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Appendix 9
Potential Impacts of Extreme Weather on Services : A Summary
(Source: Lancashire County Council Environment Directorate )
1.Corporate functions
1.1 Finance
The impacts of climate change have significant financial implications for local authorities,
including:

direct and indirect costs associated with extreme events

potential changes to the costs and availability of insurance

potential changes to the value of climate-vulnerable assets

costs associated with adapting to a changing climate
1.2 Human resources
The primary human resource issues for local authorities arising from projected climate
changes are likely to be impacts on working conditions due to increases in average summer
temperatures and the frequency of extreme heat events (heat waves). These may affect
working efficiency and in extreme cases have health and safety implications. Measures
may be needed to:

Maintain council premises at appropriate internal temperatures to ensure safe,
comfortable and efficient working conditions

To ensure the health and safety of outside workers

Other issues that may arise could include:

Staffing implications from changing demand for services, including the capacity to
respond to weather-related emergencies

Possible changes to patterns of absenteeism from differing sickness, care
responsibilities, or disruption of infrastructure
Potential human resource responses to a changing climate could include staff awareness
raising, education and training on issues such as:

Minimising heat build up through changes to use of windows and ventilation

Turning off heat-generating equipment when not in use

Careful use of water

Preparedness for weather-related emergencies

For outside workers

Training and protection to avoid increased UV exposure

Changes to clothing and uniforms to cope with higher temperatures

Ensure the availability of water to prevent dehydration and heat stress

Changes to working hours or schedules to avoid periods of most intense heat
Authorities able to demonstrate that they are well-adapted to a changing climate may
enhance their reputation as good employers improving recruitment and retention rates
One of the key aspects of being well-adapted to a changing climate is building the
institutional capacity to respond to climate changes. Human resources considerations have
a vital role in building institutional capacity.
1.3 Building management
In developing a climate change adaptation strategy and action plan, climate impacts on
premises should be considered.
Three aspects of building management are considered here:

the management of existing facilities;

the retrofitting of existing premises with measures to improve climate resilience;
and

the specification, design and construction of new premises
These 3 approaches have different cost implications and are likely to be relevant
over different time periods.
1.4 Facilities management
Facilities management offers opportunities for adaptation via operational changes, modified
maintenance regimes and modest physical changes. Typically, assuming that there are no
extreme vulnerabilities to current risks (as identified by way of an LCLIP, for instance),
these may be the most cost-effective means of minimising climate risks in the short term,
say over the next 5 to 10 years. More detailed guidance on facilities management.
1.5 Retrofitting
The retrofitting of more substantial climate adaptation measures to existing premises is
most cost-effective as an integral part of major maintenance or refurbishment programmes.
However, there may be instances where risks are such that ad hoc retrofits need to be
considered. In either case the aim should be that all major retrofits have design lifetimes
appropriate to the investment involved, taking into account site specific issues and
projected climate changes over the period for your locality. Typically this is likely to be in the
range of 10 to 30 years. More detailed guidance on retrofitting.
1.6 New premises
It is important that the specification, design, and construction of all new premises take
account of the projected impacts of climate change over their planned lifetimes in the
context of their geographical location and site-specific conditions. Typically this will require
consideration of climate threats and opportunities for periods in excess of 30 years. Given
that the uncertainties of climate change projections increase with time, one of the important
design criteria is likely to be flexibility to cope with a range of future climate risks by, for
instance, options for incremental upgrading of adaptation measures. More detailed
guidance on new premises.
2. Economy
2.1 Enterprise support
In 2007, 28% of businesses were disrupted by extreme weather (CMI, 2008). This is likely
to increase as our climate continues to change. Enterprise Support staff can help SMEs
think through the implications for their business and how to respond.
UKCIP has developed a web-based resource for the business support community to assist
them in providing advice to SMEs on climate change impacts and adaptation. It suggests
how business advisors can:
Make the business case for adaptation to an SME

Decide where to target their support

Raise awareness

Use tools like the Adaptation Wizard to deliver advice
2.2 Regeneration
Regeneration schemes should be designed to be resilient to projected climate changes
over their design lifetimes. For new developments and major refurbishments this will
typically be in excess of 30 years. Robust design will require consideration of appropriate
climate change scenarios and an understanding of local and site-specific vulnerabilities
established, for instance, by undertaking an LCLIP or similar vulnerability study.
3. Education and learning
3.1 New education buildings
It is important that the specification, design, and construction of new educational buildings
take account of the projected impacts of climate change over their planned lifetimes.
Typically this will require consideration of climate threats and opportunities for periods in
excess of 30 years. Given that the uncertainties of climate change projections increase with
time, one of the important design criteria is likely to be flexibility to cope with a range of
future climate risks.
The specific climate risks that need to be considered will be related to:

The geographical location of your authority

The location of the site; and

site-specific conditions
Some of the key issues for school premises are:

