After another year of record-breaking heatwaves around the world, and floods and wildfires in the UK, it is clear that climate impacts are worsening at an alarming rate. This brings with it an increasingly urgent need to adapt our landscapes, buildings, business operations and communities; to develop climate resilience to the increasing threat.

Climate change and adaptation continues to be a key focus of Fit for the Future activity, with members being keen to share and learn from each other’s approaches.  Fit for the Future is continuing to facilitate this collaboration and connect organisations to climate change adaptation research, guidance, resources and activity.

Our virtual discussion groups provide an opportunity to share questions, ambitions, challenges, approaches, opportunities, resources/tools used, progress and lessons learnt with members from across the network in an informal and friendly environment.  

Areas for discussion include (and are not limited to):

·       How to start understanding climate change risks to your organisation, including:

o   Direct climate impacts such as flooding, rain ingress, storms (wind damage/risk), overheating, wildfire, pests & moulds and multiple impacts

o   In-direct climate impacts such as increased insurance costs, reduced visitor numbers/income and increase investment required (maintenance and adaptation)

·       How to navigate the wide range of research, articles and case studies

·       The business case for adaptation projects

·       How to embed climate change adaptation into organisational decision making

·       How to start creating a practical climate change adaptation strategy and action plans (how to prioritise actions and involve colleagues in this process)

·       How to continue to understand changing climate change risks/impacts and identify and implement appropriate interventions

·       Sharing (and inspiring through) practical and replicable case studies/resources. Supporting organisations (small, medium and large) to become more resilient, from “quick wins” to long term planning

·       How to support colleagues to increase their knowledge of climate change adaptation issues and learn new skills

·       Internal communication and buy-in of an adaptation strategy.  How do you embed in your organisation’s culture?  Engaging, inspiring and empowering colleagues to take action

·       How to integrate adaptation with other areas of environmental sustainability activity e.g. achieving net zero

·       Monitoring and reporting processes

·       Frameworks and standards

·       Resources, guidance and case studies that can support you

·       Is it better (with regards to both budget available and effectiveness) to have a designated climate change adaptation role or to spread responsibility and accountability throughout an organisation?  If it is not viable to create a specific role, what is the best approach to implementing climate change adaptation throughout an organisation?

Once you have registered, we will be in touch to identify any specific topics you would like the group to focus on.  Where appropriate we will identify a suitable guest speaker.

All members are welcome to attend, regardless of previous experience or knowledge on this topic.  The group will be of benefit to all network members, whatever your size and scope of operations/activity.  From organisations just starting off to those already delivering climate change adaptation strategy there will be lots to share and collaborate on, from identifying collective challenges to learning from other approaches.