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Upgrading to UKCP09

UK Climate Projections (UKCP09) should be seen as superseding the scenarios available from UKCIP02. Those interested in understanding vulnerabilities, impacts and adaptation options in the context of climate change within the UK, and in their areas of particular interest, should become familiar with UKCP09 and how to use it.

Although many of the high-level messages about projected changes are of a similar nature to those put forward under UKCIP02, UKCP09 incorporates significant scientific advances that have implications for the scope and details of the resulting projections. The probabilistic nature of the projections also means that there are important differences as to how UKCP09 can be used, compared to UKCIP02.

Taking advantage of what UKCP09 offers, while not falling into potential pitfalls, will pose challenges for many – challenges that can be best addressed by gaining experience and confidence with using what UKCP09 has to offer. It is recommended that users become acquainted with and start using UKCP09, taking advantage of the supportive information available on this website and using the range of Training facilities.

Users should be aware that the challenges associated with appropriately using UKCP09 also mean that existing practices, standards and guidance that are based on UKCIP02 will out of necessity remain in force until such time as they can be updated with UKCP09. Organisations responsible are in the process of updating these, once again suggesting that users should begin understanding and using UKCP09.