Preparing for climate change
As global warming causes temperatures to increase, the weather and climate patterns in the UK are changing. This is leading to:
- warmer and wetter winters which disrupt seasonal cycles in nature, increase the spread of diseases, and disturbs hibernation patterns
- hotter, dryer summers which reduce crop yields, put pressure on water supplies, and increase the risk of wildfires
- more extreme weather events, like flooding, heatwaves, and storms, which damage infrastructure, homes, natural environments, and cause deaths
Locally, we are beginning to experience more frequent and damaging impacts from these changes. This is putting people at risk, causing costly damage, and harming the city’s wildlife. Recent impacts include:
- wildfires destroying habitats and parkland in Lickey Hills and Sutton Park
- flooding across the city causing widespread damage to properties
- draughts causing extremely low water levels in the city’s reservoirs
- storms damaging roads, paths, property, and telecommunications infrastructure
- heatwaves causing heat-related death, warping train tracks, and disrupting medical services
To better understand these and future impacts, the council is working with the University of Birmingham to develop a . This map illustrates where risks from flooding, heatwaves, and air pollution are highest, and highlights where the most vulnerable communities are located.
Wards shown as darker colours are more vulnerable to affects of climate change.
Understanding these risks and vulnerabilities allows us to focus our efforts on the people and areas most in need of support, which increases the city’s overall resilience to climate change.
Adaptation measures - key initiatives
We are working to protect people, infrastructure, and the natural environment from climate-related impacts. By addressing the risks associated with flooding, heat waves, and air pollution, as well as focusing on energy efficiency and sustainable development, Birmingham is actively adapting to the challenges posed by climate change while promoting a greener, more resilient urban environment.
Green infrastructure development
- Urban greening: and in areas with the lowest green infrastructure and greatest vulnerability to flooding and heatwaves. More trees and green spaces help:
- reduce flood risk by absorbing water runoff
- improve air quality by filtering the air
- reduce temperatures during a heatwave by absorbing heat and providing shade
- Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS): Implementing SuDS in new developments to manage excess rainfall and prevent surface water flooding, which is becoming more frequent due to intense rain caused by climate change.
Extreme weather risk managment
- Emergency planning: Providing important emergency planning and guidance for heatwaves, gales and high winds, thunderstorms and lightning, and severe winter weather to ensure residents and businesses are prepared for these events.
- River and waterway management: Working with the Environment Agency to improve flood defences and enhance flood management systems, including flood barriers and wetland restoration, along waterways, like the River Rea.
Climate resilience in urban planning
- The Birmingham Development Plan: Updating local planning policies to promote building energy-efficient homes, retrofitting older ones, and ensuring infrastructure accounts for future climate scenarios, including flooding and hotter summers.
- Resilient buildings: Developing new buildings which are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. This includes energy-efficient construction, improved insulation, and better water efficiency measures.
Get involved
If you want to help to make Birmingham more resilient to climate change, you can volunteer with our Green Champions network to support our efforts to protect nature and the environment.
Page last updated: 5 November 2024