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Will Climate Change End Fish and Chips?

Jan 30, 2012; 6:23 PM ET

The United Kingdom released its first national assessment of the risks of climate change this week, highlighting coasts, infrastructure and the nation's fish and chips industry as sectors likely to be affected in coming decades.

Bound by the North Sea to the east and the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the British Isles could see their infrastructure damaged by increased flooding as sea levels rise and extreme weather intensifies. The £2.8 million ($4.4 million) study notes that property damage could rise to £12 billion by 2080 if proper mitigation measures are not put in place.

Flooding will also lead to more frequent problems with sewer overflow and disrupt water supplies. Some 27 million to 59 million of the United Kingdom's projected 77 million citizens could experience water shortages by 2050, according to the report.

A warmer climate will likely lead to more heat-related deaths, the report notes, although that would be largely offset by a sharp reduction in deaths due to cold.

The report acknowledges that not all of the effects of climate change experienced by the United Kingdom would be negative. Warmer temperatures could lead to greater yields of wheat, sugar beets and potatoes, while making the British Isles more attractive to international tourists.

Melting sea ice could also open up new northern shipping routes, it notes.

Not only the islands but their surrounding seas and oceans will be affected by warming temperatures. This could force cod populations -- the historic stock of the nation's fish and chips industry -- out of traditional spawning grounds. Lest snackers start to fret, however, the report points out that new populations of generic whitefish, like plaice and sole, will likely flourish in their stead (AP/Washington Post, Jan. 26). -- NM

Reprinted from ClimateWire with permission from Environment & Energy Publishing, LLC. 202-628-6500.

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