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.
Resources

Planning for climate change and flood risk: survey results
Survey results from a 2022 investigation into local authority skills and capabilities regarding flood risk.

Webinar recording: Climate Guide launch 2023
A webinar recording of the launch of the 2023 TCPA and RTPI free joint guidance for local authorities on planning for climate change.

News & Blog

Living Locally: The role of housing and planning within local councils
New report highlights that local living needs national backing: Despite clear evidence on the benefits of complete, compact and connected…

Survey highlights local authorities’ challenges in planning for flood risk
Blog summarising the results of a 2022 survey into flood risk skills and capabilities among local authority officers.

Salt Cross: a serious error of judgement
Hugh Ellis tackles the decision by PINS to remove critical climate targets from the proposed West Oxfordshire Area Action Plan…