Environmental writer Guy Shrubsole shared a stark claim about the UK's preparedness for worsening climate shocks: He said only 20 people in the government's environment department are focused on climate adaptation — a number he presented as evidence that the country is not ready for escalating climate impacts.
That total has prompted renewed scrutiny of how well the country is preparing for hotter weather, wildfires, drought, and floods, and whether households are being sufficiently protected.
Here's what to know
In an Instagram post, Shrubsole said the number came from a Freedom of Information request he submitted to the Department for the Environment.
In the video, he said: "That's just 20 people in a department of over 6,000 staff working to protect this country and prepare it for more wildfires, heatwaves, droughts and floods as the climate crisis bites."
He said The Guardian had covered the figure and argued that a team of that size falls well short of what is needed. He urged Environment Secretary Angela Eagle to "hugely increase the staffing and funding" for climate adaptation.
Climate adaptation involves preparing people, infrastructure, and essential services for climate impacts that are already unfolding.
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If that capacity is stretched too thin, families can be left more vulnerable to overheated homes, transport disruptions, water stress, smoke exposure, and flood damage.
More background
Unlike efforts aimed at reducing pollution, climate adaptation focuses on helping communities live more safely with the extreme weather they are already experiencing.
He linked the staffing issue to a wider question of national readiness, arguing that it was "time that the Prime Minister outlines a radical plan to prepare us for the worst impacts of climate change."
Extreme heat can be especially dangerous for older adults, young children, outdoor workers, and people living in poorly insulated housing. Flooding and drought can also put pressure on household budgets, food systems, and local services.
What can be done?
One commenter wrote, "I think we need to start framing this in terms of Resilience not just climate adaption. We need a UK Resilience Bill asap." Another commenter questioned whether adaptation responsibilities might be spread across other roles in the department rather than concentrated in a single team.
Shrubsole's broader message was that the government should expand staffing, devote more money to adaptation, and speak more directly to the public about climate risks.
In practice, that could mean stronger plans for heat safety, wildfire prevention, flood resilience, drought response, and better coordination between departments.
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