Just 20 of 6,600 Defra staff working on climate adaptation amid drought and wildfires

The Guardian World Wednesday 12 August 2026, 09:36 UTC By Sandra Laville 1 min read

Key Points

Exclusive: England ‘desperately unprepared’ for effects of crisis including water shortages and heatwavesUK heatwave live – latest updatesJust 20 staff are working on climate adaptation within a key government department tasked with protecting the environment and maintaining food security, a freedom of information request has revealed. The officials make up 0.3% of staff within the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Exclusive: England ‘desperately unprepared’ for effects of crisis including water shortages and heatwaves

UK heatwave live – latest updates

Just 20 staff are working on climate adaptation within a key government department tasked with protecting the environment and maintaining food security, a freedom of information request has revealed.

The officials make up 0.3% of staff within the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Defra (ORG) the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (ORG)

Originally published by The Guardian World Read original →

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