Derry City and Strabane District CouncilClimate Change Adaptation Plan 2020-2025
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Themes & Priorities<br />
2. Functional Themes<br />
2.1 Policy & People<br />
Mainstream climate adaptation into policies <strong>and</strong> plans <strong>and</strong><br />
prepare Council staff for the effects of climate change<br />
The impacts of climate change are so wide-ranging that<br />
adaptation should be incorporated in decision-making, policy<br />
development <strong>and</strong> service planning (Maiden, 2017).<br />
We therefore recognise that integrating <strong>and</strong> mainstreaming<br />
climate adaption into policies is an effective mechanism to<br />
ensure resilience <strong>and</strong> preparedness. For example, the inclusion<br />
of climate adaptation considerations / ‘screening’ of Council’s<br />
existing <strong>and</strong> emerging policies will ensure the future direction<br />
<strong>and</strong> procedures of services are prepared for climate impacts.<br />
In addition we underst<strong>and</strong> that Council personnel working in<br />
certain areas are more vulnerable to the impacts of climate<br />
change for example higher temperatures combined with<br />
longer <strong>and</strong> more frequent exposure to heat, will increase<br />
risks of heat stress, air pollution <strong>and</strong> UV exposure, particularly<br />
among outdoor staff. The inability to provide reasonably<br />
comfortable or safe temperatures may cause reduced working<br />
efficiencies <strong>and</strong> the closure of workplaces in the future.<br />
Extreme weather events may also affect staff involved in<br />
emergency, rescue <strong>and</strong> clean-up efforts. Effective risk<br />
management, health <strong>and</strong> safety policies, procedures <strong>and</strong> staff<br />
awareness will seek to address the risks to Council personnel.<br />
2.2 Assets & Capital Development<br />
Prepare for & address the impacts of climate change ensuring<br />
protection of Council assets, property <strong>and</strong> infrastructure<br />
Councils’ assets <strong>and</strong> estate including property, fleet <strong>and</strong> IT<br />
systems are at risk of damage from severe weather events <strong>and</strong><br />
rising sea levels. This will result in increased costs for repair,<br />
insurance premiums <strong>and</strong> loss of services. We will seek to<br />
ensure that our asset management <strong>and</strong> future developments<br />
are climate resilient. It is critical that all our new developments,<br />
infrastructure projects <strong>and</strong> building refurbishments are built<br />
with changes in future weather patterns in mind.<br />
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DCSDC Climate <strong>Change</strong> <strong>Adaptation</strong> <strong>Plan</strong>
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