Hadley Centre climate work ROI is 33 times Government’s expenditure

Figures from an independent value for money report on the period indicate that the £57.6 million government expenditure produced a return on investment of £1.9 billion, suggests the study.

Director of the Met Office’s Hadley Centre, professor Rowan Sutton, said:“The HCCP has shown an exceptional return on investment, and its rigorous analysis and cutting-edge research have been instrumental in informing UK adaptation and mitigation policies.

“By driving evidence-based decision-making, the programme has played a crucial role in the drive towards a resilient and sustainable future amidst the challenges of climate change.”

During the three-year period, the project published 320 scientific papers, as well as providing indirect public education via media coverage of its work, aligning research with government needs and contributing to further academic research.

Its work also contributed to enabling central and local government and industry sectors to take better informed decisions to “future proof the UK’s infrastructure and economic assets,” claimed the organisation.

The analysis of the HCCP’s work by London Economics and Frazer Nash Consultancy was commissioned by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). It is part of a wider economic analysis of the Met Office published last September.

The climate programme’s work plan will continue till 2027, focused on new climate risks and supporting the country’s net zero transition.

Founded in 1990 and based at the Met Office HQ in Exeter, the Hadley Centre is named after the Georgian era amateur meteorologist George Hadley.