Urgent action needed amid fears of 'rising costs of climate change'

Urgent action is needed to deal with the already significant risks posed by flooding and heatwaves caused by climate change, government advisers have warned.

A new assessment of the risks posed by climate change to the UK has highlighted the threat posed to wildlife, natural systems such as fisheries, as well as bringing new pests and diseases.

The report, from the Committee on Climate Change's adaptation sub-committee, has said more action and research is needed by the government in the next five years.

Water shortages for homes, agriculture, energy and industry, as well as effects on domestic and international food production and trade are among the main risks from global warming that need to be addressed.

They warn heatwaves pose an urgent and growing risk, with the number of hot days a year on the rise since the 1960s - with extreme heat seen in 2003, that killed 2,000 people across the UK, likely to be the norm by the 2040's.