The need to provide a safe, healthy environment for learning

The need to minimise climate-related disruptions to children's education

The need for school buildings to be sustainable and easy to maintain over their
design lifetime
In addition to the general considerations for the design of climate-resilient premises, the
most important specific factor to be considered for new school buildings is the vulnerability
of children to excessive temperature. This is particularly the case for younger children and
therefore is especially relevant to early-years and primary premises, but should also be
considered in the provision of secondary schools and colleges.
Currently, there are no statutorily defined maximum temperatures for schools. The aim
should be to ensure that all areas of the school are capable of being maintained below
appropriate temperature thresholds for the comfort and safety of pupils and students.
4. Emergency planning
Local Resilience Forums (LRFs) already plan for severe weather, but climate change
projections suggest that in future LRFs may need the capacity to respond to long term
changes in the climate.
The Emergency Planning Society, UKCIP and the Nottingham Declaration Partnership have
prepared a briefing note Emergency Planning: Adapting to climate change. It presents
some initial ideas on how emergency planning may need to respond. It draws on
discussions at a practitioner workshop held in June 2009. The note discusses:
Work that is currently being undertaken for the UK Adapting to Climate Change
Programme that could in future provide valuable information to help emergency
planners to better understand the growing risks from climate change.

Sources of information on projected climate change and its consequences.

A checklist of possible increased risks from severe weather that LRFs and other
partners might increasingly need to consider.

Ideas on what action LRFs could take now to prepare for increasingly severe
weather.
5. Environment
5.1 Biodiversity
Studies have identified a number of key direct impacts of climate change upon biodiversity
including:

Changes in the timings of seasonal events, leading to loss of synchrony between
species and the availability of food, and other resources upon which they depend.

Shifts in suitable climate conditions for individual species leading to change in
abundance and range.

Changes in the habitats which species occupy.

Changes to the composition of plant and animal communities.

Changes to habitats and ecosystems, such as altered water regimes, increased
rates of decomposition in bogs and higher growth rates in forests.
There is already evidence that species and ecosystems are being impacted by climate
change, for instance:

There has been a general trend towards spring and summer events, such as
flowering and migration, taking place earlier in the year.

Species are increasing and decreasing their abundance at sites in ways
correlated with climate change.

Many species are showing evidence of changes in their range. Those which
undergo annual migration are responding particularly rapidly.

Recent studies of the silver spotted skipper butterfly (Hesperia comma) have
revealed a change of habitat, so that it now breeds in cooler, taller grasslands.
There are also likely to be indirect impacts on biodiversity arising from responses to climate
change in other sectors, such as:

Changes in socio-economic drivers, working practices, policies and resource use.

Changes to agriculture -- crop types, regional patterns of crop planting, the
introduction of carbon management initiatives, biomass and bio-fuel crops could
all have important implications for biodiversity

Biodiversity in habitats associated with the Water and Wetlands EBS sector will
be affected by water resource issues and catchments management. Increased
water abstraction and fragmentation by artificial structures such as
impoundments, flood control and hydro-electric schemes are potential threats to
biodiversity. The creation of wetland habitats for water storage and flood control
and the introduction of integrated catchments management may offer
opportunities

Threats to biodiversity within the Woodland and Forestry sector may result from
increasing emphasis on carbon sequestration or production of biomass for
renewable energy generation.

Within Towns and Cities, negative impacts on biodiversity may result from the
intensification of land use as a consequence of policies for increasing energy
efficiency. Strategic planning for sustainable development may offer opportunities
to incorporate biodiversity objectives; biodiversity can be included within new
designs for building and open spaces and wetland habitats may be created as
part of flood management and sustainable urban drainage systems.

Within the Coasts and Seas sector, fisheries policy has a major impact on
biodiversity. Policy in the coastal zone could have positive or negative effects,
depending on whether habitats are created by managed realignment and the
nature of coastal defences. Increased tourism development and renewable
energy schemes also have the potential for negative impacts in some
circumstances.

Natural England has published a review of four specific Character Areas which
suggests that significant changes are needed to the way England's landscapes
are managed to allow them to adapt to climate change.
5.2 Landscape character
Natural England's Character Area Climate Change study aimed to identify the local
responses required to safeguard the natural environment and its enjoyment. It looked at
four specific Character Areas in England that represented contrasting habitats and
landscapes that are likely to be affected by climate change. The Character Areas were:
Cumbria High Fells; Shropshire Hills; Dorset Downs and Camborne Chase; and The
Broads. The study concluded that for all four areas:
There will be changes in the plant and animal species that can survive in
particular habitats;

New species will move into the area as climatic conditions change, and some
established species may be lost as their `climate space disappears;

The timing of seasonal events such as flowering, breeding and migration will
change

There will be greater risk of soil erosion and flooding during intensive rainfall
events

Extreme weather events (drought, intense storms, and floods) are likely to occur
more frequently, and habitats may not be able to recover from repeated
disturbance.

