Climate Change - Action Plan 2025-30
Foreword
Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, its impacts already being felt across Staffordshire and beyond. Rising temperatures, more frequent extreme weather events, and shifting seasonal patterns are reshaping the way we live, work, and interact with our environment. At Staffordshire County Council we are committed to these challenges, making significant strides in our climate action journey. Since declaring a climate change emergency in 2019, we have reduced our carbon emissions by 52%. However, reducing emissions alone is not enough. We must also prepare for the inevitable changing climate that will affect our communities, infrastructure, and natural environment. This plan outlines how we plan to continue our path to net zero and to build climate change resilience into our services. By proactively identifying risks and opportunities, we can protect lives and livelihoods while fostering a prosperous future for all. Although there are uncertainties around national and international direction, we remain committed to delivering strong actions at a local level. Working with our partners, residents and businesses our actions today will help to shape a safer and more sustainable tomorrow. Together, we can ensure that Staffordshire remains a safe and vibrant place for generations to come.
Introduction
Staffordshire County Council declared a climate change emergency in 2019 and set a target to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 for directly managed services and properties. Since then, we’ve made good progress in cutting emissions and including climate change in our decision-making processes and plans, while also helping others to take action. Staffordshire County Council seek to continually improve the way we mitigate and manage the impacts associated with climate change. This refreshed plan looks to build on our work towards net zero and introduce more actions to build greater climate change resilience so the county can thrive into the future.
National and regional context
The UK government released the 25 Year Environment Plan in 2018, setting out the approach for tackling climate change through policies and programmes across all sectors including waste, natural environment, transport and agriculture. The Environmental Improvement Plan (2023) outlines how to deliver the ambitions in the plan and highlighted the UK must be prepared for warming of up to 4ºC as advised by the Climate Change Committee. Our climate change risk assessment and action plan also consider the impacts of such temperature rises. The UK Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA) was published by the Climate Change Committee in 2022. This risk assessment considers 61 UK climate risks and opportunities including health, the natural environment, households and public services. These risks provided the baseline for the Sustainability West Midlands risk assessment and adaptation plan for the West Midlands. The CCRA and West Midland Plan have been used to inform the Staffordshire County Council adaptation risk assessment.
Staffordshire's changing local climate
Our climate is changing and will continue to increasingly change over the coming decades. Even if rapid cuts to global emissions are achieved, some level of climate change is inevitable this century. We can expect hotter drier summers, milder wetter winters with more extreme weather at all times of year.
Flood risk
Although summers are expected to be drier, the rain that does fall is likely to be more intense, increasing flood risk. Areas of Staffordshire are already at risk of river and surface water flooding and disruption to urban drainage systems. These impacts are likely to become more intense and frequent with climate change. Prolonged periods of rain resulting in saturated ground, followed by intense storms, such as those experienced in 2007, 2012 and 2020 increase the likelihood of flooding. Six out of the ten wettest years have occurred since 1998 (from records dating back to 1862), with UK winters being on average 12% wetter than 1961-1990.
Extreme heat
Staffordshire’s summers are expected to be hotter and drier and with longer duration. Hot weather can impact our buildings, assets and people’s health. We need to consider the impact this will have on our communities and staff, especially the vulnerable. In 2022, temperatures exceeded 40 degrees for the first time. Extreme heat does not impact everyone equally. Some individuals or communities will be more at risk with circumstances impacting people’s ability to cope with, adapt to and recover from extreme heat. The young, elderly and vulnerable can be particularly at increased risk.
Drought
Droughts can impact the environment, businesses and put our water supply at risk. With increasing frequency and severity of heatwaves and summer drought, wildfire risk is also projected to increase which can impact local air quality and damage local wildlife and habitats. The driest summer for 50 years was recorded in 2022 with several wildfires breaking out on Cannock Chase.
Our approach to climate change
Key themes
Staffordshire County Councils Strategic Development Framework sets out an approach for achieving our net zero ambition and a climate resilient county. The Staffordshire Adaptation Strategy is an agreed joint approach with the counties district and borough councils to work together to build resilience into our services and the local environment. Within these documents a range of objectives have been identified across key themes. These five themes have been applied to the risk assessment and action plan.
