Adapting to Climate Change

The UK Climate Change Impacts Programme explains that while it is essential to reduce future greenhouse gas emissions, the effects of past emissions will continue to be felt.

Climate change is becoming a real life issue, with it effecting worcestershire in many different ways that can seem positive to some but it means a high risk of more danger to all of us.

In Worcestershire, climate change could lead to:

• An increase in rainfall intensity and flooding.
• More frequent extreme weather events such as heatwaves and storms.
• Warmer winters.
• Hotter summers.
• Increased frequency of summer drought.

The Worcestershire Climate Change Strategy  (1MB) outlines how Worcestershire organisations will work in partnership to manage these risks and plan to adapt to climate change.

Climate Change Impact Study

The Worcestershire Climate Change Impact Study, September 2004, found that the climate in Worcestershire has changed significantly over the last century. The report looks at potential future changes in climate and the consequences of this for Worcestershire.

Local Climate Impacts Profile 

The Local Climate Impacts Profile (LCLIP) assesses the impact that severe weather has had on public sector services over recent years and identifies areas where adaptive measures may be required. This report informs the development of a climate change risk assessment.

Originally completed in 2007, the LCLIP has been updated for 2010

For further background information about the Worcestershire LCLIP view our UK Climate Change Impacts Programme case study.

Climate Change Risk Assessment and Adaptation Plan

Climate change represents a complex strategic risk that should be considered when developing our policies, strategies, plans and projects.

The Climate Change Risk Assessment identifies the potential implications for council services and highlights possible adaptations to be considered in our planning processes. This report is used to support our decision making process and development of Business Continuity Plans.

The Climate Change Adaptation Plan outlines how we intend to manage the risks to services identified by the Risk Assessment. This is a working document and will be updated annually.

Frequently Asked Questions What is the Difference between adaption and mitigation? Why is the Worcestershire county council adapting to the impacts of climate change? What is being done nationally on adapting to climate change? What is the difference between weather and climate?