It recommended key practical steps to help build resilience including:-

Improve the condition of existing habitats

Restore lost and degraded habitats

Extend existing habitats and create new areas for wildlife

Increase the variety of microclimates in existing habitats and create a wide range
of microclimates in new habitats

Adopt sensitive farming methods - for example, by leaving buffer strips around
fields rather than planting right up to the edge.
5.3 Environmental health
Climate change is predicted to impact on public health. The main impacts identified by the
Department of Health are summarised on the Health Improvement and Promotion page
(link?)
The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health has identified potential health impacts that
are especially relevant to environmental health professionals:
Increase in food poisoning due to increased survival of micro-organisms in
warmer ambient conditions, in association with eating outdoors or storage in
warmer conditions.

Increase in water related diseases due to: warmer temperatures; more frequent
heavy rainfall which can increase surface water torpidity and the number of
bacteria and pathogens; slower river flow during periods of drought which may
increase pathogen concentrations due to less dilution of effluent discharges; and
increases in algal blooms.

Increase in insects and vector born diseases, especially: midges; house dust
mites; cat and dog fleas; stinging, biting and blood sucking insects; nuisance flies
with the associated risk of food contamination.
The health impacts of air pollution are likely to be mixed. Overall, warmer temperatures
combined with an expected reduction in emissions of particles, oxides of nitrogen and
sulphur dioxide are expected to decrease annual mean and winter levels of air pollution. On
the other hand, increased summer temperatures, especially heat waves, are likely to be
associated with increased air pollution and associated health problems.
The Chartered Institute for Environmental Health (CIEH) suggest that environmental health
professionals can take action to:-

Input into long-term and emergency planning for floods and storms

Co-ordinate health and hygiene advice before and after floods

Investigate health risks of contaminated sport and outdoor play areas following
flooding

Provide advice on preparing for high winds, tailored to gust speeds
Work with water undertakers to ensure that measures are in place to protect water quality in
the event of river floods and flash floods during torrential storms
Co-ordinate advice on responding to heat waves, especially for vulnerable groups (elderly,
chronically sick, deprived groups including homeless people)
Improve surveillance and reporting of climate related health impacts
CIEH has proposed that further research is needed to examine the implications for food
poisoning of climate change.
5.4 Grounds maintenance
Projected climate changes are likely to change seasonal ground conditions with greater
risks of flooding and water-logging in winter and drought conditions in summer. These may
require:

Improved drainage systems to alleviate greater flood risks and to ensure that
playing fields and amenity areas are accessible throughout the year

Water conservation measures and management to enable specialised areas,
such as cricket pitches and grass tennis courts, to be maintained in periods of
drought

Resilient landscaping and planting schemes capable of tolerating both greater
winter rainfall and summer drought conditions (with minimal need for watering)

Reducing the extent of impermeable surface to lessen problems with surface
water runoff
Changes seasonal patterns of growing affecting the timing of maintenance regimes,
including:

Mowing regimes - extended thermal growing season may require mowing to be
carried out throughout the year, whilst reduced rainfall may require less frequent
summer mowing.

Timing of activities such as pruning, weeding or leaf clearance may need to be
varied

Climate changes may affect prevalence of pest and diseases requiring different
management responses

Some alien species may become more pernicious
Opportunities may include:

Warmer winters and fewer frost days may offer opportunities to grow more tender
plants, although these may be restricted by high winter rainfall

Uses of mulching and ground cover planting to retain soil moisture

Use of water harvesting measures to improve the use of scarce water resources
6. Fire and rescue
Fire and Rescue Services (F&RS) already deal with the impacts of severe weather, but
climate change projections suggest that in future F&RS may need the capacity to respond
to increasingly frequent and severe weather events.
A study for CLG in 2006 into the Effects of Climate Change on Fire and Rescue Services in
the UK, concluded that:Climate change will lead to an increase in the frequency of hot summers and
therefore to an increase in the number and severity of grassland and forest fires,
requiring significant extra effort from Fire and Rescue Services. These summers are
also predicted to be very dry, which may lead to water shortages. Water shortages
during the summer will impact on Fire and Rescue Services in the UK in both training
and fire fighting.
It is also shown that increased winter rainfall and higher sea levels will lead to an
increase in the frequency of flooding events during winter. Whilst measures are
being taken to address this problem with improved flood defences, new pumping
equipment and innovative appliance design, issues such as training, access to water
rescue craft and helicopter support may need to be reviewed with this in mind. These
events may also create an increased demand for short notice access to urban
search and rescue equipment.
F&RS buildings, equipment and staff may be vulnerable to the increasingly high
temperatures, storms and severe floods that are expected to occur with climate
change. As a key service during emergencies, F&RS need to ensure that they can
continue to fully perform their functions during severe weather.
7. Health
7.1 Health trusts
Severe weather events are expected to become more frequent and extreme as a result of
climate change. This will place increased pressures on health services and operational
resilience.
The Department of Health's publication The Health impacts of climate change, suggests
that climate change impacts such as increased heat waves and flooding could place
increased pressure on health services.
Health Trust buildings, equipment and staff may be vulnerable to the increasingly high
temperatures, storms and severe floods that are expected to occur with climate change. As
a key service during emergencies, health services need to ensure that they can continue to
fully perform their functions during severe weather.
7.2 Health promotion
The Department of Health, in its publication the Health Impact of Climate Change, has
suggested that climate change may have the following health impacts:Heat wave-related health problems will become more frequent. The very old and
young, chronically ill and poor are most susceptible
River, coastal flooding and flash floods will potentially increase contamination of
drinking water, increase water borne infections, and exposure to toxic pollutants,
accompanied by psychological consequences, disruption, injuries and death. Later
effects of flooding include stress and mental health problems.
Infectious diseases. Cases of food poisoning and water borne diseases linked to
warm weather are likely to increase.
Vector born diseases (ticks and Lyme disease) may present local problems due to
changes in the eco-system, but the increase in their overall impact is likely to be
small.
Sunburn and skin cancer are likely to increase because of greater exposure to
warmer weather.
Possible ancillary health benefits due to increased physical activity due to
extended weather, but outcomes could be worse due to extreme heat.
Extreme weather related events (natural disasters, droughts and hurricanes)
leading to social disruption, injuries, death, disability, migration, homelessness and
food shortages.
Cold-related illnesses and deaths are likely to decline.
Health improvement initiatives can:Make the public and carers aware of predicted heat waves and how to avoid heat
wave related health problems.
Raise public awareness of how to reduce exposure to skin cancer
Advise residents, employers and services that are vulnerable to flooding how to
reduce the health risks of floods.
Promote vaccination programmes for infectious and vector borne diseases where
appropriate
8. Housing
8.1 New Housing
New housing should be designed sited and built to be resilient to projected climate changes
over its design lifetime particularly with respect to:

