DRAFT Sustainability Appraisal Report for the Emerging Local Plan ...

Section 11.
Introduction
[ER06] Climate Change
11.1 The climate change receptor covers effects on the atmosphere in terms of emissions of
greenhouse gases in relation to the generation of energy and its use for heating, lighting,
power, and transportation. The receptor covers ‘climatic factors’ as required by the European
Directive and UK Regulation on the environmental assessment of plans and programmes and
incorporates a number of SA sustainable development objectives as outlined in Table 67.
11.2 The predicted changes in climate and global weather patterns have the capacity to affect
agriculture, plant life, and ecosystems. In addition, the occurrence of extreme weather events
such as storms, floods, heat waves and pests can constitute a threat to human health and life.
11.3 The consideration of climate change can effectively be split into two separate areas:
Climate Change Adaptation – Consideration of the effects that are expected to
occur over the next 30 years, irrespective of the actions taken to reduce climate
change emissions (the ‘Lock in effect’); and,
Applicable SA/SEA Objective/Factor
Climate Change Mitigation – This area considers measures designed to reduce
dependency on the main contributors to climate change emissions and operates
in the 30+ year time horizon.
Table 67 – Applicable SA/SEA Objective/Factor to Climate Change
Objective/Factor
Relevant SA Objective(s)
No. Title Status
SO16 To improve air quality and ensure it continues to improve R
SO17
To address the causes of climate change through reducing emissions of
greenhouse gases
R
SO18 Ensure that Runnymede is prepared for the impacts of climate change R
SO19 To conserve and enhance the region’s biodiversity A
SO21
SO25
To improve the efficiency of transport networks by enhancing the proportion of
travel by sustainable modes and by promoting policies which reduce the need to
travel
To increase energy efficiency , security and diversity of supply and the
proportion of energy generated from renewable sources in the region
A
A
Relevant SEA Factor(s)
FA09 Climatic Factors R
Current Policy Context
11.4 There is a range of policies relevant to welfare, health and well being at the international,
national, regional and local level. The key policy documents are set out below and
summarised in Table 68.
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