The distribution and abundance of species in the UK has already been significantly impacted by climate change and this is a trend set to intensify. Pearce-Higgins argues that conservation efforts to mitigate biodiversity loss must incorporate a pragmatic approach to the reality of our changing climate.
Temperatures in Britain have risen in line with the global average, and climate change is now clearly affecting our biodiversity. Mean UK temperature in the period 2013-2022 was 1.1°C warmer than in 1961-1990.