National Trust Claims Its Properties Face Climate Change ‘Hazards’

National Trust employee Victoria Emms experiences an artwork entitled Cathedral on the Christmas at Dunham Massey festive light art trail at the National Trust property near Altrincham, northeast England, on Nov. 16, 2023. Oli Scarff/AFP via Getty Images

The National Trust has declared that 71 percent of its properties are under threat from climate change “hazards.”

In a report released on Monday, the trust highlighted the impact of more frequent extreme weather events, such as droughts, heavy rain, and wildfires, on its extensive portfolio, which covers 250,000 hectares of land, 780 miles of coastline, and 220 gardens and parks.

The National Trust raised concerns that approximately 71 percent of the places it oversees could face medium or high risks from climate hazards by 2060. To address these challenges, the charity urged the government to enact new legislation, making climate change adaptation a legal requirement for public bodies.

Additionally, the trust called for the appointment of a minister for climate adaptation within the Cabinet Office or Treasury, emphasising the pivotal role such a position would play.

‘Single Biggest Threat’

Patrick Begg, the trust’s director of outdoors and natural resources, said in a press release that climate change represents “the single biggest threat” to the charity’s mission.

He said: “It demands our urgent and unswerving attention, and we call on our partners and on governments across the UK to stand with us and to do more to confront the challenges we all face.

“Our responsibility spans hundreds of historic sites, buildings and some of the nation’s most-loved coastlines, rivers and countryside.”

In October, the National Trust’s annual report unveiled a concerning decrease in the value of its £1.6 billion investment portfolio, partly owing to its allocation to eco-friendly wealth managers.

This downturn, amounting to over £11 million, signified an 11.7 percent decline between March 2022 and February 2023.

The charity, which boasts 5.7 million members, has faced criticism for a move away from its core mission of preserving heritage and countryside.

Claims May Be ‘Significantly Exaggerated’

Harry Wilkinson, head of policy at Net Zero Watch, a think tank dedicated to scrutinising climate policies, said that claims from the National Trust’s latest report were likely to be “significantly exaggerated.”

Speaking to The Epoch Times, Mr. Wilkinson said: “As usual the most extreme climate forecasts are being used, which make unrealistic assumptions about increasing fossil fuel consumption.

“These assumptions are disputed by most energy economists and therefore the National Trust’s claimed climate impacts are likely to be significantly exaggerated.

“While it is sensible for organisations to be making cost-effective adaptations to a changing climate, that does not require another burdensome level of bureaucracy telling us what to do and forcing up taxes.”

The National Trust has developed a hazard map desktop tool, pinpointing sites that are under threat, enabling the organisation to assess real-time risks.

Keith Jones, the trust’s senior national consultant on climate change, said: “The hazard map flags the risk so that we can discuss with property teams what they are seeing in real terms, such as flooding, wildfire or overheating.

“By doing an ‘on-the-ground’ reality check with property teams, which essentially explores their experiences and detailed site knowledge, we can then assess the reality of these risks—whether they are great or small—and prepare accordingly.”

Government Reiterates Green Credentials

In response to the report, a government spokesperson said: “In February, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero was created to ensure climate change remains a key focus across government.

“Our third National Adaptation Programme sets out a robust five-year plan to strengthen infrastructure, promote a greener economy, and safeguard food production in the face of the climate challenges we face.”

The National Trust has found itself embroiled in controversy over recent initiatives to enhance energy efficiency, which include the installation of green energy tech such as solar panels on ancient ruins.

The organisation’s push towards a net-zero carbon footprint has raised concerns about potential damage to Britain’s most cherished historic buildings.

The Restore Trust group, which calls for the National Trust to return to its original mandate and seeks to move the charity away from any perceived political agenda, told The Epoch Times: “We support the National Trust’s efforts to make its properties more energy-efficient in line with its policies.

“Of course, nothing should be done which might be detrimental to the historic fabric of buildings.”