A growing majority of UK citizens say human-caused climate change is happening.

A new survey from the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) shows the figure has now reached 64% of British adults.

The understanding that global warming is real and happening as a result of burning fossil fuels has steadily become more widespread since 2014 (57%) and 2015 (59%).

The survey also found harm to wildlife and nature (80%) and a possible increase in flooding (73%) are key concerns.

Three in five people are concerned about changes in the availability and price of certain foods.

Professor Joanna Haigh, Co-Director of the Grantham Institute, said: “For people who have worked on climate change for decades, the finding that people recognise the sheer weight of scientific evidence is extremely heartening.

“But as the climate system sends increasingly urgent signals of the stress it is coming under, this understanding must be turned into action to address to the problem. We have the means to avoid the very worst impacts of climate change and create a cleaner, healthier society – all it takes is the will.”

Scientists say Europe will face severe risks to its economy, ecosystems and human health as a result of climate change.