* Hotter summers present significant health risks. The CCRA projects that without measures to reduce the risk, there could be between 580-5,900 additional premature deaths per year by the 2050s.
* Increasing pressure on the UK’s water resources. The CCRA projects that without action to improve water resources, there could be major supply shortages by the 2050s in parts of the north, south and east of England with the greatest challenge in the Thames River basin.
* The risks of flooding are projected to increase significantly across the UK. New analysis for England and Wales show that if no further plans were made to adapt to changing flood risks, by the 2080s due the effects of climate change and population growth annual damages to buildings and property could reach between £2.1billion – £12billion, compared to current costs of £1.2billion.
* The number of days in an average year when temperatures rise above 26 degrees C is projected to rise from 18 days to between 27-121 days in London by the 2080s. This could mean greater demand for energy to cool buildings and more heat related illnesses.
* Increases in drought and some pest and diseases could reduce timber yields and quality. Projected drought conditions could mean a drop in timber yields of between 10% and 25% by the 2080s in the south east, driving up timber costs.

Both reports and related info can be found on this link.

Source: Low Carbon Communities website

Here’s looking back at some of the things we did get up to in 2011

Watch this space for updates of what we’re planning for 2012!

We have now completed the planting of 5000 crocuses and snow drop bulbs as part of the ‘Love where you Live’ campaign. Many thanks to all the volunteers who joined in!
Look out for a burst of colour in early Spring!

9 November 2011
Volunteers Still Needed!
Wanted: volunteers to join a mass spring bulb planting in Hadlow.

5000(!) crocus and snowdrop bulbs are being planted on the wide verge opposite the entrance to Hadlow College, enhancing the approach to the village.

Hadlow residents have so far planted all the snowdrops and half the crocuses. More volunteers are needed to plant the remaining crocuses (about 1250) on
Sunday 13 and Sunday 20 November, between 1.00pm and 3.00pm (weather permitting).
All are welcome – just bring a trowel.

The bulb planting is being organised by HadLOW CARBON Community as part of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council’s “Love Where You Live” campaign.

27 September 2011 was Earth Overshoot Day – the day we reached our ecological budget for the year.

From here on, we are collectively overdrawn in our use of natural resources. More carbon dioxide enters the atmosphere than vegetation can remove, and nature is no longer able to meet our demand to produce raw materials for food – with grave consequences for the climate and the world’s biodiversity.

For more information visit the Footprint Network website

So far only myself and one other resident have done a count in Hadlow, and it would be really good to have better data for this area to help assess environmental changes – its quite easy and great fun – further details are at http://www.bigbutterflycount.org/.

Good luck!
David Carey