Climate change risk assessment
Climate change affects people in different ways. Some groups are more vulnerable, such as women, children, ethnic minorities, older people, and those with lower incomes or existing health conditions.
We’ve completed a detailed risk assessment that identifies 55 climate-related risks. These risks are linked to heat, cold, rain and storms. The assessment looks at how climate change could impact residents, businesses and visitors across the county.
Not all impacts are negative. Climate change may also bring positive opportunities, such as growth in tourism.
This risk assessment is our starting point for planning how we build resilience to climate change. The key findings are summarised below.
Critical infrastructure and buildings
- Flooding of properties
- Extreme heat causing properties to overheat
- Conditions causing travel disturbances
- Energy and water supply during extreme conditions
The local economy
- Green job opportunities
- Supply chain disruption
- Price volatility for materials
Natural environment and green spaces
- Wildfires
- Footpath erosion
- Weather extremes impacting wildlife and habitats
Health, wellbeing and safety
- Opportunity for increased outdoor recreation
- Heatstroke
- Climate change anxiety
- Social care challenges during extreme conditions
