[The PDF of this report is available at the link above, or for download here.]

Report from: Town and County Planning Association | Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment

Key messages of the report:

1. Adaptation is needed now because the climate is already changing. Many of the climatic changes forecast for the next 30–40 years are 'locked in'– the result of past greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Regardless of the success, or otherwise, of emissions reduction efforts, some climate change is therefore inevitable.
2. The built environment generally has a design life of 40–100 years, and the urban form has even greater longevity. This makes climate change a current, rather than a future issue. In order to help communities adapt, planners, urban designers, architects, and developers should take into account predicted climates over this century at the design stage of any new development, refurbishment or regeneration programme.
3. Climate change is a fast-moving policy area, and climate change adaptation is increasingly a requirement of national planning and design guidance.
4. Climate change presents designers, architects and planners with significant opportunities to create or remodel outdoor spaces and buildings that are resilient in the face of future climates. Adaptation will enhance the liveability of, and quality of life in, communities in future.
5. Climate change presents opportunities to develop new services and products that respond to changing customer preferences. The first to seize these opportunities can gain an 'early mover' competitive advantage.
6. Evidence of 'climate-proofing' can enhance an organisation’s reputation with its stakeholders. Adaptation can also protect investments, reduce health risks, and reduce insurance costs.
7. Many adaptation strategies offer multiple benefits. As an example, managed realignment of hard flood defences (concrete or stone, for instance) can improve biodiversity as well as managing flood risks.
8. Planners, developers, architects and urban designers should aim to implement zero- and low-carbon adaptation strategies, in accordance with GHG emissions reduction targets. However, to be effective efforts to reduce emissions must take account of a changing climate and the need to adapt at the same time.
9. Adaptation is an essential component of truly 'sustainable development'.