County-wide climate adaptation strategy in development as Dorset organisations unite

Organisations across Dorset and BCP council areas are developing a county-wide climate adaptation strategy.

It will help communities, businesses and public services prepare for flooding, heatwaves, drought and coastal erosion caused by climate change.

The partnership includes Dorset Council, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, and organisations from the public, private and voluntary sectors, including businesses, emergency services, health organisations, infrastructure providers, environmental groups and community organisations. Together, they are developing a shared response to the impacts of climate change.

Climate adaptation means preparing for and responding to the effects of a changing climate.

Dorset’s new Climate Adaptation Strategy will provide a framework setting out how communities and organisations can coordinate their response to a changing climate. It will identify priority actions for preparing Dorset now and in the future as these risks increase.

To inform the strategy, partners will assess how climate change could affect the places, infrastructure and services people rely on. The assessment will draw on local knowledge, evidence and expertise.

Cllr Nick Ireland, Leader of Dorset Council and Cabinet Member for Climate, Communications, Performance and Safeguarding, said: "Climate change is no longer a challenge for the future. Communities across Dorset are already experiencing the effects through flooding, coastal change, extreme weather and hotter summers.

"No single organisation can tackle these challenges alone. This partnership brings together expertise from across Dorset so we can better understand the risks we face and take practical steps to protect our communities, environment and local economy.

"By planning ahead now, we can help ensure Dorset remains a safe, resilient and thriving place for future generations."

Over the coming months, residents, businesses and organisations will be invited to help shape the priorities and actions in the Dorset Climate Adaptation Strategy.

Their feedback will inform the strategy’s priorities and help ensure the final version reflects the experiences, concerns and ambitions of communities across Dorset.

The evidence gathered will help identify immediate actions to adapt to a changing climate. It will also identify longer-term opportunities for Dorset to prepare for future impacts.

Cllr Andy Hadley, BCP Council's Climate Lead, said: "The impacts of climate change do not stop at council boundaries, which is why working together across Dorset is so important.

"This strategy gives us an opportunity to combine expertise, share knowledge and develop a joined-up approach to resilience. By engaging with local communities and organisations, we can build a clearer picture of the challenges ahead and identify practical ways to help people, businesses and public services adapt.

"We want as many people and organisations as possible to get involved so the strategy reflects the needs and priorities of communities across the whole of Dorset."

Once completed, the Dorset Climate Adaptation Strategy will provide a basis for coordinating action on climate risks across the county. It will guide future work to strengthen communities, protect the environment and support a sustainable future for Dorset.

People can keep up to date with what is happening on the Dorset Council website.