The BBC reports that a new study by Scientists and Network Rail has revealed that the UK's rail network could be at severe risk from the effects of climate change.
The problem stems from the increased likelihood of landslides and floods, which, during the wet winter of 2000-2001 caused a higher frequency of major problems to the rail network.
Now the report is warning of travel chaos if steps aren't taken to tackle the problem.
One of the most 'at risk' areas is the South-East, where much of the rail network is built on soft clay - particularly prone to landslides.
Network Rail engineers concluded that half of the UK's 6000 miles of railway cuttings and embankments were in a "poor" or "marginal" condition making them especially vulnerable to extreme weather.
Already this year, eight people were injured when a train derailed near Glasgow following a landslide caused by heavy rain, whilst in a separate incident, a rock fall blocked a line in Dorset causing major delays.
Read the full BBC article by clicking here.
photo credit: ray devlin
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