Flood risks - coastal, fluvial, ground and surface water flooding

Changes to average and extreme temperatures

Possible increases in frequency and severity of storms (high winds)

Efficient management of water resources

Subsidence and heave due to changing ground water conditions
Typically this will require consideration of climate threats and opportunities for periods in
excess of 30 years. Given that the uncertainties of climate change projections increase with
time, one of the important design criteria is likely to be flexibility to cope with a range of
future climate risks.
General advice is available on climate risks to buildings. The specific climate risks that need
to be considered for a given development will be related to:
The geographical location of your authority
The location of the site; and
site-specific conditions
General guidance is available on the specification, design, and construction of new
premises. New housing developments should consider the use of SUDS (Sustainable
Drainage Systems) techniques to handle surface water in order to minimise on- and off-site
flood risks.
8.2 Housing renewal and refurbishment
Renewal and refurbishment schemes offer the opportunity to improve the resilience of
housing stock to climate change. Generally, it is more cost effective to fit adaptation
measures to existing buildings during refurbishment projects than on an ad hoc basis, so it
is worth considering changing climate risks over the planned lifetime of any refurbishment
or renewal scheme at the design and specification stage. General advice is available on
climate risks to buildings.
Typically, the most important factors to be considered in relation to refurbishment projects
are:
Changing flood risks, coastal, fluvial, ground and surface water flooding, larger-scale
renewal or refurbishment projects may offer opportunities to introduce SUDS
approaches to managing surface water.
Changes to average and extreme temperatures
Efficient management of water resources
Other factors that may need to be considered include:
Possible increases in frequency and severity of storms (high winds)
Changes to groundwater conditions leading to greater risks of subsidence and heave
The specific climate risks that need to be considered for a given development will be related
to:
The geographical location of your authority
The location of the site; and
Site-specific conditions
General guidance is available on the specification, design, and construction of new
premises. Some of this may be relevant to refurbishment and renewal projects.
8.3 Housing repairs and maintenance
Housing repairs and maintenance may offer some opportunities for improving the resilience
of individual properties and the housing stock to climate changes, although these are likely
to be limited by budgets and resources.
Issues that could be considered:
Are there any simple, cost-effective measures that could lessen flood risks or their
impacts? For instance, it may be possible to fit basic seals and thresholds to
doorways, or to reposition electrical outlets to reduce damage from minor flood
events.
Are there any simple, cost-effective measures that could lessen the impacts of
extreme temperatures? For instance, fitting of blinds or shutters to reduce solar gain,
or security measures to allow ground floor windows to be open at night.
There may be opportunities to improve water use by replacing cisterns, taps or
showers with more efficient models as part of repair and maintenance programmes.
There may be opportunities to improve resilience to high winds when maintaining
and repairing housing
In order to take account of these opportunities it may be worth considering changing
the specification of materials and procedures used for your maintenance and repair
work.
8.4 Supported and sheltered housing
Residents of supported and sheltered housing are likely to be especially vulnerable to the
impacts of climate change and are likely to be less able to recover from ill effects. It is
therefore particularly important that supported and sheltered housing is resilient to climate
and weather events.
The two most significant risks are likely to be from:
Changes to average and extreme temperatures leading to difficulties in maintaining
safe, comfortable internal conditions for residents and staff. Elderly people are
particularly vulnerable to excessive temperatures, especially over prolonged periods
and during the night. For instance, it is estimated that the August 2003 heat wave
caused more than 35,000 excess deaths across Europe of which approximately
2,000 were in the UK.
Likewise, elderly people are especially vulnerable to the impacts of flooding both in
terms of direct physical risks and the health impacts of mental trauma.
It is therefore important that these risks should be minimised through good design,
construction and management of supported and sheltered housing.
In addition to measures to minimise risks, there should also be contingency plans for when
premises are unable to cope with extreme events, including:
Evacuation procedures
Provision of alternative accommodation
Cool areas in schemes if impossible to maintain cool temperatures in all units
Simple measures can also help to minimise risks in heat waves:
Ensure that residents drink enough fluids, but avoid alcohol, caffeine and sugary
drinks (assuming there are no health reasons to limit their intake of liquid)
Encourage residents to stay indoors during the hottest period of the day
Discourage opening of doors and windows in high external temperatures? Where
security allows encourage residents to have windows open at night to cool their
homes when temperatures are lower.
There may also be opportunities arising from projected climate changes, such as:
Warmer winters leading to fewer excess deaths and falls in snow and ice conditions.
Milder winters will also reduce the energy demand for heating
Warmer weather may also offer opportunities for more outside leisure and activities.
Site design should include sheltered and shaded areas to enable residents to take
these opportunities
9 Leisure and culture
9.1 Conservation and heritage
Historic building and sites can be damaged by the impacts of climate change, including:
flooding
rainwater penetration
storm damage
threats to the viability of historic parks and gardens
spread of pests and diseases which may damage gardens, buildings, fixtures and
furnishings
loss of historic sites due to coastal erosion
increased fire risk
English Heritage believe that "the measures necessary to adapt to and combat climatic
