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Climate Adaptation Plan

Contents:

Executive Summary

The Councils Sustainability Strategy has set the scene regarding global climate change.

To address these weather extremes, some of which we are already experiencing, the Council has begun its adaptation journey by producing this Adaptation Plan which is designed to reduce the impact of extreme weather on the council’s buildings, assets, services and functions. Some actions are already being taken, but as predictions are for increasing weather extremes the council must be pro-active in looking to the future with the actions detailed within this plan designed to adapt to that climate change risk.

Gases within our atmosphere, known as greenhouse gases, trap heat from the sun, preventing its escape and increasing temperatures on earth. Globally the effects of climate change are projected to raise the earth’s temperature above pre-industrial levels by 1.5°C within the next 5 years.

For Northern Ireland, this means in the future we will experience warmer wetter winters and hotter drier summers. However, the scientific data and projections are that we will still be susceptible to a greater range of extreme weather including flash flooding that will affect buildings, lands and rivers. 

This Climate Adaptation Plan has been considered across all council services to develop an integrated and agreed action plan that creates a more resilient council. It is recognised that this Action Plan is inward looking, however council will evolve and assist in community resilience development where possible.

The Climate Adaptation Plan should be read in conjunction with the LCCC Sustainability Strategy and Climate Action Plan.

What is Climate Adaptation?

Our response to climate change is approached in two main ways, Mitigation and Adaptation.

Climate Mitigation

Mitigation is the undertaking of actions to reduce the production of greenhouse gases that cause climate change.

Northern Ireland requires urgent action on climate change. The public sector needs support to plan and deliver greenhouse gas emissions reductions. Climate NI’s work on mitigation aims to develop and pilot a coordinated and cohesive approach to net-zero planning, progress reporting, and capacity building to enable delivery of immediate and long-term climate action.

It is important to note that Climate Mitigation and Climate Adaptation are not mutually exclusive and are very much complementary in nature. 

This Climate Adaptation Plan is intrinsically linked to the Councils Sustainability Strategy and Climate Action Plan (Appendix 1), which details actions aimed at Mitigation.

Climate Adaptation

Adaptation is the undertaking of actions to manage the risks of climate change impacts.

Our climate is changing. We need to reduce our emissions to limit these changes. Unfortunately, no matter how much we reduce our emissions, we are locked into a certain amount of change. Therefore, we need to take rapid action to reduce emissions, whilst preparing for the inevitable impacts of climate changes – this preparation is called climate change ‘adaptation’. 

The European Commission defines adaptation as: “Anticipating the adverse effects of climate change and taking appropriate action to prevent or minimise the damage they can cause, or taking advantage of opportunities that may arise.” 

Adaptation is essential to better prepare us to respond to current and future changing climatic conditions. Planning for these changes will enable NI to build resilience to the potential negative impacts of climate change, whilst allowing us to take advantage of any opportunities.
This Adaptation Plan aims to prepare for the impacts of climate change by understanding the risk and creating a plan of action.

Note: Definition of Climate Change, Adaptation and Mitigation is taken from Climate NI.

