Wales to get 19% wetter in winter say climate campaigners as they urge action

If you thought Wales was wet already, you’re in for a shock according to climate campaigners as they launched a campaign to raise awareness before this year’s UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow.

By 2080, rainfall in Wales during the winter is projected to increase by 19%, they said, causing severe flooding – and the sea levels around Wales are predicted to rise by 36cm.

Temperatures will also rise between 3.5 and 4.8 degrees higher in winter and summer, causing havoc with the climate and ecosystem.

Climate Cymru, a coalition of citizens, civil society and business from across Wales are launching a campaign to gather 50,000 voices from the people of Wales to take to Glasgow in November.

Supporters from across the country are being asked to add their voice to the Climate Cymru website, to demand strong and meaningful action from leaders on climate change.

After adding their voice, supporters are then able to create their own personalised message, that will be taken to this year’s COP26 meeting in Glasgow, and to share among their own networks.

Climate Cymru said that climate and natural emergency threatens Wales’ communities, its ways of life, and the natural world. Severe flooding, once a rare occurrence, is now an annual event in many of Wales’ communities, they said, and climate change will only make this worse.

‘Small window’

Poppy Stowell-Evans, member of Youth Climate Ambassadors for Wales and Climate Cymru Ambassador said: “As an organisation of youth climate activists, we recognise that climate change will impact every aspect of our lives both internationally and in Wales. Therefore, it must be taken seriously as a global issue. 

“Climate action is essential to protect the planet and the futures of generations to come. Climate action is a positive step forward for our country and the world and that’s why its so important that you use your voice!

“We only have a small window of time to act, Governments should be committing to and taking action to protect the future of the planet before it’s too late.”

Susie Ventris-Field, CEO of the Welsh Centre for International Affairs and CEO of Climate Cymru said: “Climate Cymru is a partnership of individuals, businesses and civil society who think it’s vital that diverse voices from Wales are heard at COP26. Everyone involved brings different perspectives but we are united in our call for climate action.

“The Paris Agreement of 2015 was a major step forward in the fight to tackle climate change. We need our leaders to build on this foundation and make strong and meaningful commitments to protect the things we love.”

Sophie Howe, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales and Climate Cymru Partner said: “COP26 is our once in a generation opportunity to commit, mobilise and act. Wales has a unique story to share through its unique Well-being of Future Generations Act. COP26 provides us with a platform to share our vision. 

“Future generations in Wales and across the world require us to take this moment seriously. A movement for change is growing! As we look to build back better – lets put the green recovery at its heart.”