The National Trust has raised concerns about the threats posed by climate change to its properties, stating that 71 percent of its sites are at risk from climate change “hazards.” These hazards include droughts, heavy rain, and wildfires, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change. The charity oversees a vast portfolio covering 250,000 hectares of land, 780 miles of coastline, and 220 gardens and parks. It warns that approximately 71 percent of these places could face medium or high risks from climate hazards by 2060.
To address these challenges, the National Trust is urging the government to make climate change adaptation a legal requirement for public bodies. Additionally, the charity is calling for the appointment of a minister for climate adaptation within the Cabinet Office or Treasury.
Patrick Begg, the trust’s director of outdoors and natural resources, emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change, calling it “the single biggest threat” to the charity’s mission. He urged partners and governments across the UK to confront the challenges posed by climate change.
In response to the report, a government spokesperson reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing climate change. They highlighted the creation of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and the National Adaptation Programme as part of the government’s efforts to combat climate change.
The National Trust’s initiatives to enhance energy efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint have generated controversy. Some critics, such as the Restore Trust group, have expressed concerns about potential damage to historic buildings. The group supports the National Trust’s efforts to make its properties more energy-efficient but emphasizes the importance of preserving the historic fabric of buildings.