Benn to address architects on climate change

His first direct address to the architecture profession is part of the institute’s lecture series on international architecture and climate change.

Benn will focus on adaptation for homes, commercial buildings and infrastructure in the light of the government’s latest predictions on global warming.

The minister’s department, Defra, predicts warmer and wetter winters in Britain, hotter and drier summers, sea level rise, and more severe weather including heat-waves and flooding.

Benn said: “These projections will certainly help the architectural profession, as they build, plan and manage risks in the future.

"Architecture must take account of carbon and adaptation to create climate resilient buildings, infrastructure and places.”

His speech will be followed by a panel discussion with leading industry experts on the challenges and opportunities for the built environment resulting from the changing climate.