The action plan
The action plan has taken an all-inclusive approach to climate change. It builds on our work towards net zero and introduces actions to build greater climate change resilience so the county can thrive into the future. Our priority actions are outlined below, the full action plan is included in Appendix 1.
Action plan priorities
- Flood risk management
- Electric vehicle infrastructure
- Climate resilient highways and rights of way
- Supporting community climate action
- Supporting businesses to a sustainable future
- Waste reduction
- Building decarbonisation
- Tree and woodland expansion
- Working in partnership
- Maximising green skills opportunities
Action plan delivery
Governance
Effective climate risk management requires a clear direction, strong leadership and good control mechanisms. Tackling climate change is identified as a priority in the Staffordshire County Council Strategic Plan, ensuring climate change is considered across all services. To assist in driving this commitment, each directorate has an identified senior officer to provide strong leadership and direction to champion and embed our climate change commitments across the organisation
Communications
We know the county council is a trusted source for information, relied upon for our impartiality and honesty. Using our established communications channels/methods we will raise awareness and share information of climate risks, impacts and opportunities. We will also work collaboratively with communities and external organisations to build resilience to climate change and achieve widespread and sustained change
Monitoring and progress
We are committed to monitoring the action plan and track progress. Regular reviews will take place to check actions remain ambitious to keep pace with advancement in technologies and changes to national policies. Our progress is reported each year in the Climate Change Annual Report.
Climate change risk assessment
Climate change can particularly affect vulnerable groups, including women, children, ethnic minorities, older populations, and those of a lower socioeconomic status or with an underlying health condition. We have completed a detailed risk assessment which identifies 55 climate risks relating to heat, cold, rain and storm events. Our risk assessment considers how all our residents, businesses and visitors could be impacted. It is also important to note, not all impacts associated with climate change should be considered as negative. Positive opportunities can also arise for example increasing tourism opportunities. The risk assessment forms the baseline for identifying the detailed actions for building climate change resilience across the county. The key elements from the risk assessment are summarised below. A full list of the risks is included in Appendix 2.
Critical infrastructure and buildings
- Flooding of properties
- Extreme heat causing properties to overheat
- Conditions causing travel disturbances
- Energy and water supply during extreme conditions
The local economy
- Green job opportunities
- Supply chain disruption
- Price volatility for materials
Natural environment and green spaces
- Wildfires
- Footpath erosion
- Weather extremes impacting wildlife and habitats
Health, wellbeing and safety
- Opportunity for increased outdoor recreation
- Heatstroke
- Climate change anxiety
- Social care challenges during extreme conditions
Programme roadmap
The council has declared a commitment to be net carbon zero by 2050. Whilst our aspirations are high to reduce this as much as possible, we acknowledge we cannot reach net zero without some carbon sequestration or offsetting. This also forms a key role within the plan.
Road map
Our roadmap (Figure 3) shows how we plan to reduce Staffordshire County Council’s emissions. The reduction is based on targets set or being proposed by government as well as expected industry and economic changes. We understand there may be further changes to drive decarbonisation across the energy and transport sectors which could impact our estimated net zero path. We regularly review our roadmap to stay on track for our 2050 target.
(Figure 3) Carbon emissions road map
Source: Figure 3 Staffordshire County Council carbon emissions and estimated projection to net zero carbon.
