The local government sector has an important leadership role as a key mobiliser of climate action at local and community level. The planning system is a key instrument to influence positive climate action. Planners, as enablers have the opportunity to understand the challenges presented by climate change and to enable effective climate action measures.

In November 2020, The Southern Regional Assembly, in collaboration with the Eastern and Midlands and the Atlantic Seaboard South Climate Action Regional Offices (CARO), hosted two online workshops for Planners across the Southern Region. Workshop 1 focused on mitigation measures while Workshop 2 focused on the Adaptation and Nature Based Solutions.

The workshops assist in implementing an objective of RSES to ensure effective co-ordination of Climate Action with the CAROs and Local Authorities (see RPO 88 of the RSES). The RSES recognises the need to climate proof our settlements, our built assets and our strategic infrastructure from the impacts of climate change. Climate Action is a cross-cutting consideration with an extensive scope beyond specific Climate Action measures.

The report of the workshops is based on the notes that were prepared by the participants during or after the breakout sessions combined with notes made during the plenary sessions. Click here to read the report.