BBC's Robert Piggott explains the reason for the climate change inquiry

The Environment Secretary, Michael Meacher, will unveil the Climate Impact Programme, which is being billed as the first integrated inquiry of its kind.

In the past, studies have tended to concentrate on individual business sectors, such as the insurance industry, which faces large pay-outs after environmental disasters such as flooding.

Michael Meacher will unveil the new study

But this latest initiative will investigate the likely impact on a wide range of economic and social activities, taking in industry and education.

Scientists are concerned about patterns becoming more unpredictable as carbon dioxide - a product of increased road traffic and business activity - overheats the atmosphere, creating the greenhouse effect.

Loire Valley

Three years ago, the government suggested that the south of England could have the climate of France's Loire Valley in the next century.

While that means more sun, it also could also bring new pests and diseases to Britain. The programme is expected to concentrate on these aspects of climate change.

Impact of storms

It will also assess the impact of the predicted increase in storms, more erratic rainfall and a rise in droughts.

The study, which is being led by Oxford University's Environmental Change Unit, will cost £250,000 and will have a regional focus.

It will give a long-term 20-30 year forecast of how regions will be affected and will initially be launched in East Anglia and the north west of England.

"World first"

A government source said: "This is a world first. We want to see how house-builders, farmers and other businessmen will be affected in areas that may be prone to flooding as a result of climate change.