Collaborative Strategies for Adapting to Our Changing Climate: Join the Movement!

The Environment Agency initiated a significant project called “Working Together to Adapt to a Changing Climate,” from 2018 to 2022. This initiative aimed to foster collaboration with communities in addressing climate change challenges, particularly concerning flood and coastal risks.

Throughout the project, the team identified six key challenges in engaging both partners and the public in climate adaptation efforts. They worked closely with two communities, Caterham Hill and Hemsby, to develop practical tools that tackled these challenges. These efforts enhanced community involvement and created stronger partnerships. One such tool contributed to the launch of a £200 million program focused on flood and coastal resilience.

The Environment Agency applied a tool known as the readiness assessment tool in 25 projects under the Flood and Coastal Resilience Innovation Programme. This tool helped identify risks, align partner goals, and ensure active participation from various stakeholders early on. Feedback indicated that this proactive approach helped avoid significant delays. For instance, one project reported that without the tool, their timeline could have slipped by six months.

In addition, the readiness assessment was utilized in 14 projects associated with the £5.2 billion Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management investment program. A striking 94% of participants felt that it improved the efficiency and effectiveness of their projects.

The research didn’t stop there. The Environment Agency also developed a community readiness assessment survey and other collaborative tools to support local engagement around climate adaptation. This information was instrumental in tailoring approaches for more successful community outreach. For example, the Making Space for Sand project in Cornwall adapted techniques to address local coastal conditions.

This collaborative effort reflects a shift in how climate change is tackled at the local level. By actively seeking the input of community members, the Environment Agency ensures that even the voices that often go unheard can contribute to planning efforts. This was highlighted in a recent G20 report, emphasizing the importance of inclusive engagement in addressing disaster risk reduction. The report praised this initiative for successfully involving a broader range of community members, providing a blueprint for future climate adaptation strategies.

Research findings from this project are also being woven into national guidelines for developing local Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management strategies. The knowledge gained is reshaping training programs for engagement professionals within the Environment Agency, highlighting the importance of community input in addressing climate change effectively.

These efforts illustrate a growing recognition of the importance of collaboration and preparedness in tackling climate challenges. As communities continue to face rising threats from flooding and erosion, the need for thoughtful, inclusive strategies will become increasingly vital.

For more insights, you can explore the National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy for England [here](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5f6b6da6e90e076c182d508d/023_15482_Environment_agency_digitalAW_Strategy.pdf) or learn more about the Flood Resilience Innovation Programme [here](https://engageenvironmentagency.uk.engagementhq.com/innovation-programme).

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