Report gives climate-change advice

Houses on stilts, small-scale energy generation and recycling dishwater are some of the measures being proposed by engineers at Newcastle University to prepare cities for the effects of global warming.

The academic team, engaged in a project for the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change, outlined how major cities must respond if they are to continue to grow in the face of climate change.

Using the new UK Climate Predictions 2009 data for weather patterns over the next century, the Newcastle engineers produced a report looking at the impact of predicted rises in temperature (particularly in urban areas), increased flooding in winter and less water availability in summer.

The report focuses on the particular challenges facing London, but it can be used as a model for other UK cities on how policy makers, businesses and the public must work together to prepare for climate change.

As well as protecting homes and buildings against the increased threat of flooding from rising sea levels, the report emphasises the need to reduce carbon emissions, reduce water usage and move towards cleaner, greener transport.