Appendix 1: Climate change action plan
Critical infrastructure and buildings
| Ref | Core action | Sub action | Mitigation /adaptation | Risks addressed | Co-benefits | Target dates |
|---|
| Managing our estate, schools and highways |
| CIB3.1 |
Identify opportunities for carbon reduction of the corporate estate |
Evaluate completed property decarbonisation plans and prioritise actions. |
Mitigation |
n/a |
Enabling:
- Lower energy bills
- Improved thermal comfort for occupants
- Less risk of damp and mould (if retrofitting measures are implemented correctly), leading to improved human health and lower maintenance requirements
- Increased property values (incl. rental value)
|
Dec-25 |
| CIB4.1 |
Keep abreast of climate risks to council properties (e.g.heat, flooding, heat). |
Complete annual condition surveys and target retrofit and maintenance actions as needed |
Adaptation |
I1, I2, I3, H1 |
Potential benefits include improved environment for staff and service uses |
ongoing |
| CIB5.1 |
Expand renewable generation and battery storage on corporate properties |
Investigate potential for renewable generation on Enterprise centres and Recycling centres |
Mitigation |
n/a |
Enabling:
- Lower energy bills
- Reduced exposure to energy price fluctuations
- Increased visibility of sustainability initiatives, which could help increase awareness
|
Dec-25 |
| CIB6.1 |
Improve energy efficiency of highway infrastructure and equipment |
Deliver annual traffic signals refurbishment/LED upgrade programme |
Mitigation |
n/a |
Enabling:
- Lower energy bills
- Reduced maintenance requirements
|
ongoing |
| CIB7.1 |
Investigate opportunities to reduce/slow runoff on verges |
Liaise with highways to identify opportunities and partners (at locations) to trial innovative solutions to stormflow management |
Adaptation |
I9, I11 |
Co-benefits depend on measures are adopted, potentially enabling:
- Reduced damage to infrastructure and physical assets
- Improved water quality, as reducing runoff can decrease the rate of pollutants entering water bodies &
- Enhanced public safety
- Opportunities for habitat restoration
- Potentially, cost savings in water treatment downstream
- Green spaces created for stormwater management can act as recreational spaces with benefits to community collaboration and human health and wellbeing
|
Dec-27 |
| CIB8.1 |
Develop a blueprint for innovative working with schools on flood risk management |
Secure funding for preliminary research |
Adaptation |
I1, H14 |
Dec-27 |
| CIB9.1 |
Emissions monitoring |
Continue to monitor and report the Council’s annual carbon emissions |
Mitigation |
n/a |
|
Annual |
| Waste management |
| CIB10.1 |
Develop a Staffordshire Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) to reduce haulage requirements |
Commission a consultancy report to investigate options available and a business case for the development of a MRF in Staffordshire |
Mitigation |
n/a |
Reduced haulage requirements could enable:
- Lower energy demand and fuel bills for vehicles
- Reduced air and noise pollution due to reduced vehicle movements
|
|
| CIB11.1 |
Investigate options for using closed landfill sites for climate change mitigation or adaptation |
Identify suitable technologies or changes to land management on closed landfill sites which could assist with climate change objectives |
Both |
NE8 |
|
Jan-26 |
| Highways |
|
|
| CIB12.1 |
Establish a better understanding of the climate change implications of Staffordshire’s highways network |
Commission work to better understand climate change implications related to the Highway Infrastructure Asset Management Plan (HIAMP). |
Adaptation |
I9 - I14 |
|
Apr-25 |
| CIB12.2 |
Evaluate and report the carbon impact of schemes delivered, to inform continual improvement across SCC’s highways and transport portfolio |
Mitigation |
n/a |
|
Mar-26 |
| CIB13.1 |
Integrate the effects of climate change into Highways management |
Complete a review and implement changes to enhance consideration of climate change into business resilience and operational responses. |
Both |
I9 - I14 |
|
Apr-26 |
| CIB13.2 |
Develop a pipeline transport programme through the Local Transport Plan that will be most effective in supporting transport decarbonisation in Staffordshire |
Mitigation |
n/a |
|
Mar-26 |
| CIB13.3 |
Develop and agree a consistent methodology for assessing the whole life carbon of highway and transport schemes at the option appraisal, programming and delivery stages |
Mitigation |
n/a |
|
Mar-26 |
| CIB13.4 |
Develop and agree a process that delivers a coordinated approach to highway works to minimise embodied carbon in scheme delivery |
Mitigation |
n/a |
|
Mar-26 |
| CIB14.1 |
Identify changes required for drainage asset management to accommodate the changing climate |
Carry out a review and implement changes to drainage asset management and service levels |
Adaptation |
I8, I11, I13, I15 |
|
Dec-25 |
The local economy
| Ref | Core action | Sub action | Mitigation/adaptation | Risks addressed | Co-benefits | Target date |
|---|
| Planning and policy |
| LE1.1a |
Ensure climate change and sustainability impacts are considered in decision making. |
Directorates to ensure that impacts on climate change will be considered and incorporated into business plan templates |
Both |
C1 |
|
Jan-26 |
| LE1.1b |
Both |
|
Jan-26 |
| LE1.1c |
Both |
|
Jan-26 |
| LE1.1d |
Both |
|
Jan-26 |
| LE1.2 |
Establish an emissions profile for the council’s procurement |
Mitigation |
n/a |
|
Dec-25 |
| LE2.1 |
Continued liaison with Districts and Boroughs to discuss how planning considerations will include climate change mitigation and adaptation
|
Provide advice to encourage Local plan policies and proposals to have high regard to climate change mitigation and adaptation |
Mitigation |
n/a |
Potential benefits include lower GHG emissions, pollution and material use, land requirements and other resource demands associated with development. Furthermore, there is potential for planning to contribute to greater resilience of communities and physical assets to climate change.
