AN ACTION plan is being drawn up by Wychavon to help the community respond to the impact of climate change.
The district is already experiencing more extreme weather, including intense rainfall and multiple heatwaves, causing drought, flooding and wildfires.
With summers predicted to get increasingly drier and winters wetter over the coming decades, these events are expected to become a regular part of everyday life.
Weather extremes pose several risks including impact on human health, particularly for the elderly and vulnerable, difficulties keeping public transport running and reduced food production.
While reducing carbon emissions can help limit the impact of these risks in the future, adaptation measures are also needed as emissions already in the atmosphere mean some climate change is inevitable.
Wychavon is working with Sustainability West Midlands to produce the adaptation action plan which will focus on practical measures the council and other partner organisations can take to support communities.
This may include actions like ensuring climate adaptation is a key part of strategies, policies and activities, providing clear information to residents and businesses and working with the NHS and emergency services to prepare for future extreme weather events.
Councillors are helping work up the plan and a consultation will be held before the end of the year so the public can have their say.
Councillor Richard Morris, leader of Wychavon, said: “Reducing our carbon emissions, and helping others do the same, remains a key part of our role in tackling climate change.
“But we also must prepare for the changes that are already locked in. Our adaptation plan will guide communities, businesses and individuals towards a more resilient future for everyone.”
Coun Beverley Hardman, Wychavon’s executive board member for environment, said: “We must face up to the fact climate change is already creating challenging issues for us all.
“The adaptation plan will be a useful tool to help us, our partners and communities properly prepare for future extreme weather events and help protect those most vulnerable.”