Legislative and strategic context

Legislative Context for Northern Ireland Climate Adaptation

  • Sustainable Development Duty
    The Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 (section 25) means councils have a statutory duty to ‘carry out their functions in a way that contributes to sustainable development’.
  • Climate Change Act 2008
    Places a duty on the Government to assess the risk to the UK from the impacts of climate change
  • Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022
    Under this act the Climate Change Committee (CCC) has designated responsibility to assess progress in implementing Northern Irelands Climate Change Programme. The Committee must provide progress reports on NICCAP on a 5-year cycle.
  • NICCAP3
    The Northern Ireland Climate Change Adaptation Programme NICCAP3 has been published by DAERA. It replaces NICCAP2 and will run from 2024 – 2029. The Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) own this adaptation plan for Northern Ireland however, councils will have contributions to make if the plan is to be successful.
  • Climate Change (Reporting Bodies) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024
    This legislation sets climate change reporting duties on specified public body organisations including councils. Clause 4 mandates that public bodies submit climate change adaptation reports to the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) starting with a 4-year period in 2026:
    1. Every reporting body must prepare reports which include:
      1. an assessment of the current and predicted impact of climate change in relation to its functions;
      2. a statement of the body’s proposals and policies for adapting to climate change in the exercise of its functions;
      3. a statement of the timescales for implementing those proposals and policies; and
      4. an assessment of the progress made towards implementing the proposals and policies set out in any previous climate change adaptation report.
    2. The first report must relate to the period of four years beginning with 1st January 2026.
    3. Subsequent reports must relate to the period of five years beginning immediately after the end of the period to which the previous report relates.
    4. Reports must be prepared and sent to the Department not later than one month after the end of the period to which the previous report relates, or in the case of the first report 31st March 2026.

LCCC Strategic Context for Climate Adaptation

The development of this Adaptation Plan is designed to support the principles and Action Areas as detailed within the Councils Sustainability Strategy and Climate Action Plan. This Plan is also integral to the aims and objectives within the Councils Corporate Plan, Community Plan and local Development Plans.

LCCC Adaptation Plan

In developing this Adaptation Plan a series of officer workshops were held to agree the vision, aims, themes and priorities to be included within the plan. 

Vision:

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is resilient and adaptive to the effects of climate change with climate adaptation embedded into all aspects of service delivery creating a sustainable community for all.

Aims:

Aim 1 - Increase resilience of our functions and assets to respond to the impacts of climate change.  
Aim 2 - Lead by example and work collaboratively to ensure resilience and deliver effective and measurable climate adaptation.  
Aim 3 - Raise awareness of the impacts of climate change across the council area.

Cross – cutting themes:

  • Delivery and collaboration - Ensure governance and strategic leadership of Council to put in place adequate resources to deliver integrated adaptation planning and actions across departments, and work with partners to strengthen the resilience of the LCCC area.
  • Communication and awareness – Increase the awareness and understanding of climate change contributing to the ability of council and communities to adapt.
  • Knowledge and information - Ensure a robust understanding of climate change impacts and Council adaptation options. 

Functional themes:

  • Citizen engagement and leadership - Support community resilience through partnership and development of local resilience groups, engage and communicate with our citizens about climate adaptation and lead by example as a responsible organisation.
  • Buildings and energy - Prepare for and address the identified impacts of climate change ensuring protection of council assets, property, infrastructure and energy sources.
  • Transport - Develop sustainable and active travel to address climate change and adaptation in the way we travel and the means we choose to make these journeys for commuting and council service delivery. 
  • Economy - Support a sustainable green economy, supply chains and businesses to prepare to become resilient to climate change and facilitate skills opportunities.
  • Waste and resource management - Manage our waste from council facilities, operations and households to build resilience and ensure service continuity. 
  • Natural environment - Protect and enhance our natural environment through the use of green infrastructure and nature-based solutions for climate adaptation across the council estate.

What climate effects are we experiencing?

Climate impacts within Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is affected by climatic events that affect the wider British Isles. The Met Office names storms and has produced a timeline for storms over the last number of years. 

Specific climatic events to affect the LCCC area include (but not limited to):

  • March 2013 – Spring blizzard
  • December 2015 – Lough Neagh  flooding and winter storms
  • October 2017 – Hurricane Ophelia
  • July 2018 – Hosepipe ban
  • September 2020 – Flooding, storms Brendan, Ciara, Francis
  • August 2021 – Flooding and also the hottest day on record
  • November 2023 – Flooding of council assets
  • October to December 2025 – Storms Amy, Claudio, Bram, flooding of council assets
  • January 2026 – Wettest January in 149 years, Storm Chandra

Additional to the known events that have occurred, the Met Office provides a high-level, non-technical summary of climate change projections for LCCC area. It provides projections of warmer wetter winters and warmer drier summers.

