THE region will not escape the consequences of global warming, climate experts have warned.

Only drastic action will prevent a climate crisis, which will be experienced in the North-East as much as any other area of the country.

That is the stark warning issued by the Energy Saving Trust (EST), in a report calling for a radical curb on energy consumption.

Forecasting the Future, the trust's latest climate report, is launched today, at the start of Energy Efficiency Week.

It highlights the effect of the changing climate in the UK and specifically in the North-East, now and over the next 80 years.

Philip Sellwood, the chief executive of EST, said: "Forecasting the Future paints a disturbing picture of what could happen to the environment if we do not act today.

"Without a drastic reduction in our energy use, emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), one of the leading contributors of climate change, could have disastrous results for the North-East.

"It is imperative for households in the region to 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."

Among the potential consequences forecast for the region by the year 2050 is a continual rising of the tide, threatening beaches along the North-East from coastal erosion.

Alpine plants now familiar in the region, such as the lady's slipper orchid, will be threatened with extinction due to the warmer climate, while flooding and drought will be experienced more often.

On a more positive note, the report believes vineyards could become commercially viable with the extended growing season a warmer climate will offer.

The EST is offering advice on energy saving measures on 0845-727 7200.