Description

A half day workshop to assess the value of, and appropriate ways forward for developing a theme within Fit for the Future’s work to help members adapt to the impacts of climate change. The workshop is being organised in partnership with RSPB and co-facilitated by Olly Watts, Senior Climate Change Policy Officer for RSPB and Chloe Hampson, FFTF Network Manager.

Context

The global average temperature is now above 1 degree Celsius more than in pre-industrial times. Without radical and urgent reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions, the UNFCCC’s original over-arching objective of limiting climate change to 2 degrees of change could be breached around 2040.

The impacts of climate change are already widespread and well catalogued. There are some benefits but most are harmful, including intolerably hot cities; widespread increases in extreme flooding; extended droughts; damage to infrastructure and changes to wildlife, the natural environment and the things these contribute to people and communities.

Some Fit for the Future Network members are already developing approaches to adapt to climate change. There is potential to share learning and expertise among members, focusing on areas of common interest – eg visitor management, building management and design, the natural environment, habitat and wildlife management, etc.

Given the opportunity for sharing and collaboration, a work strand adapting to climate change could be appropriately complementary to the Network’s existing focus on reducing carbon. As the Network develops its next strategy, the timing is apt to run a workshop on climate change in order to share what is currently being done amongst existing members and also scope appetite for doing more things like this in the future.

Objectives of the day

Share adaptation experiences between members – both good and situations where adaptation had not been considered
Share methods and tools for assessing impacts and adaptation responses
Scope appetite and ideas for how FFTF Network could address adaptation in the next strategy
Trial an impacts and adaptation register for FFTF Network members

The day will include

Context setting: Why adapt? Links with climate change mitigation and latest policy/research e.g. key threats in the new govt Climate Change Risk Assessment.
Case studies from FFTF member demonstrating range of adaptation experience and requirements
Sharing tools for assessing impacts and adaptation – RSPB’s workshop approach and others
Workshop session: initial identification of impacts and adaptation among FFTF members
Discussion: how the FFTF should take forward adaptation

Who should attend?

This workshop is for member organisations of Fit for the Future Network only. Colleagues within member organisations who have not previously been to a FFTF event are welcome.

Cancellation policy

The workshop is free to attend but there is a fee of £60 for those that cancel within 10 days of the event or do not show up on the day.