Experts from the University of Birmingham are teaming up with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to help the West Midlands respond better to climate change. With £2 million in funding from the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), the WM-Adapt project aims to strengthen the region’s ability to deal with climate challenges.
In July 2022, the West Midlands faced record temperatures above 38°C. This heat wave caused significant issues. Homes overheated, schools shut down, travel was disrupted, and emergency services were stretched thin. Flash floods became more common, leading to road closures, property damage, and sewage problems.
If the region doesn’t adapt effectively, the economic impact could worsen. By 2050, climate change could reduce the area’s Gross Value Added (GVA)—a measure of economic output—by between £1.5 billion and £2.9 billion each year.
Dr. Emma Ferranti, the project leader, stated, “WM-Adapt is a significant step toward making the West Midlands more resilient to climate change. We want to hear from the community, study flooding risks, and collaborate with local organizations. Our goal is to create a strong framework that can be used across the UK.”
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of WMCA, emphasized the need for practical solutions. “People need help to protect their homes from flooding and extreme heat. This innovative project will give communities the tools and knowledge to understand and tackle these risks, paving the way for a sustainable future.”
The project involves ten experts from three of the University’s five colleges and will run for 30 months. It will explore challenges and opportunities for local climate adaptation, using climate science to inform policy and support throughout the West Midlands.
WM-Adapt builds on earlier work, including the 2022 Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA) created with Birmingham City Council. This tool is now vital for city planning, helping to identify risks and vulnerabilities using accessible data.
The project will enhance the CRVA by improving our understanding of heat and flooding caused by heavy rain, including the health and economic impacts of these risks.
Professor Andrew Quinn from the University of Birmingham highlighted the project’s collaborative nature. “WM-Adapt will foster knowledge sharing among communities and organizations. Our aim is to ensure the West Midlands is not only resilient but also contributes to wider national adaptation efforts.”
In summary, WM-Adapt focuses on developing better strategies and tools to prepare the West Midlands for climate-related challenges, ultimately helping create a more resilient community.
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