See Annex 2.

LCCC Climate Adaptation Action Plan

FUNCTIONAL THEME 1:Citizen engagement and leadership (Adaptation)

1. Establish a Sustainability Champions Group to review climate impacts and to report on the progress of this Adaptation Action Plan.

Performance measure:
Establishment of working Group.
Number of sustainability champions group meetings.
Responsible officer:
HoS Building Control & Sustainability
Term:
Short
NICCAP3 Ref:
ST21, ST22

2. Business Continuity Plans to be reviewed to identify and consider the impacts of current and future extreme weather events on all functions and services to increase climate resilience.

Performance measure:
Annual review of service unit BCPs and/or after any extreme weather events.
Responsible officer:
All HoS and Emergency Planning Unit
Term:
Short / Medium
NICCAP3 Ref:
ST10, ST11

3. Review and update Emergency Planning procedures to consider the effects, frequency and severity of climate events affecting the Council. Build partnerships with other Agencies – multi-agency approach.

Performance measure:
Review emergency response plans and interdependency with other agencies.
Responsible officer:
HoS Env Health, Risk and Emergency Planning
Term:
Short / Medium
NICCAP3 Ref:
ST6, ST13

4. Consider Climate Risk within Service Unit Risk Registers and Business Continuity Plans.

Performance measure:
Establish the sustainability champions group to consider climate impacts as part of risk management.
Responsible officer:
HoS Building Control & Sustainability 
HoS Env Health, Risk and Emergency Planning
Term:
Short
NICCAP3 Ref:
ST11

5. Community Resilience: Begin to engage with local community groups to build awareness of climate events including flood risk, to allow local groups, individuals and business to build independent resilience. Develop actions that allows communities to prepare for climate events that will build resilience and reduce the overall impact of Climate Change.

Performance measure:
Establish engagement with groups. 
Number of interactions with community groups to build and assist awareness.
Responsible officer:
HoS Env Health, Risk and Emergency Planning
HoS Communities
Term:
Short / Medium
NICCAP3 Ref:
ST18

6. Be a conduit and signpost communities to relevant Departments, information and funding schemes, such as the Homeowner Flood Protection Scheme.

Performance measure:
Establish engagement with groups. 
Number of interactions with community groups to build and assist awareness.
Responsible officer:
HoS Env Health, Risk and Emergency Planning
HoS Communities
Term:
Short
NICCAP3 Ref:
ST25

7. Make provision to capture the costs to council of weather events. Develop procedures to ensure that the financial aspects of extreme weather are collated and recorded.

Performance measure:
Financial costs to be established and considered within ‘debrief’ reports after weather events, where available.
Responsible officer:
HoS Env Health, Risk and Emergency Planning
HoS Building Control & Sustainability
Term:
Short / Medium
NICCAP3 Ref:
ST12, ST25

8. Provide up to date and tangible evidence to support adaptation planning. Collate key evidence such as flood risk maps, floodplains, rivers etc. Capture full impacts of extreme climate events in council area.

Performance measure:
Capture data and map extent of extreme weather events.
GI Layers created where possible.
Responsible officer:
HoS Env Health, Risk and Emergency Planning.
HoS Building Control & Sustainability.
Term:
Short / Medium
NICCAP3 Ref:
n/a

9. Develop adverse weather protocols and procedures that safeguard staff and service delivery.

Performance measure:
Protocols developing.
Responsible officer:
HoS HR & OD
HoS Env Health, Risk and Emergency Planning
Term:
Short / Medium
NICCAP3 Ref:
n/a

FUNCTIONAL THEME 2:Buildings and energy (Adaptation)

1. Develop as part of the Assets Strategy the implementation of protocols for building/ asset structural integrity assessments of critical infrastructure and buildings after extreme weather events.

