Tools and reports

Tools (and reports)

  SWCCIP home page

  About Us

  Case Studies

  Events

  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  Impacts on SW and background info

  Links - climate change

  News

  Newsletters from SWCCIP

  Sectors:

Agriculture and Forestry

Biodiversity

Business and Utilities

Housing and Construction

Local Government

Tourism

Transport

Tools

Warming to the idea*
*SW Climate Change Impact Scoping Study including report summary and technical report

Young Climate Change Champion - SW

There is a growing range of adaptation tools, reports and guides that are recommended and/or produced by the South West Climate Change Impacts Partnership (SWCCIP). See list below and click on appropriate subject area.

General SWCCIP resource materials - incl. material for presentations etc

Tools sorted by sector:-

Agriculture and Forestry

Biodiversity

Business and Utilities

Health

Housing and Construction

Local Government

Tourism

Transport

General SWCCIP resource materials

Our Climate is Changing (version 2008) (pdf 658kb) - SWCCIP's introductory leaflet on climate change impacts in the SW. If you would like copies of this leaflet for your events/meetings, please contact SWCCIP (contact details on SWCCIP's home page).

SWCCIP resource material for presentations etc

SWCCIP general power point slides including useful graphs (power point file 1Mb)* - mid-summer 2006
*Note: You are advised to right click on the link, select "Save Target As...." and save file onto your PC from where you should be able to open this power point presentation without difficulty.

Other climate change facts and science information slides (pdf 1.5Mb) - Spring 2006
- compiled by Dr Julian Wright, Environment Agency, for SWCCIP

Other general resource materials:

SW County Climate Profiles
There is a growing evidence base of local data that can be used to help analyse the impacts of climate change in the South West's counties. The SW Environmental Observatory has made a start in bringing this data together in one place for each of our counties in 'climate profiles'. These profiles contain climate related data sets for the counties of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire. They include both directly related climate variables such as temperature and sea level along with more indirectly related information such as energy use, carbon/ecological footprints and the occurrence of skin cancer. The climate profiles are available at: www.swenvo.org.uk/themes/atmosphere/climate-change/.

The South West Environmental Observatory has also published presentation slides as well as numerous reports summarising the state of the South West's environment on their website. These reveal key environmental trends in the region, as well as how the Observatory reports on the environment. Visit: www.swenvo.org.uk.

Climate Change and the greenhouse effect
The Met Office's Hadley Centre has produced a collection of 60 slides with notes, containing up-to-date knowledge of the state of the climate and projections for the future. The publication is accompanied by a CD-based power point presentation of the 60 slides. The CD, along with a paper copy of the briefing and other useful documents, can be obtained free of charge from the Hadley Centre website at: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/publications/brochures/.

The Climate of the United Kingdom and Recent Trends (2007)
This is the first of a series of UK Climate Projections (2009) reports from UKCIP known as UKCP09. It provides detailed information about the observed climate of the UK. Click on link: www.ukcip.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=469&Itemid=47. When released during 2009, the full set of UKCP09 reports will include an update of the UKCIP02 scenarios, which describe probabilistic changes in the UK climate during the 21st Century. Once released, these will be available from the UKCP09 website.

Agriculture and Forestry

Trees and Climate Change Information Pack (2009) - This pack presents the Forestry Commission's key messages on climate change. It explains the role of trees, woods and forests in tackling both the causes and effects climate change and includes information on how we can help trees to become more resilient. www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/eng-trees-and-climate-change.pdf/$FILE/eng-trees-and-climate-change.pdf (pdf on external site).

South West Woodland News (Winter 2008) - climate change special The Winter 2008 edition of the Forestry Commission's newsletter focuses on the theme of climate change, with articles about adaptation at Westonbirt, possible futures for the landscapes of the Dorset Downs, and the SW Regional Action Plan: www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/swe-woodland-news-winter.pdf/$FILE/swe-woodland-news-winter.pdf (pdf on external site).

Farming Futures - Farming futures have produced a series of factsheets containing sector specific advice on climate change: www.farmingfutures.org.uk/x360.xml.

