London scoping - ukcip

Final Report
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It is particularly important that the public understands what they can do in emergencies that may
be related to climate change such as extensive flooding, poor air quality episodes and intense
hot spells that could directly affect their health and safety. The needs of vulnerable groups such
as the elderly, those whose first language is not English and people with disabilities should also
be identified and addressed.
Education (both formal and informal) should be used to engage the public. Climate change can
be an interesting topic for learning in schools and other less formal methods due to its multidisciplinary
nature. Many schools are already using climate change as a teaching and learning
topic.
The LCCP will need to consider how it wishes to engage other social groups and stakeholders in
London. This may require developing a broader Partnership.
8.5.11 Local Authorities
A survey should be conducted of London local authorities to assess whether and if so how much
they have considered climate change and its potential impacts on their services. Asking them to
sign up to the Nottingham Charter for Climate Change may help to focus their attention on the
need to plan for climate change.
8.5.12 Buildings
Further work needs to be done on how both new and existing buildings can be designed or
adapted to improve the living and working conditions under climate change. Issues that need to
be considered include:
• Cooling and heating systems e.g. use of groundwater cooling, role of natural
ventilation;
• Layout and landscaping of development to provide shading and necessary air flow;
• Appropriate materials e.g. appropriate levels of glazing and insulation;
• Flexibility - ability to adapt to future climate conditions;
• Flood defence/proofing and adaptation;
• Water efficiency measures; and
• Weather proofing.
The GLA are planning to develop supplementary planning guidance (SPG) on sustainable
buildings. The SPG should put forward measures that will allow buildings to adapt to climate
change.
8.5.13 Specific Developments
Further work should be carried out to examine, as far as possible, the specific potential impacts
of climate change on strategic developments e.g. the Thames Gateway, along with the
formulation of appropriate responses strategies, where necessary. Suggestions for adaptation
options that may be appropriate are contained in the tables above.