New report highlights key risks to county from climate change
As the annual Conference of Parties (COP) meeting comes to a close, a new county-wide report has now been published, outlining the key risks to Gloucestershire from climate change. They include:
- Increased flooding from surface water, rivers and sea level rise
- Increased heatwaves impacting public health and social care provision
- More extreme weather and drought resulting in wildfire risks to agriculture, nature and forestry and heritage
- Extreme heat risk to rail, IT, road and energy
The report will be used to inform local partners of risks from climate change and to create a targeted action plan addressing those risks. There are recommendations for different sectors, such as health, business and agriculture partners, to mitigate against these impacts.
Climate Leadership Gloucestershire will work with the county council and partners to adopt the priorities identified. People living, working and farming in the county can also embrace these priorities as they consider how to tackle future extreme weather by:
- Installing shutters, awnings, blinds and green roofs in buildings to combat heatwaves
- Offering cool spaces within local businesses and community spaces
- For landowners – working with local government on further natural flood management, and considering tree planting for shade
Residents in Gloucestershire are also encouraged to take further action at home by:
- Using the flood guide to check your risk and how to prepare Flood guide | Gloucestershire County Council
- Using central government advice to prepare for extreme hot weather Beat the heat: keep cool at home checklist - GOV.UK
Cllr Martin Horwood, cabinet member for nature, climate and waste reduction for Gloucestershire County Council, said: “Climate change poses an existential threat to humanity but it's already an immediate risk to our county. We need to take action at a global, local and individual level. This report shows the real risks to us here in Gloucestershire, from flooding to heatwaves, and the need for everyone to work together to adapt and prepare. We’re committed to leading the way with Climate Leadership Gloucestershire and our local partners to protect our communities and the environment. We can all play our part, whether that’s checking our flood risk or preparing for heatwaves. Together, we can prepare Gloucestershire for the impact of climate change."
Cllr Sebastian Field, Chair of Climate Leadership Gloucestershire, and Cabinet Member for Environment at Gloucester City Council, said: “As Chair of Climate Leadership Gloucestershire and Lead Member for Adaptation, I am delighted to see the cross-county Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment published. For the first time, we have a full picture of the climate risks facing the County Council area and the districts within it. This will allow us to build strong business cases and make informed investment decisions to improve the security of the county and its residents. I would like to thank the NHS Gloucestershire, in particular, for their support throughout this process, as well as the districts and County Council who also helped fund this project and assist in its delivery.”
You can read the report by AtkinsRealis here: Greener Gloucestershire dashboard | Gloucestershire County Council
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