London scoping - ukcip

1. Setting the Scene
Final Report
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1.1 Background and Objectives
This study is the first stage in trying to understand what may happen because of possible future
climate change in London. It was commissioned by the Greater London Authority (the GLA),
acting as an agent for the London Climate Change Partnership (a stakeholder group which has
evolved from a meeting originally convened by the Government Office for London to discuss
climate change in London in July 2001; a list of organisations that have taken part in meetings
of the Partnership from 2001 onwards given in Appendix B). The study has been undertaken by
a project consortium consisting of Entec UK Ltd, Dr. Rob Wilby (Kings’ College London), the
Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, Metroeconomica and Professor David Crichton
(Independent Consultant).
The overall objectives for the study, as stated in the original tender documents were as follows:
“The study should outline the threats and opportunities presented by climate
change, and start to address the responses needed. Investigating the policies
and programmes needed to adapt to climate change in detail will be the subject
of a subsequent (Stage two) study.”
This stage one study has also provided a platform for addressing the principal aims of the
London Climate Change Partnership, which are:
1. To provide an overview of the best current information on the likely climate change
scenarios for London.
2. To provide an overview of the existing information on the impacts of climate change on the
environment and the economy and, to elucidate the social impacts of climate change largely
based on existing reviews, research and monitoring studies within and outside the region.
3. To build a consensus view among key stakeholders about the likely direction and level of
climate change in London and to assess the impacts of such change on London, its
population and businesses.
4. To provide relevant input to ensure that policy responses are appropriate to the needs of
London’s population and economy.
5. To raise awareness amongst London institutions, businesses and communities that might
otherwise not be aware of the implications of climate change and, in this way, ensure an
increased understanding of the common issues faced by all of London in the event of
various climate change outcomes.
6. To make proposals for further research and information collection to develop a better
understanding of the type and extent of potential impacts.
7. To disseminate the results of the study effectively to those who need to take action.
The following sections address these aims.