instability will necessitate significant change in the historic environment, not all of which will
conform to current thinking about heritage management" but also recognises that the work
to respond to these challenges is "still in its infancy." (English Heritage Conservation
Bulletin 57: Adapting to Climate Change.)
Local authorities can encourage measures to improve the resilience of historic buildings
and sites when acting as:
Owners of historic buildings
Conservation advisors
Development control
9.2 Leisure centres
In common with all developments, any new leisure centres should be designed, sited and
built to be resilient to projected climate changes over their design lifetimes. Any
refurbishment or major maintenance programmes should also aim to maximise resilience to
climate changes and extreme weather events.
See the building management and the risk to premises pages for general considerations of
climate impacts on premises.
Particular considerations for leisure centres may include:
The need to maintain appropriate threshold temperatures for physical activities in
higher average summer temperatures and heat extremes. Passive cooling should be
considered as an alternative to air conditioning wherever practical.
The need to shade any outdoor play areas from excessive sun and heat
The use of drainage and permeable surfaces for outdoor play areas to minimise
flood risks and to enable areas to recover quickly from intense rainfall.
There may be opportunities for reducing energy demand for heating during milder
winters.
Provision of leisure services should take account of potential changes in the pattern
of demand arising from climate changes, for instance, higher average temperatures
and more hot weather may be expected to increase the demand for swimming
facilities, including outdoor pools.
9.3 Museums and galleries
In common with all developments, any new museums or galleries should be designed, sited
and built to be resilient to projected climate changes over their design lifetimes. Any
refurbishment or major maintenance programmes should also aim to maximise resilience to
climate changes and extreme weather events.
See the building management and the risk to premises pages for general considerations of
climate impacts on premises.
Particular considerations for museums and galleries may include:
The need to maintain appropriate threshold temperatures in higher average summer
temperatures and heat extremes for the comfort and safety of staff and users.
Increasing use of heat generating IT equipment may be an issue. Passive cooling
should be considered as an alternative to air conditioning wherever practical.
The need to undertake a flood risk assessment in order to ensure that artworks and
exhibits are displayed and stored to minimise the risk of flood damage. Similarly all
valuable equipment should positioned or stored to minimise threats from flood risks.
The need ensure suitable environmental conditions for the display and storage of
artworks and exhibits can be maintained in a changing climate, particularly in
damper winter conditions and hotter summers.
9.4 Parks and recreation
Milder winters and hotter summers are likely to increase the demand for outdoor leisure
activities and the use parks, recreation grounds and green spaces. It is therefore important
that these should be well-adapted to the changing climate.
Projected climate changes will have significant impacts on parks, recreation and green
spaces. including:
Seasonal changes to ground conditions with greater risks of flooding and waterlogging in winter and drought conditions in summer. Possible adaptation measures
could include:
Improved drainage systems to alleviate greater flood risks and to ensure that
playing fields and amenity areas are accessible throughout the year
Water conservation measures and management to enable specialised areas, such
as cricket pitches and grass tennis courts, to be maintained in periods of drought
Resilient landscaping and planting schemes capable of tolerating both greater winter
rainfall and summer drought conditions (with minimal need for watering
requirements)
Reducing the extent of impermeable surface to lessen problems with surface water
runoff
Uses of mulching and ground cover planting to retain soil moisture.
Difficulties maintaining traditional and heritage park and garden planting schemes,
particularly:
Summer bedding schemes
Rose beds (and other shrubs) that may be stressed in drought conditions making
them more vulnerable to pests and diseases
Some native and ornamental trees species may not thrive in repeated, prolonged
periods of summer drought. There may also be increased risks of damage from more
intense storms particularly if the longer thermal growing season increases the risk
that trees will still be in leaf at times of high winds. For instance, large, shallow rooted
trees such as beech may no longer be viable in southern England.
Adequate shaded areas should be provided to enable the use of parks and recreational
areas in periods of high temperatures. These could include:
Tree and shrub planting schemes
Pergolas, arbours, etc
Shaded pathways and shelters
Roof overhangs on pavilions, etc.
Warmer winters and fewer frost days may offer opportunities to grow more tender plants,
although these may be restricted by higher winter rainfall and the continued risk of
occasional severe frosts.
Water harvesting and conservation measures should be introduced wherever possible to
improve the use of scarce water resources
All buildings in parks and recreational areas should be well adapted to climate change
particularly in relation to:
Flood risks
High temperatures
Risk of storm damage from high winds
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------10. Planning and building control
10.1 Development control
Planning and development control have important roles in ensuring that new developments
are appropriately adapted to the potential impacts of climate change.
Guidance on some of the main policy issues is provided under the advice on strategic
planning. Development control can contribute to adaptation by ensuring that new
developments conform to the relevant planning policies set out in the Local Development
Framework and any Supplementary Planning Documents. Development control officers can
also have an important role in advising developers on measures to improve the resilience of
developments to climate change.
10.2 Landscape design
Landscape design can help to ameliorate climate change impacts such as:
Heat waves, especially in urban areas

