Britain’s former top military adviser on climate change and national security will deliver a stark warning about the threats facing the country when he addresses Dorset’s leading climate and environmental organisations next month.
Retired General Richard Nugee will be the keynote speaker at the fourth Dorset COP at Coastland College’s Kingston Maurward Campus, near Dorchester, on 14 November.
General Nugee will reveal the latest developments in the government’s response to the national security implications of climate change, including updates from the new ministerial Task Force for Climate, Nature and Security due to have met by then.
He will also update delegates on developments since last November’s National Emergency briefing at Westminster, where he was among leading climate experts warning politicians and national leaders about the security threats posed by climate change.
General Nugee wrote the first review of Britain’s defence approach to climate change and sustainability and has gained international recognition for highlighting the links between climate, nature and national security.
He says climate change could pose a greater threat to Britain’s democratic way of life than many people realise – making effective leadership more vital now than ever.
The warning comes as Dorset faces growing risks from flooding, rising sea levels and wildfires. Christchurch, Weymouth, Poole, Wareham, Purbeck and parts of the West Dorset coast have been identified as particularly vulnerable. Bridport, West Bay, Burton Bradstock and Seatown face risks from both rising sea levels and flash flooding, while low-lying areas around the Stour, Frome and Piddle rivers, including Gillingham, Blandford and Wimborne, are susceptible to flooding.
This year’s Dorset COP, held during the same week as the international COP in Turkey, is focusing on leadership and how ordinary people can help communities adapt to the drastic changes climate change and nature loss will bring in the years immediately ahead.
Dorset Climate Action Network (DCAN) chair Giles Watts said the event was a unique opportunity for Dorset’s community-led organisations to share experience and strengthen collaboration.
“The Dorset COP is Dorset’s premier networking event for climate and environmental organisations across Dorset,” said Giles. “Organised this year by DCAN in collaboration with Sustainable Dorset and Coastland College, it’s a unique opportunity for community-led groups to share experiences, build networks and promote a common vision for tackling the environmental and climate crises.
“The theme, ‘Making an impact on climate and the environment’, will run through a packed programme covering rivers and beaches, nature recovery, community energy, climate-ready communities, sustainable agriculture, food resilience and Dorset’s ‘greenways’.”
The day will feature over 20 separate workshops, talks and sessions, including energy planning, resilient gardens, ‘flowscapes’ and the introduction of beavers into Dorset’s rivers.
A special ‘Young Voices’ session will follow the first Dorset Youth COP, taking place at Kingston Maurward the previous day.
The event will culminate in a BBC-style ‘Question Time’, with the public able to put questions directly to three Dorset MPs, the leaders of Dorset and BCP councils, and three independent climate experts, including General Nugee.
Dorset COP 2026 is open to everyone, with pre-registration essential. Tickets are available on a ‘pay what you like’ basis, with a suggested price of £10.
For tickets and information, visit https://dorsetcop.info
