Tackling the causes (mitigation) and consequences (adaptation) of climate change effectively will often require collaborative approaches across authority boundaries. For example:
- matching the scale and type of opportunities for low carbon and renewable energy generation with existing and potential areas of energy usage
- managing flood risk and drought resilience, where coasts and river catchments do not follow council boundaries
- working together on climate change issues will also provide opportunities for councils to develop and share data, evidence and expertise.
Using evidence
The Climate Change Act 2008 establishes a legal framework that underpins the UK's commitment to tackling climate change, including reducing CO2 emissions and addressing climate risks. The most recent climate change projections that highlight long term scenarios for heat and rain were produced in 2009 (UKCP09). The UK Climate Change Risk Assessment (2012) published by the Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) analyses the main risks and opportunities arising from climate change. Some councils will also have undertaken local climate impact profiles which will help assess current vulnerability to extreme weather events.
The sustainability appraisal (SA) scoping report should be able to use this information to highlight the potential scale and type of carbon mitigation required and where adaptation will be a priority. As a consequence, it should also be able to highlight where collaborative activity would be most effective.
In particular, councils should consider joint approaches to carrying out local renewable/ decentralised energy studies which will help identify areas where there are the greatest opportunities and support the determination of local renewable energy targets. Some of the greatest opportunities for low carbon energy generation will be related to major development proposals, the impact of which themselves cross council boundaries.
Paragraph 100 of the National Planning Policy Framework requires that councils undertake a strategic flood risk assessment (SFRA) for coastal and fluvial sources as part of their evidence base. The SFRA will help to identify principal areas where flooding could be significant and where measures will be needed to reduce the risks. Undertaking this work on a joint basis will help guide development across a conurbation or housing market area to the safest locations, as well as being more resource efficient.
Councils are also required (where relevant) to identify Coastal Change Management Areas - any area that is likely to be affected by physical changes to the coast – and work with neighbouring authorities to apply integrated coastal zone management.
Identifying partners
The Environment Agency is a key partner in relation to climate change and contributing to SFRAs. The nine regional Climate Change Partnerships, working under the umbrella of ‘Climate UK' will also provide useful information and support in relation to both mitigation and adaptation. From 2012, county councils and unitary authorities will have duties under Floods and Water Management Act 2010 to approve proposals for sustainable drainage systems (SuDs).