Only 20 of the 6,600 staff at the UK's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs are working on climate adaptation, according to a freedom of information request reported by the Guardian, prompting warnings that England is 'desperately unprepared' for the effects of the climate crisis.
Key facts
- A freedom of information request found just 20 Defra staff are working on climate adaptation.
- Those officials make up 0.3% of the department's 6,600 staff.
- Defra is tasked with protecting the environment and maintaining food security.
- Critics say England is 'desperately unprepared' for impacts including water shortages and heatwaves.
Just 20 staff are working on climate adaptation within a key government department tasked with protecting the environment and maintaining food security, a freedom of information request has revealed, according to the Guardian.
The officials make up 0.3% of staff within the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), which employs 6,600 people. The revelation comes as parts of England contend with drought and wildfires.
The Guardian, which reported the figures as an exclusive, said the disclosure has fuelled concerns that England is ‘desperately unprepared’ for the effects of the climate crisis, including water shortages and heatwaves.
Defra’s responsibilities span protecting the environment and maintaining the country’s food security, both of which are directly exposed to a warming climate. The small proportion of staff dedicated to adaptation stands in contrast to the scale of those tasks.
The findings emerged during a period of extreme weather, with the Guardian noting the disclosure came amid a UK heatwave. Climate adaptation refers to work that prepares systems and communities to cope with the impacts of climate change, as distinct from efforts to cut emissions.
The reporting draws on the freedom of information request to quantify the department’s adaptation workforce, offering a snapshot of how resources are being allocated within Defra as the effects of the climate crisis intensify.
Why it matters
Climate adaptation determines how well a country can withstand droughts, floods, heatwaves and threats to its food supply. Questions over the level of staffing dedicated to that work at a lead government department raise concerns about England's readiness for worsening climate impacts.
Frequently asked questions
How many Defra staff work on climate adaptation?
According to a freedom of information request reported by the Guardian, just 20 of Defra's 6,600 staff are working on climate adaptation, equal to 0.3% of the department.
What is Defra responsible for?
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is tasked with protecting the environment and maintaining food security, according to the source.
Why has this raised concern?
The Guardian reports the disclosure has fuelled warnings that England is 'desperately unprepared' for effects of the climate crisis including water shortages and heatwaves.