Intense precipitation (snow and rain) and consequent flooding

Sea level rise

Droughts
The Landscape Institute recommends that landscape architects are involved early in design
projects in order to incorporate adaptation measures such as:
Green infrastructure and green roofs to help cool the environment, reduce
surface run-off and flooding, and ease migration of species

Sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) to reduce surface run-off and
flooding and create new habitats

Managed coastal realignment to alleviate the risks of sea level rise

Appropriate

Grey and recycling water systems to reduce water consumption and prepare for
water shortages.
10.3 Strategic planning
Planning strategy has an important role in ensuring that new developments are resilient and
appropriately adapted to the potential impacts of climate change. The supplement to PPS1:
Planning and Climate Change confirms that tackling climate change is key Government
priority for the planning system and stresses that both mitigation and adaptation should be
considered. It includes the following key planning objectives related to adapting the climate
change:

Secure new development and shape places that minimise vulnerability, and
provide resilience, to climate change; and in ways that are consistent with social
cohesion and inclusion;

Conserve and enhance biodiversity, recognising that the distribution of habitats
and species will be affected by climate change;

Reflect the development needs and interests of communities and enable them to
contribute effectively to tackling climate change; and

Respond to the concerns of business and encourage competitiveness and
technological innovation in mitigating and adapting to climate change.
It states that when selecting land for development planning authorities should take into
account:

The ability to build and sustain socially cohesive communities with appropriate
community infrastructure, having regard to the full range of local impacts that
could arise as a result of likely changes to the climate;

The effect of development on biodiversity and its capacity to adapt to likely
changes in the climate;

The contribution to be made from existing and new opportunities for open space
and green infrastructure to urban cooling, sustainable drainage systems, and
conserving and enhancing biodiversity; and

Known physical and environmental constraints on the development of land such
as sea level rises, flood risk and stability, and take a precautionary approach to
increases in risk that could arise as a result of likely changes to the climate.
PPS 25: Development and flood risk aims to ensure that flood risk is taken into account at
all stages in the planning process. Given that projected changes to climate are likely to
have significant influence on all sources of flood risks; most of the provisions of PPS 25 are
relevant to climate change adaptation. In particular, PPS 25 requires the:
Framing policies for the location of development which avoid flood risk to people
and property where possible, and manage any residual risk, taking account of the
impacts of climate change; and

Safeguarding land from development that is required for current and future flood
management.
Local development frameworks can support climate change adaptation by including policies
and Supplementary Planning Documents that require or encourage measures such as:

Buildings to be sited and designed to minimise solar gain during summer and
exploit opportunities for passive cooling

Reducing flood risk to and from new development through location, layout and
design, incorporating sustainable drainage systems (SUDS);

Ensuring that drainage systems can cope with more intense rainfall

Requiring permeable surfaces for pavements, driveways, footpaths, car parking
areas and access roads

Minimising water consumption in buildings by measures such as rainwater
harvesting and the recycling, or reuse, of grey water
The government is currently consulting on a new planning policy on development
and coastal change. The intention is that the finalised policy will be published as a
supplement to PPS25 and the current PPG20 Coastal Planning will be cancelled.
The Sustainability Appraisal (SA) or Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of
your LDF and any SPDs should include consideration of climate factors.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------11. Police
Police service buildings, equipment and staff may be vulnerable to the increasingly high
temperatures, storms and severe floods that are expected to occur with climate change. As
a key service during emergencies, police services need to ensure that they can continue to
fully perform their functions during severe weather.
12. Social care
Elderly and vulnerable people in care are particularly at risk from heat waves and flooding.
Social care providers can reduce these impacts by:
Adapting care homes and day centres to be better prepared for flood and heat
waves

Adapting care during severe weather

Ensuring that vulnerable people are contacted and supported during severe
weather
13. Tourism
The probable impacts of climate change on UK tourism are ambiguous and uncertain.
There are likely to be both opportunities and threats to tourism and hospitality businesses
and possible changes to patterns of demand. Opportunities may include:

Longer visitor seasons arising from warmer averages temperatures in spring and
autumn, particularly for seaside and rural destinations

Increased UK tourist numbers (residents and visitors) as alternative destinations,
such as the Mediterranean and tropical resorts, become less desirable because
of excessive temperatures and water constraints.
Threats may include:

Increased damage to tourism infrastructure and disruption of travel due to
extreme weather events.

