 50% on 1990 levels by 2050.
4. Create a low carbon UK. We will not get global action unless countries like the UK provide a lead.
5. Support individuals and businesses to play their part. We will work with all groups in society to support those already doing their bit and to encourage others to start.

UK Climate Projections 2009

Hilary Benn, British Environment Secretary

'There is no doubt about it - climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing the world today. Never before have we such strong scientific evidence that shows that we not only need to tackle the causes of climate change but that we must also deal with the consequences'.

Ed Miliband, Energy and Climate Change Secretary

'The science is pushing us harder than ever towards an ambitious global deal in Copenhagen this December. These projections add to the overwhelming body of scientific evidence that says mankind must cut carbon emissions now to prevent a future of extreme weather patterns which could endanger plants, animals and sea life and affect the way we live and work.

Now is the time to act. The UK has set an example to the world by committing to an 80% target on emissions reductions by 2050. We are well placed to achieve this and are determined to seize the opportunities presented by the shift to low carbon. We need all other countries to be part of a global deal on climate change.'