Despite efforts to limit the causes of climate change and reduce emissions, and pledges to get to net-zero carbon, it is generally accepted that a level of change in our climate is unavoidable.
Adaptation is vital in reducing the climate changes that will harm our wellbeing, business and society. Wetter winters, stronger winds, hotter summers and more intense rainfall should all be expected as global heating progresses. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) defines adaptation as: “adjustments in natural or human systems in response to actual or expected climatic stimuli or their effects, which moderate harm or exploit beneficial opportunities”.
In February, Sir James Bevan, head of the UK Environment Agency said: ‘The best way to defuse the weather bomb is better protection and stronger resilience. We need both’.
International efforts on climate change seek to limit global heating to 2oC. In reality, if we miss our targets and continue as we are, that will be closer to 4oC by 2100. In 2019, the Committee on Climate Change described England as ‘...still not prepared for even a 2oC rise in global temperature...’ and the ‘Priority given to adaptation…in England, has been eroded over the past ten years’.
Local authorities must lead the development of localised adaptation and resilience, through both action and policy. Adaptation planning is critical and using tools such as the UK Climate Impacts Programme (UKCIP) adaptation wizard can help to structure responses and ensure the development of robust and achievable plans. The wizard helps assess an organisation’s vulnerability to current – and future – climate change. It also helps identify options to address key climate risks such as flood, drought and more extreme weather events.
What may seem like immediate actions to take, for example nature-based schemes and tree planting, need to be thought out carefully to avoid unintended consequences. Properly understanding the potential climate impacts is essential for good decision making.
Local Partnerships has partnered with UKCIP and we can work with you to develop plans that are robust, and locally owned.
jo.wall@local.gov.uk
@LP_localgov