Performance measure:
Protocols developed.
Number of condition surveys conducted after extreme weather events.
Responsible officer:
HoS Assets
HoS responsible for buildings/ assets under their control.
Term:
Medium
NICCAP3 Ref:
n/a
2. Review the risk of potential impacts of climate change on critical Council owned infrastructure, buildings and services.
  • Identify critical infrastructure and develop plans to reduce the risk/impact from climate events.
  • Consider climate events on critical infrastructure within Business Continuity Plans, analyse risk and implement plans to build resilience to climate risks.
  • Consider development of plans to build resilience of critical infrastructure within Assets Strategies.
  • Consider the maintenance and provision of backup power supplies.
Develop safe working protocols and adverse weather protocols for staff and contractors (Contingency Procedures, PPE, H&S etc.).
Performance measure:
Identify critical infrastructure.
Develop action plans as required, consider in BCP’s.
Consider the resilience of critical infrastructure in Assets Strategy.
Consider climate events within H&S procedures and safe working protocols.
Responsible officer:
HoS Assets
HoS responsible for buildings/ assets under their control.
HoS Env Health, Risk and Emergency Planning.
Term:
Medium
NICCAP3 Ref:
n/a
3. Develop a Buildings Risk Register and Remedial Action Plan to be considered within the councils Asset Strategy, to include:
  • A condition survey and risk assessment of council buildings and assets to identify potential hazards, impacts and risks of climate events.
  • Development and implementation of a remedial action plan for building assets identified in the risk assessment
Consideration of the effects of precipitation and flooding and develop green infrastructure solutions to reduce runoff and stormwater surge.
Performance measure:
Assets Strategy developed to:
Identify risks
Conduct condition surveys
Conduct remedial actions as required.
Building custodians to consider the effects of precipitation.
Responsible officer:
HoS Assets
HoS responsible for buildings/ assets under their control.
Term:
Medium
NICCAP3 Ref:
n/a

4. Consider Adaptation and climate impacts on all development and redevelopment projects considering assets at design, planning, construction and maintenance stages. (green infrastructure, biodiversity, water management, SuDS etc.).

Performance measure:
Number of considerations with projects such as Capital Plans, Minor Works etc.
Responsible officer:
HoS Assets
HoS Planning & Capital Dev
HoS responsible for buildings/ assets.
Term:
Medium
NICCAP3 Ref:
ST17

FUNCTIONAL THEME 3:Transport (Adaptation)

1. Risk Assessment of the potential impacts of climate on fleet activities. Develop procedures and protocols to consider impacts on operational delivery.

Performance measure:
Risk Assessment developed for climate impacts on fleet and operations.
Responsible officer:
HoS Waste & Operational Services
Term:
Medium
NICCAP3 Ref:
n/a

FUNCTIONAL THEME 4:Economy (Adaptation)

1. Develop Tourism Strategy that considers and integrates Sustainability in its objectives.

Performance measure:
Development & Review of Strategy.
Responsible officer:
HoS Economic Development
Term:
Short / Medium
NICCAP3 Ref:
n/a

2. Integrate climate change considerations in the planning and licensing of council events and consider contingency planning for extreme weather to protect public safety.

Performance measure:
Number of events that considered climate/ weather within the risk and development plans.
Responsible officer:
HoS Parks & Amenities
HoS Communities.
Term:
Short / Medium
NICCAP3 Ref:
n/a

3. The Local Development Plan and planning decisions to be based on and apply planning policies to reduce the vulnerability to the impacts of climate change.

Performance measure:
Included within LDP and reviews as required.
Responsible officer:
HoS Planning & Capital Development.
Term:
Short / Medium
NICCAP3 Ref:
ST16

4. Consider new developments are planned and built in consideration of future flood risk projections and raise awareness of climate resilient solutions at an early stage in the design process for new development in compliance with planning policy.

