The impacts of climate change are no longer hypothetical. We can declare climate emergencies, set net zero carbon targets and work at scale and pace to retrofit the built environment across the UK (and we absolutely should); but the very real fact is that we are already witnessing the effects of global warming.
The five main climate risks are overheating, flash flooding, storms, droughts and wildfires. These have all become commonplace in recent years and extreme weather, has become so frequent and severe, local authorities must act decisively to safeguard communities, infrastructure, and economic stability now.
For local authorities, the challenge is multifaceted:
• Infrastructure damage: Extreme weather accelerates wear and tear on roads, railways, and public buildings. High temperatures soften road surfaces and buckle rail tracks, while floods erode foundations and overwhelm drainage systems.
• Service pressures: Emergency response teams, healthcare services, and social care systems face growing demands. Vulnerable populations – such as the elderly, disabled, and low-income households – are disproportionately affected.
• Rising costs and inequality: Without proactive adaptation, local authorities face escalating costs, reputational risks, and worsening social inequality.
The message is clear: adaptation planning is not optional – it is essential.
Climate change adaptation is not just about infrastructure, it touches every aspect of governance and community life, including:
• Health and social care: Heatwaves increase hospital admissions due to heatstroke and respiratory issues, while floods lead to mental health challenges and displacement.
• Education: Rising temperatures can render classrooms uninhabitable, disrupting education and requiring costly retrofits.
• Transport and connectivity: Flooded roads and damaged rail networks isolate communities and hinder economic activity.
• Economic stability: Businesses are vulnerable to climate disruptions, with cascading impacts on local revenue and employment.
Without adaptation planning, councils risk facing cascading failures across systems, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities.
Housing represents a particularly critical area of vulnerability. Poorly insulated buildings become heat traps during summer and struggle to retain warmth in winter. Meanwhile, homes in flood-prone areas remain at constant risk.
Local authorities, as stewards of social housing and community well-being, are uniquely positioned to lead the charge. Proactive measures can ensure resilience, minimise displacement, and protect public health.
At Equans, as part of our climate adaption services, we use AI and advanced technology to apply climate data to our existing building engineering expertise to deliver bespoke solutions for clients that turn potentially catastrophic situations into manageable issues.
We work with our customers, across both the private and public sectors, to not only analyse their buildings physical vulnerabilities but to study and track meteorological events to alert them to when they might be most at risk, and from what.
A robust climate risk adaptation framework includes:
• Heat vulnerability analysis: Identifying areas most susceptible to heat stress based on building materials, ventilation, and urban heat island effects.
• Flood risk mapping: Using high-resolution data to pinpoint surface water, river, and coastal flooding threats, allowing for targeted defences and drainage upgrades.
• Asset risk profiles: Evaluating individual buildings and infrastructure to prioritize investments and allocate resources effectively.
• Scenario planning tools: Modelling future climate scenarios to inform long-term strategies and build resilience through 2050 and beyond.
By leveraging such tools, local authorities can proactively secure funding, update policies, and implement measures that protect communities from escalating risks.
We recently undertook a climate risk assessment for a major NHS Hospitals Trust, which illustrated how data-driven adaptation can drive meaningful change. The assessment identified critical risks, including heat stress and flooding, affecting eight buildings across two hospital campuses.
Detailed analysis pinpointed vulnerabilities, such as internal temperatures exceeding safe thresholds during heatwaves. By acting early, the trust implemented preventative measures to safeguard patients, staff, and operations, while developing innovative tools to predict and mitigate future risks.
We are wholly committed to pushing this adaptation agenda in tandem with our decarbonisation efforts, so that businesses, hospitals, schools and other critical services can remain open. But if we are to truly combat this, we can't do it alone. There needs to be a shift in mindset among both business and government to recognise that climate change is not only a problem that can be solved down the road by cutting emissions today.
For local authorities, the path to resilience begins with acknowledging the risks and taking proactive steps. Adaptation planning can unlock opportunities for sustainable regeneration, community well-being, and economic growth. Collaboration with trusted partners, data-driven insights, and community engagement will be key to success.
The cost of inaction will far outweigh the investments needed to adapt. By prioritising resilience today, local authorities can protect their communities, assets, and economies for generations to come.
Ben Simcock is Strategic Development Director and Karl Limbert is UK Strategy Director at Equans UK & Ireland
