Cop27: Lord Montagu says climate change 'more apparent every year'

Speaking at the annual Beaulieu Estate Dinner, Lord Montagu described the impact of this year's exceptionally hot summer and highlighted the need to conserve water supplies.

Lord Montagu said Beaulieu firefighters attended 70 incidents in August alone - more than three times the normal number.

He added: "Dealing with the fire risk resulting from a prolonged dry period is but one effect of climate change, the consequences of which become more apparent every year.

Some of the guests at the 2022 Beaulieu Estate Dinner. Picture: National Motor Museum (Image: National Motor Museum)

"Whilst most of the population only feel affected if there is either water rationing or flooding, the effects of changing rain patterns on the soil, and the rivers into which the water flows, is something that could have profound consequences for the countryside.

"Take the two main water sources for this region, the rivers Test and Avon.

"Both are precious chalk stream habitats which are increasingly at risk due to a lack of water. There are a host of reasons for this, not least the fact that we simply consume too much water and can no longer rely on consistent rain levels to replace what we abstract."

READ MORE: Sunak calls for 'global mission' for clean growth as Cop27 climate summit begins

Referring to the recent wet weather Lord Montagu added: "As we have seen there will continue to be peaks and trough in rainfall, but overall I think we all need to get better at using our water resources more sustainably."

In a wide-ranging speech the peer also shared his memories of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

He said: "In 1977 the museum workshops were given the important task of restoring the Queen's 1900 6hp Daimler. On completion my father and the workshops team went up to Windsor to be presented to the Queen and the car was subsequently driven on the London-Brighton run by Prince Michael.

Lord Montagu recalled the day the late Queen Elizabeth II visited the New Forest Show (Image: Newsquest.)

"In more recent times I was one of many who were thrilled to find themselves in the company of the Queen and Prince Phillip when they visited the 2012 New Forest Show."

READ MORE: World in crisis provides grim backdrop for Cop27 climate talks

The two other speakers at the dinner were Dr Jon Murden, chief executive of the National Motor Museum Trust, and Chris Langford, vice-chairman of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.

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