A NIGHTMARE vision of even more flooding causing increased transport problems has been revealed in a report forecasting climate change over the next 50 years.

Transport chaos caused by heavier downpours in winter will be combined with hotter, drier summers which will melt road surfaces and cause air pollution, according to a report released by the Energy Saving Trust.

The trust is asking people in Worcestershire to curb their energy use to help avoid water rationing.

The report predicts that by 2050, the earth's temperatures will have risen to such an extent that it will begin to have a noticeable impact on our lives.

A spokeswoman for EST, which was set up by the Government to help reduce the UK's carbon dioxide emissions, said everyone would have to play their part to stop the transport system facing meltdown.

"Higher winter rainfall could increase the risk of flooding on railways and on poorly drained roads, with the risk of landslides," she said.

"Poor air quality in summer from road and industrial pollution could grow much worse and spread far into the countryside."

She said most energy loss occurred in the home but simple steps could improve the situation and save money too.

"Uninsulated walls account for up to 33 per cent of the heat lost in your home, so insulating them is often the most effective way to save energy, she added.

"If all of Worcester's cavity walls were insulated tomorrow, we would save over £1m worth of energy every year.

"And we would save £300,000 a year and the equivalent of 19,500 double-decker buses worth of carbon dioxide, if everyone in Worcester put a jacket on their hot water tank."

Philip Sellwood, chief executive of EST, said the climate predictions for 2050 were "disturbing".

He said: "It is imperative that West Midlands households become more aware of the energy we use in our homes and act now to reduce our CO2 emissions.

"This can be as simple as turning thermostats down by one degree, replacing ordinary lightbulbs with low energy ones or even walking to the shops instead of taking the car.

Warmed-up Worcestershire

The change in Worcestershire's climate by 2050 will mean we will lose those features that rely on our current weather. But as temperatures hot up, we will be introduced to new ones:

Poisonous creepy crawlies usually found in warmer countries could become widespread.

Hayfever could be suffered for months on end as the season for grasses and trees lasts longer.

Termites are spreading north through Europe and, could reach England within the next 50 years.

Warmer winter temperatures could put daffodils and crocuses at risk.

l The dormouse could disappear altogether as warmer summers and milder winters threaten its habitat. Golf courses could become very expensive to maintain with watering restrictions affecting the quality of grass.