Adapting to climate change for farmers (2006) - A useful guide on adapting to climate change for farmers produced by the Royal Agricultural College: Climate Change and Agriculture in the SW - adaptation guidance for farmers (pdf 121kb - on SWCCIP website).

A practical climate change guide for woodland owners and agents in the South West (2006) - Published with SWCCIP's support and involvement. It can be found on the Forestry Commission's website by clicking here: practical guide for woodland owners and agents (pdf on external site).

Wildlife Friendly Farming Guide (2006) – Updated in November 2006 by the Royal Agricultural College, this unique www.oursouthwest.com and SWCCIP guide gives month by month advice to help farmers protect biodiversity whilst adapting to climate change: Farming - Wildlife Friendly Farming Guide.

Climate Change and Land Management (2005) - a report by Rothamsted Research including details of climate change impacts and adaptation options for agriculture: www.rothamsted.ac.uk/intopractice/ClimateChange.html.

Wellesborne Horticulture Research International – The HRI website includes information on a variety research projects relating to agriculture and climate change adaptation. In particular, see the sections on the Innovation Network, Ecosystem Services for Climate Change Adaptation in Agricultural Land Management and Plant Water Use. Available at: www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/whri/research/climatechange/.

Return to TOP

Biodiversity

Biodiversity and Climate Change Glossary (2009) - to help clarify some of the terms that are commonly used in reference to biodiversity and climate change adaptation the SWCCIP Biodiversity Sector Group has developed this Biodiversity and Climate Change Glossary (pdf 276kb).

Climate change and biodiversity adaptation: the role of the spatial planning system (2009) - A report commissioned by Natural England that addresses i) the context for Natural England's engagement with climate change and ii) the opportunities for facilitating biodiversity adaptation through spatial planning and development control. Click on link to view report on NE's website: NE report NECR004.

Marine Climate Change Impacts: Exploring ecosystem linkages report card 2009 - The Marine Climate Change Impacts Partnership (MCCIP) has launched its report card for 2009. This builds on its previous report cards to show how broader marine climate change impacts come together. Issues covered include: ocean acidification, arctic sea ice loss, seabirds and food webs, non-native species and coastal economies. To view the report card go to: www.mccip.org.uk/elr.

Climate Change in the South West: Dealing with the Impacts of Climate Change - Adaptation (2008) - A South West Protected Landscapes paper to inform the review of AONB Management Plans. The paper summarises adaptation principles and offers suggestions on how the adaptation process should be approached within Management Plans: www.southwestlandscapes.org.uk/ProjectLibrary.asp?ProjectCategoryId=2.

Biodiversity and Adaptation to Climate Change – an advice note for local authorities (2008) – A guidance note for local authorities produced by the West Midlands Biodiversity Partnership. Includes an explanation of the potential impacts of climate change on biodiversity and a set of adaptation principles. Available from the Yorkshire and Humber Environment Hub website: www.yourclimate.org/cb.aspx?dom=&page=92E62F54-D9C4-4960-B503-9A0672E32EBD.

Climate Change and Planting for the Future – PlantNetwork conference at Cirencester September 2008, included talks on climate scenarios, phenology and invasive non-native species. For presentations see www.plantnetwork.org/proceeds/westonbrt2008/summary.htm.

BRANCH (Biodiversity Requires Adaptation in North West Europe under a CHanging climate) - for the BRANCH partnership 'Planning for biodiversity in a changing climate – BRANCH project Final Report (2007)', Natural England, UK, click here: BRANCH project Final Report (2007) (pdf on BRANCH website).

Climate Change: Impacts, Adaptations and Mitigations (2005) – The Dorset Coast Forum has placed this useful document on its website. Click here for link: Dorset Coast Forum - Climate Change (external site).

Return to TOP

Business and Utilities

The Business Areas Climate Impacts Assessment Tool (BACLIAT) – This practical guide helps businesses and organisations assess the appropriate responses to the impacts of climate change. To download, click here: BACLIAT (on UKCIP website).

