Climate Change

Climate Change Adaptation Planning

LGIS is pleased to introduce an important new risk management service of “Climate Change Adaptation Planning” to assist Local Governments prepare for the unavoidable impacts of climate change.

There is irrefutable evidence that our climate is changing and regardless of the debate surrounding anthropogenic (caused or influenced by humans) climate change, the projected impacts will cut across all areas of a Local Governments responsibilities. There is also the added expectation that Local Governments should already be considering these impacts in their strategic, planning, development, infrastructure and community decisions.

Variations in temperature, number of hot days/cold nights, sea level, rainfall, rain intensity and/or wind speed will impact the natural environment, infrastructure, local economies, community lifestyle and public administration to varying degrees depending on location, services, assets and current practices. In the past the response to climate change has been mitigation (i.e. reducing greenhouse gas emissions), lead by international, national and state processes. It is now apparent that Local Governments also need to adapt to climate change, with adaptation planning being most effective at that regional / local level, reducing their vulnerability whilst capitalising on any opportunities.
LGIS has customised a national framework for Climate Change Adaptation Planning for WA Local Government as outlined in Climate Change Impacts & Risk Management; A Guide for Business and Government and Climate Change Adaptation Actions for Local Government both published by the Australian Greenhouse Office. The framework uses the risk management process as the vehicle to anticipate, understand, prioritise and make effective decisions regarding adaptation actions customised to local conditions, it also benefits from shared inputs and experiences through its application as a national framework.

LGIS is available to provide to WA Local Governments all or selected components of Climate Change Adaptation Planning, consisting of:

• Understanding and agreeing the Local Governments strategic direction, services and functional areas that will be used to assess the impacts of climate change against.
• Interpreting relevant and credible international, national, state, regional and local scientific climate change data to determine local climate change scenarios over time e.g. the expected variation in rainfall by 2030 and by 2070.
• Elected members and staff education and awareness on climate change issues, impacts and project outcomes.
• Identifying, defining and assessing the risks and vulnerabilities of climate change scenarios to the Local Governments functions.
• Noting current controls for the identified risk and assessing their adequacy using a reasonableness test.
• For unacceptable risks, identifying adaptation options aligned to strategic direction for consideration and assigning timeframes and responsibilities for their recommendation and implementation.
• Providing all data and risk information in a documented, structured and systematic format for inclusion in the Local Governments strategic planning and continuous improvement processes.
 

A pilot Climate Change Adaptation Planning Project has been facilitated by LGIS for the City of South Perth, this pilot was found to be comprehensive, detailed and useful. For further information on the new service and/or its practical application at the City of South Perth please contact James Sheridan, Senior Risk Consultant, LGIS on 9483 8885 or james.sheridan@jlta.com.au.