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The Hadley Centre's predictions for climate change by 2050 are not too alarming. There is still significant rain falling and summer temperatures are hot, but not unbearable. Many commentators believe that our region will get off lightly.

But one nagging doubt is that the loss of the Atlantic conveyor current would bring much colder, Canadian-style winters.

If we are to be spared the worst effects of climate change, then it is people we will have to deal with, rather than Nature. Our islands have a history of colonisation by people wanting new land, a new start. What do we do when the next wave comes?