Future-proof: Preparing your business for a changing climate (2009) - A guide from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), setting out the risks posed by a changing climate and providing eight simple steps to prepare business for a changing climate. To download the guide click here: CBI Future Proof Guide (pdf on external site).

Changing Work in a Changing Climate (2009) - This report from the Trades Union Congress (TUC) considers the impacts of climate change on different sectors of the economy, introduces the employment implications of adapting to climate change and presents a model for adaptation. The report urges employers, trade unions and the Government to start planning ahead now to protect employees and vulnerable families from the coming climate extremes. Click here for a link to the report www.tuc.org.uk/extras/adaptation.pdf (pdf on external site).

Building business resilience to inveitable climate change: Carbon Disclosure Project Report 2008 - This new report from Acclimatise, sponsored by IBM, focuses on the actions being taken by the UK FTSE 350 companies to adapt to a changing climate and build business resilience. It sets out the drivers for action and includes 10 questions that company directors should ask themselves in order to assess their climate change risks. Click here to view: Carbon Disclosure Project Report 2008 (pdf on external site).

Business Link 'Adapt your business to the effects of climate change' - online guide developed with Defra and the Environment Agency covers advice on integrating climate change plans into business strategy, insurance issues, some practical steps and a specific focus on the agriculture, tourism and construction sectors.

CLARA (Climate Adaptation Resource for Advisors) – web based resource from UKCIP specifically aimed at the business support community to assist them in providing advice to SMEs on climate change impacts and adaptation. Click here: CLARA (on UKCIP website).

Managing Change Guide (Resource Efficiency & Corporate Responsibility) - Unique diagnostic tool and route map to help organisations change their business culture towards resource efficiency AND for addressing important issues like climate change.

Flood Preparation Guide for Businesses (Environment Agency site) - Floods are growing in frequency and severity due to the impact of climate change. A flooded businesses can result in devastating financial loss. Preparing for a flood makes good business sense.

Insurance for Small Businesses: a guide to protecting your business (pdf on external site) - Guide from the Association of British Insurers - includes guidance on reducing the risks of flooding.

UKCIP spreadsheet costing tool (external site). This tool provides a method to work out the costs of climate change impacts on an organisation, event or area.

'The Potential Costs of Climate Change for the Water Industry' (Jan 2007) – ICF International and Risk Policy Analysts (RPA) have developed a report for the Environment Agency on the costs of climate change for the water industry in England and Wales. The report, released in January 2007, looks at water quality impacts, storm water management and sea-level rise and the costs from the impacts of climate change on these areas. A copy of this report can be found from this link: ICF 2007 climate change report (pdf on EA site).

Preparing for Climate Change: a practical guide for small businesses - Guide from AXA setting out the evidence of climate change and the impacts of severe weather events. Provides advice on what businesses can do to reduce the risks, including building resilience, developing a business continuity plan and ensuring adequate insurance cover: www.axa.co.uk/aboutus/corporate_publications/climatechange_docs/AXA%20Preparing%20for%20climate%20change.pdf.

Climate change and its effects on small businesses in the UK (2006) - A report investigating the effects of insurance changes and climate change on SMEs in Britain. It is based on records of insurance claims and focuses on flood risk. Includes summary results from the AXA 2006 survey which, amongst other findings, showed that 90% of businesses were underinsured. The report also examines a number of possible scenarios, under various climatic and socio-economic conditions, in terms of the costs resulting from severe weather damage, and possible numbers of uninsurable businesses: www.axa.co.uk/aboutus/corporate_publications/climatechange_docs/AXA%20Climate%20Change.pdf.

How important is climate change to small businesses? (Aug 2006) – Axa Insurance undertook a survey of SME customers to gauge their attitudes which are available to read from this link: climate change and its effects on small businesses in the UK (pdf on external site).

Return to TOP

Health

Heatwave Plan for England (2009) – intended to help enhance resilience in the event of a heatwave, this document produced by the National Health Service is particularly relevant in the context of adapting to the effects of climate change. Includes advice for the public on protective measures. Click here: www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_099015 (external site).