Increased competition from Scandinavia and other northern destinations

Within the UK, there may be some changes to visitor preferences such as
favouring more northerly resorts for high summer holidays, or changes to the
pattern of demand from urban to rural short breaks.

Higher average costs of travel arising from both fuel prices and policies to
mitigate emissions are likely to have impacts on the pattern of tourism demand
both within the UK and internationally.
Each local authority should consider both the direct and indirect threats and opportunities to
tourism in its area based on:

Its location and the importance of tourism and hospitality services to the local
economy

Threats and opportunities to its current tourism offering

New opportunities that may arise from a changing climate.
In order that the tourism and hospitality industries are able to take advantage of the
opportunities and manage the threats effectively, they will need to ensure that:

Tourism infrastructure, accommodation and visitor attractions are well adapted to
projected climate change and resilient weather extremes.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------14. Transport
14.1 Roads & paths: construction
The list of potential impacts below is intended only as general guidance. A full climate risk
assessment should be undertaken for any road or path construction scheme.
14.2 Flooding
Ideally the routes of any new roads or paths should be chosen to avoid areas at risk
from coastal, fluvial or ground water flooding. Where such areas are unavoidable,
carriageways should be elevated to a height based on a flood risk assessment.
New roads and paths should be designed to minimise risks of surface water flooding
during periods of intense rainfall utilising sustainable drainage techniques to handle
runoff.
14.3 Road surfaces
High temperatures can destabilise and melt road surfaces resulting in costly damage and
traffic disruption. Surfacing materials should be selected to minimise these risk through
choice of:

Viscosity of binding materials

Chipping size

Colour and reflectivity of surface

In some case surface damage can be limited by shading by tree planting and
hedges

Road surfaces can also be damaged by scouring due to rapid surface water
runoff during intensive rainfall
14.4 Ground instability
Intensification of rainfall and the alternating wetting and drying of soils caused by the
increased variations between winter and summer rainfall are likely to increase the risks of
ground instability. Potential impacts may include:

Damage to road and path fabrics from subsidence and heave

Undermining of pavement by sub-surface flows

Destabilising of embankments and cuttings by landslips

Undermining and damage to the foundation of bridges and other structures
14.5 Storm damage

Lighting, signage and other furniture should be designed to withstand risks from
probable increases in wind intensity.
14.6 Other issues

Construction schedules may be disrupted by increases in the frequency and
intensity of winter rainfall.

Higher summer temperatures and UV levels may raise Health and Safety issues
for workforce.
14.7 Roads & paths: maintenance
There are a range of potential risks to existing roads and pathways from climate change
that should be considered when undertaking routine maintenance and refurbishment
programmes. In the case of more extreme impacts there may be the need for more major
capital programmes to alleviate risks.
14.8 Flooding
Recent events have demonstrated that flooding is one of the most serious risks to the
highways network and that poor management of drainage can exacerbate flood damage
elsewhere. Projected climate changes are likely to significantly increase flood risks in
future.
Existing roads and paths may be vulnerable to increased risks from coastal, fluvial, ground
and surface water flooding. Reducing vulnerability to the first three types of flooding is likely
to require measures beyond the scope of normal highway maintenance, although there may
be opportunities to reduce some risks by fairly minor changes to drainage systems,
culverts, embankments, etc.
Although reducing vulnerability to surface water flooding may sometimes require major
works, there are often opportunities to reduce risks within the scope of routine
maintenance. In particular, it is important to ensure that all existing drainage, culverts, etc.
are well maintained and regularly cleared of obstructions and debris.
14.9 Maintenance schedules

Climate changes may affect the capacity to fulfil maintenance schedules although
the effects are likely to be ambiguous and variable.

Milder winters are likely to reduce interruptions due to snow and freezing
conditions, but increased winter rainfall is likely to increase disruption due to
flooding and unfavourable ground conditions.

The net effect of hotter, drier summers is unclear.

