The United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has released the second part of its latest report on climate change.

The Working Group 2, Fifth Assessment Report covers the likely impacts of climate change and our capacity to adapt to future climate risks. From the last major review of almost six years ago, it provides a strengthened body of evidence on observed impacts and future risks of climate change. 

Although the IPCC did not focus on individual countries, the ‘impacts, vulnerability and adaptation’ report did identify key risks from climate change for Europe which includes an increase in economic losses and people affected by extreme heat events which would impact on health and well-being, labour productivity, crop production and air quality.

In response to the report, UK Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Edward Davey said: “The science has spoken. Left unchecked, climate change will have far reaching consequences for our society.

“The UK is leading from the front and working with our European partners. We’ve adopted some of the most ambitious climate change targets and are investing in low carbon and energy efficiency technologies.

“This evidence builds the case for early action in the UK and around the world to lessen the risks posed by climate change. We cannot afford to wait.”

The report is the work of over 310 scientific experts drawn from universities and research institutes in 73 different countries around the world.