County hit by weather change cost
September 2, 2008
Warwickshire is experiencing more rainfall and higher temperatures, according to a report investigating the possible impact of climate change.
The county council-commissioned study said "extreme" weather over the past five years had had an impact on services in the county.
It said the summer 2007 floods cost the county an estimated £90 million.
Other costs included £133,000 of damage to schools and other properties caused by storms since 2003.
Councillor Martin Heatley, portfolio holder for the environment, said: "This is a fascinating and extremely useful report.
"As weather events become more intrusive, their effects need to be understood and prepared for in order that we can continue to deliver high quality services in Warwickshire.
"This report is a crucial first step in achieving this."
The report was compiled by master's student Lili Fu, of the University of Warwick Business School.
Also among its claims were:
- There has been a 13.6% increase in average temperature in the winter, 5% in summer and 6.6% in autumn.
- High temperatures have resulted in £1m of damage to road surfaces.
- Anti-social behaviour and crime increases in hot weather.
- The greatest potential losses because of extreme weather events is to the tourism industry.
- Some species' habitats may be lost and there may be local extinction of species as they migrate away to more suitable habitats.
- The most windy day is 10 January as this date has had gales in nine out the last 20 years.
- Average autumn rainfall is increasing, especially in October, but decreasing in March and August.
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