Performance measure:
Included within LDP and reviews as required.
Responsible officer:
HoS Planning & Capital Development.
Term:
Short / Medium
NICCAP3 Ref:
ST15

5. Develop a Sustainable Procurement Framework that considers Mitigation & Adaptation screening.

Performance measure:
Development of procurement framework.
Responsible officer:
HoS Assets.
Term:
Medium
NICCAP3 Ref:
ST19

FUNCTIONAL THEME 5:Waste and resource management (Adaptation)

1. Risk Assess the potential impacts of climate on Waste Management Activities. Consider impacts on operations, waste management and collection, waste collection/ disposal and facilities.

Performance measure:
Include risk in waste & op services risk register.
Responsible officer:
HoS Waste & Operational Services.
Term:
Medium
NICCAP3 Ref:
n/a

FUNCTIONAL THEME 6:Natural Environment (Adaptation)

1. Develop an awareness campaign and the role the natural environment plays as a positive contribution to Climate Adaptation.

Performance measure:
Number of awareness campaigns/ instances.
Consider water extraction license at aquifer.
Responsible officer:
HoS Parks & Amenities
HoS Building Control & Sustainability
All HoS.
Term:
Short / Medium
NICCAP3 Ref:
n/a

2. As part of wider Capital Plans or Asset projects, explore Natural Flood Management Projects, SuDS and Green Infrastructure as part of proposals.

Performance measure:
Number of projects that consider green infrastructure/ flood alleviation as part of wider development plan/action.
Responsible officer:
HoS Assets
HoS Planning & Capital Development
HoS responsible for buildings/ assets under their control.
Term:
Medium
NICCAP3 Ref:
n/a

3. Review and update the Tree and Woodland Management Strategy to include tree planting, tree health maintenance and woodland management to increase biodiversity and green canopy across the council area to enhance biodiversity, increase carbon storage and support ecosystems.

Performance measure:
Development & Review of Current Strategy.
Number or increase in tree cover.
Responsible officer:
HoS Parks & Amenities.
Term:
Short / Medium
NICCAP3 Ref:
NC93

4. Develop an Invasive Species Management Plan and programme to monitor the spread of terrestrial and aquatic invasive species and control invasive species where required.

Performance measure:
Development of Management Plan.
Instances of invasive species control.
Responsible officer:
HoS Parks & Amenities.
Term:
Short / Medium
NICCAP3 Ref:
NC6

Monitoring and Reporting

The NI Adapts Planning Toolkit used to assist in the development of this Adaptation Plan, details Step 5 as Monitor, Review and Evaluate. This is the time to assess how it is working, to review the success of implementation and to review to ensure the goals are being met. It presents the opportunity to analyse new information and develop the next iteration of the plan.

This Adaptation Plan and its actions will be reviewed annually to assess progress on completed and ongoing actions, and to identify any new actions required.

The annual review of the Plan will be reported through the Councils governance process.

The Climate Adaptation Plan will be formally reviewed at the end of its 2025-2029 period and in compliance with reporting through the Climate Change (Reporting Bodies) Regulations (NI) 2024.

Annex 1 - Climate Adaptation Risk Register

The Climate Risk Register has been developed after a series of workshops which were attended by key Council Officers. The scoring Matrix and Risk Register have been developed using the NI Adapts Planning Toolkit.

Inherent Risk Score

The inherent risk score will tell you how high a priority each risk statement is: 
Impact x Likelihood = Inherent Risk Score 

The Impact (the level of damage caused by a climatic event or trend) ranges from very low to high. 

The Likelihood is the probability of how often these risks will occur moving forward, and these range from very low to high.


 

CLIMATE HAZARD:Flooding (increased precipitation and flood risk)

Projected change: Flooding (increased precipitation and flood risk)

Risk statement (impact and consequence):
F1 – Increased frequency and intensity of rainfall resulting in flooding affecting council assets, functions and operations including buildings, pitches, cemeteries and events leading to financial losses including income and additional costs.