Health Impacts of Climate Change (March 2009) - slide pack with notes, covering direct and indirect health impacts of climate change from the 'Climate Connection public health partnership for action'. Click here: health impacts climate change mar-2009 (external site).

Health Protection through Adaptation and Resilience (March 09) - slide pack with notes, covering adaptation and resilience: Community & health sector resilience etc from the 'Climate Connection public health partnership for action'. Click here: health protection through adaptation & resilience mar-09 (external site).

Flooding and risks to health – The Health Protection Agency’s website includes advice on the risks posed by flooding, and the precautions that can be taken. Click here: www.hpa.org.uk/webw/HPAweb&Page&HPAwebAutoListName/Page/1158934608011?p=1158934608011 (external site).

Health effects of climate change in the UK (2008) - a Department of Health commissioned report written by a group of independent scientists, detailing the impacts of climate change on health in the UK. Includes discussion and recommendations on adaptation issues and policies. Click here: www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_080702.

The Health Impacts of Climate Change: promoting sustainable communities - guidance document (2008) - produced for the Department of Health by the South East Regional Public Health Group. Includes advice for public health professionals on considering the health impacts of climate change and on how societies can adapt appropriately. Click here: www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_082690 (external site).

Return to TOP

Housing and Construction

CIBSE "Design Compass" (2009) - an online tool developed by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) to assist professionals involved in building design to incorporate weather/climate related information into a clearly defined framework. Click on link: www.cibsedesigncompass.org.uk (external site).

The Code for Sustainable Homes: Case Studies (2009). The Code for Sustainable Homes includes some climate change adaptation issues, such as water efficency and surface water run-off, which are reflected in these accompanying case studies. 2 of the 4 case studies are in the South West - the Old Apple Store site in Somerset and the Co2 Zero development in Bristol. Click on link: www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/1161997.pdf (pdf on external site).

Climate Adaptation: guidance on insurance issues for new developments (2009). Guidance from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) for developers, planning authorities and people buying new properties, on building and buying new developments that are resilient to the impacts of climate change: www.abi.org.uk/BookShop/ResearchReports/Climate%20Adaptation%20Guide%20Final.pdf (pdf on external site).

Climate Change & Your Home - interactive web portal from English Heritage designed specifically to help those who own or manage houses built of traditional construction understand more about the potential impacts of climate change and ways to save energy.

The Code for Sustainable Homes (2008) - Aims to increase the environmental performance of homes, above building regulations. Compliance will raise awareness with householders, improve water efficiency and management of surface water run-off in new homes. There is also a technical guide that sets out the requirements of the code, and the process by which assessment is reached. Available from: www.communities.gov.uk/planningandbuilding/publications/guidance.

The Essential Role of Green Infrastructure: eco-towns green infrastructure worksheet (2008) - A Town & Country Planning Association (TCPA) publication which provides guidance on multifunctional green networks including allotments, community gardens, sustainable drainage systems (SUDs) and flood storage areas. Explains the role that green infrastructure has to play in adapting to climate change (see chapter 1.1): www.tcpa.org.uk/ecotowns/20081020_ET-WS_Green_Infrastructure.pdf.

Development and Flood Risk - Practice Guide (June 2008) - This practice guide is complementary to Planning Policy Statement 25: Development and Flood Risk (PPS25) and provides guidelines on how to implement development and flood risk policies by the land use planning system. The guide also includes working examples through case studies. Click here for guide on the Communities and Local Government website: Development and Flood Risk - Practice Guide (June 2008) (external website).

Retrofitting Existing Homes for Climate Change Impacts - The Three Regions Climate Change Group launched its forth report - Your Home in a Changing Climate: Retrofitting Existing Homes for Climate Change Impacts: Report for Policy Makers - in February 2008 at London's City Hall. Copies of the report are available on the web site www.london.gov.uk/trccg.

