ENERGY expert Chris Goodall says people in the UK must change their behaviours to prevent climate change from accelerating.

The Oxford economist says Storm Ciara gave us a glimpse of what life could be like if people don't curb carbon dioxide emissions.

He told a meeting of 80 people organised by Sustainable Warminster: "Violent gales, torrential and lashing rain, life-threatening floods, power cuts, damage to trees and buildings, severe transport disruptions.

"Storm Ciara gave us here a very gentle foretaste of climate chaos, after the devastating and catastrophic fires in Australia, the US, Europe and even the Arctic Circle where the ice caps are melting.

"Climate change is accelerating. If we do not curb our use of CO2-emitting oil and gas, for our transport, energy, food and agriculture systems, far worse is to come."

"If we are to avoid the worst scenario - unstoppable runaway climate change - we must act urgently, and implement steps to cut our carbon emissions to zero.

"Time is running out; within the next ten years we must have these changes in place, according to the scientific consensus - everyone from David Attenborough to the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

"The UK must now take the path to zero carbon energy. This can be done - and in a way that makes the country both prosperous and more equal, with better living standards for all."