A freedom of information request has revealed that only 20 staff members within the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) are working on climate adaptation. This figure represents 0.3% of the department's total staff of 6,613.
The climate change adaptation committee has previously warned the government about falling behind in adapting to a new climate due to global heating. The committee has projected that peak river flows could increase by up to 45% and daily water supply shortfalls may exceed 5 billion litres.
Environmental writer and campaigner Guy Shrubsole, who obtained the data, stated that "England is desperately unprepared for the impacts of the climate crisis." He has urged the new environment secretary, Angela Eagle, to increase staffing and funding for climate adaptation.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham is scheduled to chair an emergency Cobra meeting on Wednesday in response to the ongoing extreme heat. Temperatures of 33C are forecast, with up to 38C expected on Thursday.