There is likely to be an increase in the need for emergency repairs as a result of
extreme weather damage of various kinds.
14.10 Workforce
Reduction in outdoor workers productivity due to higher temperatures in summer. Potential
health risks to workers from greater UV exposure and heat stress in extreme temperatures.
14.11 Transport planning
The Local Transport Act 2008 placed a duty on local transport authorities to have regard to
government policies and guidance on climate change adaptation. This requirement is
reflected in the DfT's guidance on preparing Local Transport Plans.
Climate change is expected to have a significant impact on local transport and the Local
Transport Act 2008 placed a new duty on Local Transport Authorities (LTAs) to have regard
to government policies and guidance on climate change adaptation.
The Transport Planning Society, UKCIP and the Nottingham Declaration Partnership have
prepared a briefing note Local Transport: Adapting to climate change. It presents some
initial ideas about how LTAs might respond and draws on discussions at a practitioner
workshop held in June 2009. The note discusses:Work that is currently being undertaken for the UK Adapting to Climate Change
Programme and other research that could in future provide valuable information for
LTAs.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------15. Waste
15.1 Waste Disposal
Amenity and recycling sites are often located in, or close to, residential areas and hence
nuisance to residents is a particularly important issue.
Higher average temperatures are likely to lead to:

Increased nuisance from dust, odour and vermin, with potentially greater health
risks from pathogens and bio aerosols. Increased odour caused by accelerated
rates of decomposition of organic matter may be an important issue for sites
located in residential areas.

Reduction in outdoor workers productivity due to higher temperatures.
Potential health risks to workers from greater UV exposure and heat stress in extreme
temperatures.

Possible increased risk of fire.

Reduced risk of the disruption from snow and ice.
Increased intensity of rainfall, especially in winter:

Increased risk of flooding of site facilities, with potential for materials to be carried
off-site by flood waters.

Increased risk of disruption of transport infrastructure from intense rainfall and
flooding leading to difficulties with deliveries to and from sites.
Increased storminess:

Possible increases in the frequency and intensity of higher winds may lead to
more problems with windblown waste and debris. In extreme cases this may
increase the risk to the public and workers from flying debris.

Damage to site buildings - many older and less well-maintained sites are likely to
have buildings that are highly vulnerable to storm damage.

Changes to the cost and availability of insurance cover
Sea level rise and storm surges:

Potential flooding of site and disruption of transport infrastructure in coastal
areas
15.2 Disposal and processing

Processing and disposal sites are likely to be subject to a similar range of risks as
suggested above for amenity sites and transfer stations, although they will not
typically be in residential areas so that changes to the levels of nuisance may be
of less significant.
Below are suggested some of the additional risks associated with landfill and composting
sites. The other broad approaches to disposal: mechanical and thermal processing tends
not to have any specific issues beyond those for any waste processing facility.
15.3 Landfill

Landfill sites operate over long periods and have potential environmental impacts
for a significant time following their completion. Given that many aspects of their
operation are sensitive to climate effects, they are highly vulnerable to climate
changes.
Higher average temperatures are likely to lead to:

Altered decomposition rates. Effects are complex and variable but may include
variations in the duration of the gassing phase, amount of gas generated and
settlement rate.

In combination with changes to the pattern of rainfall, may alter site hydrology
leading to changes to leachate production and concentration.
Reduced rainfall in summer

May alter decomposition rates and site hydrology (see above)

Reduce water availability for site management and dust suppression
Increased intensity of rainfall, especially in winter:

May alter decomposition rates and site hydrology (see above)

Increase risk of flooding disrupting site operations, with possible off site pollution
from materials being washed off site, changes to gas and leachate production
and migration.

Increased risk of erosion of bunds and capping layers

Increased risks of slope instability
Increased UV radiation due to reduced cloud cover:·

May have an impact on the durability of exposed materials such as liners and
plastic pipe work.

Current landfill sites operate to higher standards than in the past, although these
have not yet been reviewed specifically in relation to climate change. There are
likely to be changes to the risks of environmental impacts from closed sites due to
changes in decomposition rates, leachate concentration and migration patterns,
erosion and site hydrology.
15.4 Biological processing
Biological processing sites are likely to be subject to similar kinds of impacts to those for
amenity and transfer sites. In addition, sites utilising windrow composting are likely to have:

Changes to the rate of decomposition? Higher temperatures are likely to increase
the rate, providing adequate moisture is available.

Increased problems from vermin

Increased risks of combustion of outer layers
15.5 Waste Collection
Higher average temperatures are likely to lead to:

Increased nuisance of odour and vermin from putresibles in mixed or segregated
biodegradable, waste streams, with potentially greater health risks from
pathogens and bio aerosols.

Requirements for more frequent collections to mitigate these problems may
conflict with use of alternative weekly collections to improve recycling rates.

Reduction in outdoor workers productivity due to higher temperatures. Potential
health risks to workers from greater UV exposure and heat stress in extreme
temperatures.

Possible increases in the risk of fire in waste awaiting collection.

Reduced risk of the disruption of collections from snow and ice.
Increased intensity of rainfall, especially in winter:

Increased risk of disruption of collections and supporting infrastructure from
intense rainfall and flooding

Heavy rain and flooding may soak or disperse waste awaiting collection may be
need for appropriate containers
Increased storminess:

Possible increases in the frequency and intensity of higher winds may lead to more
problems with windblown waste and debris. In extreme cases this may increase the
risk to the public and collection workers from flying debris.
Sea level rise and storm surges:

Potential disruption of collections and transport infrastructure by flooding in coastal
areas.