Climate change in the UKOTs an overview of the ... - JNCC - Defra

� Monitoring systems for sea level rise
and local wave climate.
� Shore line monitoring.
� Beach nourishment.
� Reduction of external stresses on
coastal and marine ecosystems,
including coral reefs, sea grass beds,
salt marshes, and wetlands.
� Post-disaster preparedness plans.
Building capacity
� Improvements to data management
systems.
� Increasing local research and scientific
capacity.
� Building linkages between local
research initiatives and communities.
“
Widespread public
awareness and education are
necessary to any effort to get
support for climate policy
and adaptation.
”
4.3.4 Information
It is also important for decision makers,
whatever the sector, to have adequate and
appropriate information, not only about
risks and vulnerability, but also about
options for taking action.
It is not just decision makers who need to
understand climate risks; the public at
large and the private sector do too. One of
the implications of this is the need for early
warning systems to include a strong communications
component.
Widespread public awareness and education
are necessary to any effort to get support
for climate policy and adaptation. Not
only do all groups need to understand
potential risk and vulnerability, they also
need to appreciate the benefits of adaptation
and early action, particularly as they
relate to their individual circumstances.
4.4 How individuals can
make a difference
Addressing climate change may seem like
a daunting task, and it may appear to be
the responsibility of governments because
of all the policy level actions required. Governments
do indeed have a lead role to
play in setting the agenda for climate
change adaptation and mitigation in their
national context and putting things in
place to ensure that the necessary steps
are taken. However, ordinary citizens in
UKOTs can also make a difference. In
many cases, all that is needed are small
changes in lifestyle and habits.
4.4.1 Reducing personal
vulnerability
Individuals, households and businesses
can take proactive measures to reduce
their personal vulnerability to natural hazards.
It is important, for example, to avoid
building homes and businesses in hazardprone
areas, such as flood plains or certain
sections of the coastal zone.
In cyclone-prone regions, reducing vulnerability
includes such things as ensuring
hurricane-readiness of homes and buildings
by the following:
� Have a plan in place to secure property,
including a system for protecting
windows and glass doors. This could
be permanent storm shutters or having
on hand 5/8” marine plywood cut to fit
and ready for installation.
� Install straps or additional clips to
securely fasten roofs to buildings’
frame structure.
� Regularly prune trees and shrubs
around buildings.
� Keep up with routine maintenance and
keep rain gutters and downspouts
clear of debris.
� Identify where and how boats will be
secured.
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