 Climate change is an urgent global challenge. Extra greenhouse gases in the atmosphere as a result of human activity have already increased the temperature of the planet by more than one degree centigrade. Further warming is inevitable, up to at least the middle of the century even as we try to cut the polluting emissions around the world that cause it. People, nature, infrastructure and business are already vulnerable to the risks this will bring. The UK is being increasingly affected by climate change. We are already experiencing hotter summers, warmer winters and rising sea levels. In the future we can expect to increase flooding at times, water scarcity at others, more frequent and intense heat waves and further coastal erosion due to rising sea levels. That's why the Climate Change Committee has carried out a comprehensive assessment of the impacts and risks facing the UK. It's based on more than three years of work involving hundreds of leading scientists as public and private sector experts. Our assessment shows that overall the level of climate risk we face has increased since our last review five years ago. The pace of climate change is outstripping the actions taken to adapt to it. There are eight key areas that require the most urgent action within the next two years. Risks to natural habitats and species here in the UK. The health of soils facing increased flooding and drought. Damage to natural carbon stores in our trees and wetlands. Risks to crops, livestock and timber. Interruption to key supply chains and distribution networks that we rely on in the UK. Risks of weather related failures to the power system as we become more reliant on electricity. Health risks from higher temperatures and heat waves. And the many risks we face in the UK from the impacts of climate change in other countries. To help manage these risks but we must act now. The longer action is delayed the higher the costs and the impacts on people, the economy and our environment will be. The 2020s must be the decisive decade of progress and adaptation action to secure a better and more resilient future for us all.