Why is planning important for climate change?
Planning can provide lasting resilience to the impacts of climate change. It can implement local measures such as sustainable drainage and well-designed development. Planning can also provide a strategic framework to deal with the impact of the predicted 1.15 metres or more sea level rise by 2100.
Planning must also consider how these issues play out over the lifespan of development (usually a minimum of 100 years) and to consider future climate impacts. Our response now will lock us into certain irreversible pathways.
Climate change at the TCPA
The TCPA has a strong track record in research, policy formulation and political influence on climate adaptation and mitigation in the context of spatial planning. This has been informed by comprehensive knowledge supported by both UK research and European-funded projects on adaptation, green infrastructure, human health and energy.
Please click on the links below to access TCPA’s resources on planning for climate change and for information on the training the TCPA offers. These resources are aimed primarily at local authority officers but are also useful for elected members, practitioners, students and anyone interested in the contribution of the planning system to addressing the climate challenge.
The TCPA Offer
The TCPA can provide bespoke training and CPD presentation sessions and workshops for local authorities on a wide range of issues, including planning for climate change.
Become a member
Join our community of members to access our archive of recordings from past climate related webinars and workshops and receive discounts on future events.
Online training platform
Planning for flood risk
The Environment Agency has teamed up with the TCPA to develop a suite of online training resources aimed at planners and flood risk professionals working in the public sector.
The Climate Crisis – a guide for local authorities on planning for climate change
Climate Guide
The TCPA and RTPI have jointly published the 4th Edition of The Climate Crisis – A Guide for Local Authorities on Planning for Climate Change. You can download the Guide below and view our Case Study Hub which highlights practical examples of planning for climate change.
Planning for flood risk photo: Morpeth (credit: John Dal, Climate Visuals)
Resources
Delivering flood resilience through the planning system in England
This research takes a detailed look at the effectiveness of the planning system for the delivery of flood resilient new housing development in England.
The forgotten 500: The implications of the major downgrading of flood defence investment in England
This briefing sets out the background to the major downgrading of flood defence works in England. It uses Lowestoft as case study to explore the implications for communities where strategic flood defence investment has been withdrawn.
News & Blog
English planning system is failing to protect new housing development from flood risk, TCPA research finds
‘Dysfunction’ in the English planning system is leaving new housing development vulnerable to flood risk, according to a new report…
Labour’s planning reform agenda: turning point or tipping point for climate action?
The TCPA has long been an advocate of the planning system’s central role in addressing the climate crisis. This is…
Why Europe’s most important housing development needs your help!
Hugh Ellis shares an update on Take Back the City’s remarkable campaign for a sustainable solution to Belfast’s housing crisis.
