In response to current and projected climate impacts, actions are required to adapt to the UK's vulnerability to weather changes. Before adaptation actions could be established, the capacity to deliver these had to be put in place.
Our project explored the current capacity of the seven key sectors covered by the UK’s National Adaptation Programme to address climate change adaptation. We used this to highlight gaps in training that was need, and to make recommendations to help address these.
The seven sectors considered include:
-
Agriculture and forestry
-
Built environment
-
Business and services
-
Health and wellbeing
-
Infrastructure
-
Local government
-
Natural environment
Stakeholder consultation was a key feature of the project alongside a training needs assessment. Engagement was undertaken at a national level focusing on workshops, one-to-one interviews, and an online survey with over 200 stakeholders. Information gathered from this process was analysed using a mix of quantitative and qualitative assessment techniques. To complete a robust assessment, we made a comprehensive survey of the sector communities. Individuals and organisations were encouraged to take part.
Our expertise in market research and analysis made the online and one-to-one engagements with large numbers of stakeholders successful and these produced new insights. Our expertise in climate change meant that we could engage efficiently across a wide range of stakeholders in all the 'climate ready' sectors to fully understand the learning adaptive capacity of each sector.