Points to consider: asset protection, buildings, cemeteries, pitches, financial implications, events / Safety Advisory Group, contingency plans, closing facilities.
Relevant internal departments/service:
All Departments with responsibility for assets, functions and events
Inherent risk:
Likelihood 3
Impact 3
Risk score 9
Control measures (current and proposed policy and/or procedures):
  • Adverse Weather Policies
  • Draft Sandbag Protocol
  • Contingency Plans
  • Emergency Plan
  • Event risk assessments/ SAG
  • LDP
  • Asset strategy and building risk analysis
  • Pitches strategy
Relevant adaptation plan actions to reduce each Risk:
Theme 1: 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9
Theme 2: 1, 2, 3, 4
Theme 3: 1
Theme 4: 2, 3, 4,
Theme 5: 1
Theme 6: 1
Risk statement (impact and consequence):
F2 – Increased frequency and intensity of rainfall leading to localised flooding that degrades natural assets, planting, biodiversity and increased spread of invasive species.

Points to consider: areas of natural habitat, rivers/ banks, invasive species, seasonal working changes?
Relevant internal departments/service:
Parks & Amenities
Inherent risk:
Likelihood 2
Impact 2
Risk score 3
Control measures (current and proposed policy and/or procedures):
  • Invasive Species Management Plan
  • Big Tree Project
  • Creation of wetlands Protection
Relevant adaptation plan actions to reduce each Risk:
Theme 1: 2, 4, 7, 8
Theme 2: 2, 4
Theme 4: 1
Theme 6: 1, 2, 3, 4
Risk statement (impact and consequence):
F3 – Increased frequency of flood events disrupting transport, energy, water and communication infrastructure, sewage issues and local communities requiring support.

Points to consider: community support, emergency plan, delivery of our functions i.e. waste collection, Business Continuity Plans.
Relevant internal departments/service:
Env Health, Risk & Emergency Planning
Inherent risk:
Likelihood 3
Impact 2
Risk score 6
Control measures (current and proposed policy and/or procedures):
  • Emergency volunteer list
  • Emergency Plans
  • EMT Structures (Multiagency)
  • Business Continuity Plans & Risk Register
  • Communication Plans
Relevant adaptation plan actions to reduce each Risk:
Theme 1: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Theme 2: 1,2
Theme 3: 1
Theme 4: 2, 4
Theme 5: 1

CLIMATE HAZARD:Storms (increased storms)

Projected change: Increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events

Risk statement (impact and consequence):
S1 – Increased frequency and intensity of storms resulting in damage to buildings and other council assets.

Points to consider: asset protection, buildings, cemeteries, pitches, financial implications, Business Continuity Plans, inspection.
Relevant internal departments/service:
Assets Parks & Amenities
Inherent risk:
Likelihood 3
Impact 3
Risk score 9
Control measures (current and proposed policy and/or procedures):
  • Preventative tree health surveys
  • Regular inspection and maintenance of assets
  • Weather alerts/monitoring and regional direction
  • Closure or securing of parks / facilities
  • Storm and weather protocols
Relevant adaptation plan actions to reduce each Risk:
Theme 1: 2, 4, 7, 8, 9
Theme 2: 1, 2, 3, 4
Theme 5: 1
Risk statement (impact and consequence):
S2 – Increased frequency and intensity of storms damaging buildings and trees etc resulting in a risk to human health from falling debris.

Points to consider: condition of our own assets, emergency plan, Business Continuity Plans, community support.
Relevant internal departments/service:
Assets Parks & Amenities
Env Health,
Risk & Emergency Planning
Inherent risk:
Likelihood 3
Impact 4
Risk score 12
Control measures (current and proposed policy and/or procedures):
  • Preventative tree health surveys
  • Regular inspection and maintenance of assets
  • Weather alerts/monitoring and regional direction
  • Closure or securing of parks / facilities
  • Storm and weather protocols
  • Risk assess – storms, council work activities & contractor management
Relevant adaptation plan actions to reduce each Risk:
Theme 1: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9
Theme 2: 1, 2, 3, 4
Theme 3: 1
Theme 5: 1
Risk statement (impact and consequence):
S3 – Increased frequency and intensity of storms leading to disruption of council services, cancellation of events, power failure and road closures affecting service delivery and creating financial impact.

