MOST Brits agree that the country is not prepared enough to deal with extreme weather driven by climate change, research revealed today.

A survey of 2,001 people conducted for Climate Barometer found that 78 per cent believe that the country is ill-prepared.

Sixty-eight per cent cited flooding as the most pressing impact of climate change. 

This was followed by rising seas and coastal erosion, flagged by 45 per cent, and threats to wildlife, noted by 44 per cent of respondents.

Some 43 per cent underlined the importance of dealing with food shortages and insecurity. 

Opinions for the poll were gathered in late October, before a wave of winter storms and floods hit the nation. 

At the time, only 16 per cent believed that the country was making “good progress” in adapting to the risks posed by climate change, compared to 39 per cent who did not think so.

It follows news reported last week that the world had surpassed the international target of limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels in 2024 for the first time.

Climate Barometer co-director Niall McLoughlin said: “This polling shows that the British public do not feel confident about the progress the UK is making in terms of adapting to climate change impacts and extreme weather.

“Simply put, the public doesn’t think the UK is prepared.”

“The government must now work closely with all parts of society — including local communities, healthcare professionals, and businesses across the country to empower people in the UK to prepare for the range of climate risks that are taking hold.”

A government spokesperson said: “Flooding this winter has shown there is much more work needed to be done to protect communities from the devastating impact it leaves behind.

“That’s why we are taking action now — investing £2.4 billion over the next two years to build and maintain flood defences, which will protect homes and businesses across the country.”

According to Oxfam, the richest 1 per cent are responsible for more than twice as much carbon pollution than the poorest half of humanity.