Climate change

Local Government has a big part to play in helping society adapt to climate change. Adaptation is necessary despite what may be achieved in relation to greenhouse gas reduction. Changes in the global climate mean that the UK will be facing some form of climate change over the next 30 years. This is generally thought to mean:

• hotter, drier summers and milder wetter winters
• extreme high temperatures becoming more frequent
• extreme winter precipitation becoming more frequent
• a significant decrease in soil moisture content
• an increase in the thermal growing season.

Where does CSS stand?

CSS members are responsible for many areas of service delivery in relation to the built environment, economic development and transport provision where the impacts of climate change may be significant. In these areas adaptation measures will be essential if climate change is to be managed.

The key issues that are of relevance to the society are as follows:

• Continuing to provide services within the context of a changing climate
• Greenhouse gas emissions for transport and emissions produced through buildings
• Encouraging the development of renewable energy technologies
• Supporting research into the security and cost of long-term energy/water supply
• Encouraging the efficient use of energy in the home.
• Locational policy for strategic facilities / development
• Policies for design and implementation of flood relief and other mitigation / adaptation measures.