Points to consider: waste, cemeteries, pitches, leisure facilities, financial implications, events / Safety Advisory Group, contingency plans, closing facilities.
Relevant internal departments/service:
All Departments with responsibility for assets, functions and events
Inherent risk:
Likelihood 3
Impact 3
Risk score 9
Control measures (current and proposed policy and/or procedures):
  • Weather alerts/monitoring and regional direction
  • Closure or securing of parks / facilities
  • Storm and weather protocols
  • Risk assess – storms, council work activities & contractor management
  • Back power supplies
  • Business Continuity Plans (Critical services)
  • Storm protocol
  • Work from home protocols
Relevant adaptation plan actions to reduce each Risk:
Theme 1: 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9
Theme 2: 2, 3
Theme 3: 1
Theme 4: 1, 2, 3, 5
Theme 5: 1
Risk statement (impact and consequence):
S4 – Increased frequency and intensity of storms affecting local communities, business and the public requiring council support.

Points to consider: community support, mutual aid, emergency plan, Business Continuity Plans.
Relevant internal departments/service:
Communities
Env Health,
Risk & Emergency Planning
Inherent risk:
Likelihood 3
Impact 3
Risk score 9
Control measures (current and proposed policy and/or procedures):
  • Weather alerts/monitoring and regional direction
  • Emergency Plan
  • Support protocols & mutual aid (multi-agency)
Relevant adaptation plan actions to reduce each Risk:
Theme 1: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8
Theme 2: 2
Theme 3: 1
Theme 4: 2
Theme 5: 1

CLIMATE HAZARD:Heatwave (increased temperature/low rainfall)

Projected change: Hotter, drier summers and warmer winters

Risk statement (impact and consequence):
H1 – Increased frequency of high temperatures causing drought, increased water demand, increased costs, water rationing and affecting green infrastructure, council facilities, parks, golf courses, outdoor facilities and increased risk of wildfires.

Points to consider: water supplies, building needs, cemeteries, pitches, parks, financial implications, events / Safety Advisory Group, contingency plans.
Relevant internal departments/service:
All Departments with responsibility for assets, facilities, functions and events
Inherent risk:
Likelihood 3
Impact 3
Risk score 9
Control measures (current and proposed policy and/or procedures):
  • Current borehole
  • Communications
  • Rainwater harvesting
  • Developing procedures for pitches, golf courses and bedding plants to ensure continuity
  • Business continuity plans
Relevant adaptation plan actions to reduce each Risk:
Theme 1: 2, 3, 4, 7, 9
Theme 2: 2
Theme 4: 1, 2
Theme 5: 1
Theme 6: 3
Risk statement (impact and consequence):
H2 – Increased frequency of high temperatures impacting council assets, people/staff and business resulting in increased air conditioning use, reduced productivity, hydration requirement, sun protection, heat exhaustion and appropriate protection including PPE.

Points to consider: facility M&E needs, staff protection.
Relevant internal departments/service:
Assets
Waste & Operations
Parks & Amenities
Communities
Leisure
Inherent risk:
Likelihood 3
Impact 3
Risk score 9
Control measures (current and proposed policy and/or procedures):
  • Suitable staff PPE / sunscreen
  • Risk assessments
  • Regular communications
  • Drinking water facilities
  • Business continuity plans
Relevant adaptation plan actions to reduce each Risk:
Theme 1: 2, 3, 4, 7, 9
Theme 2: 2
Theme 3: 1
Theme 5: 1
Risk statement (impact and consequence):
H3 – Increased frequency of high temperatures impacting on species migration, growing season, invasive species, seasonal work, organic waste disposal and pest control.

