The Act Part 4: Impact of and adaptation to climate change
15.Part 4 places a duty on the Secretary of State to carry out an assessment of the risks to the UK from the impact of climate change; the first report must be made within three years, with subsequent reports at least every five years. Each risk assessment must be followed by the publication of a Government programme of adaptation measures. There is a parallel requirement on the relevant Northern Ireland department to publish an adaptation programme in Northern Ireland.
16.The Committee on Climate Change is given two functions under Part 4. First, it must advise the Secretary of State on his report on the risks to the UK from the impact of climate change. Secondly, it must report to Parliament on the progress being made in implementing the programme of adaptation measures.
17.Part 4 also gives the Secretary of State and the Welsh Ministers the power to issue guidance and directions to persons or bodies with functions of a public nature and statutory undertakers on: assessing the risks of climate change, the preparation of reports setting out policies and proposals for addressing those risks and assessing the progress made towards implementing those proposals and policies.