Getting Climate Change Adaptation on the Agenda 7 December 2010 Gill Fenna - Quantum Strategy & Technology

Climate Change Adaptation Understanding how weather patterns are expected to change in the future Planning to avoid these changes causing us problems

The Process Understanding the risks Deciding where/whether to reduce vulnerability or respond to the risk Reducing vulnerability –Planning to minimise & manage the risks –Developing community & business resilience Dealing with an event –Emergency Planning – immediate response –Business Continuity - maintaining services –Recovery – picking up the pieces

Twin Approach to Reducing Vulnerability Building Adaptive Capacity –Policies, strategies, embedding –Training, education, awareness –Creating resilience –Resources and management Delivering Actions –Building flood defences –Installing natural cooling –Storm-proofing buildings –Replacing road surfaces

Some Issues Faced Understanding the difference climate change might make to a response-based approach Dealing with changes beyond the planning horizon of most organisations Developing a business case for investment against future risk – lack of data Identifying what’s important to do now (or soon) Parking things that may be necessary in a few years (but not right now)

What about NI188? No return required for Year 3 “Local Authorities have an essential role to play in planning ahead & taking adaptation action” Robin Mortimer, Defra communication to Chief Executives, 11/11/10 Regional Climate Change Partnerships and RIEPS to take lead role Many statutory responsibilities linked to climate change adaptation remain

Use Civil Contingencies NI 188 process has helped to focus attention and review existing plans Weather emergencies should already be covered in risk management Loss of staff should be covered in business continuity (planned for flu pandemic) Public Health/NHS have planned for heatwaves & extreme cold Everyone likes a good emergency

Use Other Responsibilities Planning policy should already take climate change into account for new developments Flood & Surface Water Management Act responsibilities Public Health responsibilities coming to Local Authorities

Use Quantified Risk Assessment Financial cost to the council of dealing with a weather emergency Impact on ability to deliver services Impact on customers or constituents – injury, illness or death Impact on council’s activities if own staff are affected Liability for injury, damage or loss of life Reputational risk – even if it isn’t your responsibility

Council Impact – Allerdale 2010 Clearing mud, silt & debris Skips for water-damaged goods tonnes 8000 sandbags distributed Emergency helpline – 20 staff Provision of food, protective clothing, barriers, a generator, mobile banking facilities, temporary street lighting, medical assistance Libraries used as flood support centres Provision of temporary accommodation 700 properties inspected for structural failure Relief fund for shop owners

Costs of 2007 Floods Impact£ million% insured Households120076% Businesses74095% Temporary Accommodation9495% Vehicles8095% Local Government21945% Public Health287n/a Utilities32532% Communications14450% Agriculture505% Environment Agency19n/a Emergency Services845% 3166 Defra: The costs of the 2007 Floods in England The report underestimates: Actual financial outlay by households and businesses Long term public health impacts

Dealing with Recovery - Hull 2007 “After the Rain”, LEC ,600 homes affected, 91 schools Stress – managing repairs, dealing with officials, insurers & contractors, unfairness, insensitivity Poor quality repairs & advice Lack of co-ordination between different organisations Money worries – upfront payments, rent, insurance Health problems – respiratory, infections, exhaustion, allergies

Typical Gaps – Long Term Thinking Green space planning Surface water management - communication Implementation of planning policy Reducing the effect of excessive heat Assessment of budget implications of prevention vs dealing with the event –Roads maintenance, tree maintenance, social care, housing Maximising community involvement

Don’t forget the small things Simple solutions may be suggested by staff –Changing dress codes/uniforms –Changing timetables –Re-setting controls Think about the detail and how things work in practice –Do IT systems work if everyone logs on from home? –Capturing knowledge of how people already deal with problems

Experience so far Emergency response is well-planned Business continuity planning is in place but gaps in some cases Recovery phase planning not generally well understood or developed Prevention only really considered for serious risks e.g. flooding, and in some new developments –“ we are very good at managing failure”

Questions What’s driving your work on adaptation? Do you see that changing What are the key arguments/issues that have persuaded senior management? What has helped you make progress? What are the main problems you face?