Points to consider: biodiversity, species, growing & mowing seasons, waste disposal, pests.
Relevant internal departments/service:
Parks & Amenities
Leisure
Env Health, Risk & Emergency Planning
Inherent risk:
Likelihood 2
Impact 2
Risk score 4
Control measures (current and proposed policy and/or procedures):
  • Biodiversity Action Plan
  • Invasive species management
  • Business continuity plans
Relevant adaptation plan actions to reduce each Risk:
Theme 1: 2, 4, 7, 9
Theme 2: 4
Theme 6: 1, 3, 4
Risk statement (impact and consequence):
H4 – Increased frequency of high temperatures causing significant increase of visitors to local outdoor spaces, events and council attractions with potential for anti-social behaviour, littering, ecosystem damage and strain on services.

Points to consider: facility capacities, service strain.
Relevant internal departments/service:
Parks & Amenities
Leisure
Communities
Inherent risk:
Likelihood 2
Impact 2
Risk score 4
Control measures (current and proposed policy and/or procedures):
  • Communications around water safety
  • Consider Bye Laws as required
  • Informational Signage
  • Creating outdoor recreation events – Billy Neill / Glenmore
  • Increase litter bins
  • Business continuity plans
Relevant adaptation plan actions to reduce each Risk:
Theme 1: 3, 4, 7, 9
Theme 4: 1, 2, 5
Theme 5: 1

CLIMATE HAZARD:Cold (Winter average temperature increase/cold snaps likely)

Projected change: Despite overall trends towards increasing temperature, intense cold events will still happen so prepare for greater range of extremes

Risk statement (impact and consequence):
C1 – Cold snaps or increased incidents of prolonged cold periods causing frozen pipes, damage to infrastructure, utility supply and assets or access to services.

Points to consider: utility supply to buildings, access to facilities, loss of finance, insurance costs, additional resources, water leaks at thaw, staff safety.
Relevant internal departments/service:
All Departments but particularly those with outside and asset responsibilities.
Assets
Inherent risk:
Likelihood 3
Impact 3
Risk score 9
Control measures (current and proposed policy and/or procedures):
  • Business continuity plans
  • Hybrid working
  • Adverse weather protocol
  • Communications plan
  • Emergency plan – prioritise service delivery
Relevant adaptation plan actions to reduce each Risk:
Theme 1: 2, 3, 4, 7, 9
Theme 2: 1, 2, 3
Theme 3: 1
Theme 5: 1
Risk statement (impact and consequence):
C2 - Cold snaps or increased incidents of prolonged cold periods resulting in disruption to service functions and delivery.

Points to consider: front line services, access to services, parks/ green spaces, staff travel to workplace, staff safety.
Relevant internal departments/service:
All Departments but particularly those with outside and asset responsibilities.
Waste & Op Services
Parks & Amenities
Leisure
Inherent risk:
Likelihood 3
Impact 3
Risk score 9
Control measures (current and proposed policy and/or procedures):
  • Business continuity plans
  • Hybrid working
  • Adverse weather protocol
  • Communications plan
  • Emergency plan – prioritise service delivery
Relevant adaptation plan actions to reduce each Risk:
Theme 1: 2, 3, 4, 7, 9
Theme 2: 2, 3, 4
Theme 3: 1
Theme 4: 5
Theme 5: 1
Risk statement (impact and consequence):
C3 - Cold snaps or increased incidents of prolonged cold periods or snow events causing disruption to transport, energy, water and communications to local communities requiring council support.

Points to consider: emergency plan, community support, communications, staff travel, staff safety.
Relevant internal departments/service:
Communities
Env Health, Risk & Emergency Planning
Inherent risk:
Likelihood 3
Impact 3
Risk score 9
Control measures (current and proposed policy and/or procedures):
  • Business continuity plans
  • Hybrid working
  • Adverse weather protocol
  • Communications plan
  • Emergency plan 
  • Community resilience groups
  • Ice and snow clearance in agreement with the DFI
Relevant adaptation plan actions to reduce each Risk:
Theme 1: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9
Theme 2: 1
Theme 3: 1
Theme 5: 1