Embedding adaptation
The embedding, or mainstreaming, of adaptation considerations in decision-making across an organisation is vital to ensure that the on-going process of managing climate risks becomes part of established processes, a prerequisite of effective adaptation.
To help organisations benchmark where they are in terms of embedding adaptation, and identify where they would like to get to, the East Midlands Planning to Adapt Project developed an Embedding Adaptation Matrix. Three versions of the Embedding Adaptation Matrix are available to download, aimed at different kinds of organisations.
The matrices score progress at embedding adaptation in the following areas from 1 (worst) to 5 (best):
- Corporate strategy
- Performance management
- Responsibility
- Data management
- Communication and training
- Finance and investment
- Policy alignment
- Partnership working
There is more than one approach to embedding adaptation being taken by Local Authorities in the East Midlands. The embedding adaptation matrices refer to a discrete Adaptation Action Plan. However, Northamptonshire County Council is taking a different approach to embedding adaptation within council services and decision-making, and is not producing a separate Adaptation Action Plan. Instead, adaptation considerations are being integrated into new and existing strategies and plans.
A publication by the LGiU, "Getting ready for a changing climate: supporting Councillors' leadership role in adaptation" is useful for increasing high-level understanding of, and support for, adaptation to climate change.
