The day of the Greater Manchester Waters Forum started with a bang, as one of the speakers, Dr Jeremy Carter, went head-to-head with BBC Radio Manchester's Breakfast team. Jeremy was talking about the possible issues Manchester and the Northwest will face as a result of climate change over the coming century. With a potential 2-3 degree rise in average temperatures, and a 60% drop in summertime rainfall, water shortages and even drought could be on the agenda by the 2080s, when Manchester could experience the kind of climate currently seen in Brittany. Conversely, a 20-30% increase in winter precipitation could mean that local authorities need to plan for the increased risk of flooding. Jeremy called for adaptation to climate change to be built into future plans, and left listeners in no doubt that climate change is no longer a matter of 'if', but 'when' - despite scepticism from the other side of the microphone.....it might be hard to believe on a chilly, grey May day, but Manchester may soon have to wave a reluctant goodbye to its rainy reputation.
If you missed Jeremy on the radio, we believe the story will be covered again on tonight's BBC News Northwest at 6:30pm.
The forum also heard about other projects and issues, ranging from regeneration in Salford and Wigan to 'natural signposting' in Rochdale, and from representatives from the local angling and rambling communities.
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