A freedom of information request has found that only 20 of Defra’s 6,613 staff are working on climate adaptation, despite warnings that England is poorly prepared for worsening heatwaves, droughts, floods and wildfires. Critics say the small team reflects a lack of government focus on protecting communities, food security and nature from the effects of global heating.

The Climate Change Committee has warned that peak river flows could rise by up to 45% and daily water-supply shortfalls could exceed 5bn litres. It estimates that inadequate adaptation could cost the UK 1% to 5% of GDP annually by 2050, or £60bn to £260bn a year; environmental groups are urging Environment Secretary Andy Burnham to prioritise adaptation and ecological restoration.