South West Checklist for Developments: A simple tool for Sustainable Buildings (2007) – BRE and Future Foundations have developed an on-line checklist for sustainable design at the master planning stages of new housing and mixed use developments. It is free to use and could help with planning applications. Browse the Checklist at: www.checklistsouthwest.co.uk. All enquiries to: info@checklistsouthwest.co.uk. Detailed FAQ's can be found on the SW Checklist website.

Climate Change Adaptation by Design – a guide for sustainable communities (2007) Adaptation by design - a guide for sustainable communities (pdf on external site) - from the Town and Country Planning Association.

Adapting to Climate Change: a checklist for development (Nov 2005) - The South East Climate Change Partnership (SECCP) have developed a useful checklist to help new developments adapt to climate change. Download the checklist from here: Adapting to Climate Change: a checklist for development (Three regions, SWCCIP 2005) (pdf 519kb).

Beating the Heat – Keeping UK buildings cool in a warming climate (2005) – The UKCIP / Arup / DTI publication "Beating the Heat - keeping UK buildings cool in a warming climate" can be downloaded from the UKCIP website from this link: Beating the Heat - keeping UK buildings cool in a warmer climate (UKCIP & others 2005) (pdf on external site) or from: www.ukcip.org.uk.

Return to TOP

Local Government

Note. There is a special SWCCIP web page on LAAs and climate change.

Local and Regional Adaptation Partnership (LRAP) Board
LRAP aims to facilitate action on climate change adaptation at a local and regional level, by highlighting best practice, enhancing skills, providing toolkits and encouraging joint working between local and regional agencies. Details about LRAP and further support and information can be found on Defra's 'Local authorities taking action' webpage at: www.defra.gov.uk/environment/climatechange/adapt/action/local-authorities.htm.

Local and Regional Partnership Board (LRAP) NI188 Guidance:
LRAP NI188 Guidance Notes - version 15.04.09 v.1.7 (pdf 924kb) - guidance notes produced by LRAP to help manage the process of delivering against Performance Indicator NI 188 as part of the LAA process.

National Indicator 188 - Planning to adapt to climate change:
- Sources of advice and guidance (pdf 384kb) - advice note from SWCCIP.

National Indicator 188 - Planning to adapt to climate change:
- Environment Agency (SW) guidance for Local Authorities (pdf 473kb) - advice note from the Environment Agency (SW).

Nottingham Declaration Action Pack (external site - from EST, UKCIP & others) - Online resource for local authorities looking to adapt to impacts of climate change and reduce causes of climate change. There is also a Climate Change Self Evaluation Guide that can help local authorities assess their approach to climate change adaptation and mitigation.To view the SWCCIP regional map of climate change declarations made by SW Local Authorities, visit SWCCIP's Local Government sector page.

Water Cycle Study guidance from the Environment Agency (January 2009) - to assist local authorities, developers and others involved in commissioning or carrying out a water cycle study. Non-prescriptive guidance on the purpose, scope and best-practice process for undertaking such studies.

Public Space Lessons: adapting public space to climate change (2008) – a briefing report to planners and local government from the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE). The report sets out the lessons learned, nationally and internationally, from using public spaces to adapt to climate change: www.cabe.org.uk/default.aspx?contentitemid=2604.

Climate Change Adaptation and Local Authorities: Be Aware, Be Prepared, Take Action (May 2008) – Guidance document on how to integrate climate change adaptation strategies into local government - from LGA, EA and UKCIP: Climate Change Adaptation and Local Authorities: Be Aware, Be Prepared, Take Action (pdf 509kb).

LGA Climate Change Report (December 2007) The Local Government Association's Independent Climate Change Commission published a report on 5 December '07. The Commission's report is the first authoritative investigation into how well councils are doing in their duty to help reduce the effects of, and combat, global warming. The report critically evaluates local government's track record on climate change; and makes recommendations for local government, central government and other stakeholders on how the local government response must be improved, through mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change. Click on this link to see the report on the LGA website: LGA - A climate of change (external site).

LGA "Cutting through the green tape - the powers councils have to tackle climate change" (August 2008) This guide from the Local Government Association can be downloaded by clicking on this link: LGA - Cutting through the green tape (external site).

