Climate change ruins infrastructure

18th October, 2006

A leading financial expert has warned that climate change will soon cost British businesses and home owners billions. Andre Dlugoecki, an advisor with the UN has claimed that the Government is failing to prepare for the effects of drought and that thousands of homes will be at risk as the soil dries causing shrinkage and ground movement. The insurance industry has already put the cost of subsidence caused by drought up to an extra £12 billion by 2080.

Researchers have claimed that public infrastructure such as roads and rail lines as well as sewers will be vulnerable to damage as temperatures rise. Agriculture will also suffer, as according to Mr Dlugolecki the soil will dry out and termites and other pests will flourish. Experts have predicted that moisture levels in the soil will drop by 40 per cent over the next 70 years and that household insurance costs will rise by £3 billion and £12 billion by 2080 as claims caused by drought increases.

 

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