UK climate change risk assessment 2017: Evidence report (Summary for Wales)

  • Commissioner: UK Government
  • Conducted by: CCC (Climate Change Committee)
  • Year: 2017
  • Countries: Wales
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The report highlights the increasing risk of soil erosion and degradation in Wales due to climate change, with current policy interventions deemed insufficient to manage these risks. Significant carbon stocks in Welsh peatlands, currently a net source of GHG emissions, highlight the urgency of peatland restoration and woodland creation to enhance carbon sequestration. The report calls for strategic planning and adaptive land-use measures to address the impacts of changing climatic conditions, including increased soil aridity, which could reduce the area of Best and Most Versatile agricultural land.

Increased seasonal aridity and wetness due to climate change are expected to exacerbate soil erosion and degradation.

Current policy interventions are insufficient to manage the increased risk of soil erosion, necessitating further action to improve soil conservation measures.

Significant carbon stocks are stored in Welsh peatlands, which are currently a net source of GHG emissions due to historical land-use practices.

Restoration of degraded peatlands and creation of new woodlands are crucial for enhancing carbon sequestration.

Adaptation measures such as ecological restoration of peatlands, improved land management practices, and creation of strategic riparian woodlands are essential to enhance soil health and carbon sequestration.

There is a need for strategic planning to manage future risks associated with changing climatic conditions on soil and land productivity.

Projected changes in temperature and precipitation patterns are likely to affect the suitability of land for various types of agricultural production.

Increased soil aridity could lead to a decline in the area of Best and Most Versatile agricultural land, emphasising the need for adaptive land-use planning.

Recommendations for policy implementation

  1. Implementation of more robust soil conservation practices to reduce soil erosion and degradation.
  2. Adoption of management practices that improve soil structure and organic matter content.
  3. Large-scale restoration of degraded peatlands to reduce GHG emissions and enhance carbon sequestration.
  4. Strategic creation of new woodlands in suitable locations to increase carbon sinks and improve biodiversity.
  5. Development of integrated catchment-scale management strategies to address multiple climate risks, including soil erosion, water scarcity, and flood risk.
  6. Encouragement of land-use practices that enhance the resilience of ecosystems and agricultural systems to climate change.

Read the full report

UK climate change risk assessment 2017: Evidence report (Summary for Wales)