Environment

Adaptation is how Local Authorities “assess the potential effect of climate change on our communities and identify ways in which we can adapt”

Over the last few years we have seen more and more evidence of how our climate is changing: globally temperatures have risen by 0.6°C and in Central England we have seen them rise by almost 1°C. The effects of this can be felt by us all: summer heat waves are occurring more frequently, winters are becoming wetter, with snow and frost now less common.

Region has not escaped these impacts; in recent times schools and offices have experienced over-heating and flooding has affected more homes and businesses. The trends studied by climate scientists mean these events will become even more common over the next 50 years.

At Newcastle under Lyme Borough Council we are aiming to minimise the negative effects of climate change on our community and on our services, while taking advantage of any benefits (such as longer growing seasons and greater potential for outdoor living).

We are studying the effects of the climate changes happening now, so that we can be better prepared for the future: this is at the heart of Climate Change Adaptation.

The end goal of our adaptation work is to develop a plan of the policies and actions needed to prepare for climate change.

Local government is crucial in leading adaptation as the impacts of climate change will be felt on a local level and will expose both local vulnerabilities and local opportunities. Therefore we must anticipate how the changing climate will affect our role as a service provider, a corporate body and a community leader.

Building adaptive capacity, for example:

• undertaking research, institutional changes, education and training
• creating standards and legislation, management and resources
• developing policies, plans and strategies

Delivering actual adaptation, for example:

• building flood defences
• increasing the diameter of a drain
• changing operational hours

Please click on the useful documnets link below.

• Adaptation Poster