LCLIP: A local climate impacts profile - Guidance document to help local authorities understand how council services are affected by historical and future climate events. Please note: SWCCIP used to carry a copy of LCLIP on this site but this is now a link to UKCIP's site: LCLIP: A local climate impacts profile.

Climate Change and/or Sustainable Energy Strategies published by SW Local Authorities can be found on the Low Carbon South West web page.

Return to TOP

Tourism

Changing Climate, Changing Business - Video (2009) - SWCCIP and South West Tourism have produced this easy to watch video to help tourism busineses adapt to climate change. Narrated by local broadcaster Adam Hart-Davis, the video shows how tourism businesses in the South West are being affected by climate change and highlights the practical actions that are already being taken to adapt. The full 20 minute version of the video is available to watch on South West Tourism's website from this link: SW Tourism - adapting to climate change video. A 6 minute summary version is also available on YouTube at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3IOGy8WMGg.

Changing Climate, Changing Business - accompanying video booklet (2009) - This short booklet has been produced alongside the Changing Climate, Changing Business video. It includes 10 Top Tips to help tourism businesses adapt to climate change and a list of useful websites for further information. Click here to download: video booklet (pdf 477kb).

Adaptation Pack (including checklist) for Tourism Businesses - SWCCIP, together with the South East Climate Change Partnership (SECCP), have created the first Adaptation Action Pack for Tourism Businesses. This Adaptation Action Pack has been funded by SWCCIP, SECCP and Devon County Council to explain to tourism business owners how climate change affects their business. The electronic (pdf) version of the checklist can be downloaded from here: Climate change and tourism in the South of England, 2007 (pdf 826kb). The electronic version of the promotional postcard artwork (2007 - version II) can be downloaded from here: Climate change and your tourism business - what can you do to adapt? (pdf 112kb). To order hard copies for events, please contact SWCCIP.

Flood pack for caravan/camping sites – The Environment Agency has produced a pack, ‘flooding – minimising the risk’ which gives practical advice on minimising the impact of flooding and keeping your visitors safe in the event of a flood. To receive a pack please email jane.fletcher-peters@environment-agency.gov.uk. To find out if you are at risk of flooding and what flood warning service is available in your area call Floodline on 0845 988 1188*. *BT calls cost up to 2p/min plus 6p set-up fee from your home. Other providers and mobiles may vary.

Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in the Tourism Sector: Frameworks, Tools and Practices (2008) - The University of Oxford and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) 2008 report is available as a pdf from this link: www.geog.ox.ac.uk/news/events/ccamts/ccamts.pdf (pdf on external site).

Return to TOP

Transport

Assessing the Impacts of Climate Change on Transport Infrastructure (2008) – a Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) publication following a joint RSSB, Network Rail and Environment Agency project to predict the impact of climate change on the railway coastal and estuarine defence assets in the Dawlish area - www.rssb.co.uk/pdf/reports/research/T643_rpt_final.pdf.

Developing a Transport Strategy for Climate Change Adaptation (2008) – In 2007 the Sustainable Development Research Network (SDRN) and DfT held an event which aimed to improve understanding of how the UK’s transport system should adapt to climate change. This report (available from UKCIP’s site) summarises the main discussion points from the workshop: www.ukcip.org.uk/images/stories/Pub_pdfs/transport_report21-01-08.pdf.

The Changing Climate: Impact on the Department for Transport (2005) - A report identifying key impacts which climate change could have on transport. Includes recommendations to ensure that the Department for Transport and others are prepared. Available from: www.dft.gov.uk/strategy/climatechangeimpacts/dftreport. For further information or to comment, email: Climatechangeimpacts@dft.gsi.gov.uk.

Safety implications of weather, climate and climate change (2004) – An RSSB report identifying the implications of weather and climate change related hazards on the railway: www.rssb.co.uk/pdf/reports/research/Safety%20implications%20of%20weather,%20climate%20and%20climate%20change.pdf.

Return to TOP

South West Climate Change Impacts Partnership

Hosted by oursouthwest