|
Ongoing |
| LE2.2 |
Provide sustainable transport accessibility assessments of potential Local Plan site allocations to help ensure that the most sustainable sites are brought forward in Local Plans, in line with National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) |
Mitigation |
n/a |
Ongoing |
| LE2.3 |
Agree measurable Travel Plan outcome targets with developers and monitor their delivery |
Mitigation |
n/a |
Ongoing |
| LE3.1 |
Encourage renewable technologies in appropriate locations |
Review the Staffordshire County Council policy position on renewable generation and identify renewable opportunities |
Mitigation |
n/a |
Potentially enabling:
- Improved air quality (and public health) due to avoiding fossil fuel combustion
- Contributing to decarbonisation of the national electricity grid
- Contributing to greater energy security due to lower reliance on imports
- Job creation in renewable energy manufacturing, installation and maintenance
- Greater resilience of the energy system due to more diverse and distributed resource
- Opportunities for community wealth building e.g. if systems are community owned
|
Aug-25 |
| LE4.1 |
Encourage stronger national policy direction and guidance on climate change |
Respond to relevant consultations |
Both |
C1 |
|
Ongoing |
| Business and enterprise |
| LE5.1 |
Identify and understand Staffordshire’s net zero skills gaps and explore the levers and opportunities |
Complete a Staffordshire green skills academy feasibility study |
Both |
E2 |
Job creation in lower carbon sectors |
Jul-25 |
| LE6.1 |
Work with businesses to raise awareness and reduce their carbon footprint |
30 businesses to complete the Carbon Tracker tool per year |
Mitigation |
n/a |
|
Dec-25 |
| LE6.2 |
Develop an environmental policy template covering mitigation and adaptation considerations for start ups/ SMEs to adopt |
Both |
E1, E3, E4, E5 |
|
Mar-26 |
| LE6.3 |
Develop guidance to assist businesses complete a climate change risk assessment |
Adaptation |
E1, E3, E4, E5 |
Supply chain resilience |
Dec-25 |
| LE7.1 |
Investigate opportunities for repurposing parts of BT street cabinets when analogue services are withdrawn and the requirement for power is reduced |
Liaise with BT to identify opportunities to use power from cabinets for alternative use |
Mitigation |
n/a |
Application of circular economy principles |
Mar-27 |
| LE8.1 |
Staffordshire Pension fund management to take proactive steps for climate reporting and management of climate-related risks |
Annual monitoring and reporting on the Staffordshire Climate Change fund against climate change criteria. |
Both |
C1 |
|
Annual |
Natural environment and green spaces
| Ref | Core action | Sub action | Mitigation/adaptation | Risks addressed | Co-benefits | Target date |
|---|
| NE1.1 |
Deliver proposal for Carbon Zero by Nature Project to sequester carbon through tree planting and land management modifications on Staffordshire County Council land based on completed carbon study. |
Agree principles and approach through democratic process |
Both |
NE8, NE12 |
Potentially enabling:
- Improvements in local biodiversity
- Habitat creation and restoration of unique ecosystems
- Improvements in soil, air and water quality
- Reduced flood risk, protecting communities and infrastructure
- Opportunities for amenity and recreational space, with benefits to human health and wellbeing
- Employment, training and business opportunities related to nature conservation and management, forestry, ecological restoration and monitoring
|
May-25 |
| NE2.1 |
Review policies that impact on our management of habitats |
Review land management policies to consider options to lower carbon intensity, improve resilience of the natural environment and/or improve biodiversity as part of Natural Environment Strategy |
Both |
NE3, NE4, NE8, NE12 |
Oct-25 |
| NE3.1 |
Using existing data evaluate potential sites for tree planting to minimise flood risk |
Evaluate Wildlife Trust data and establish if any suitable pilot sites can be established |
Both |
NE3, NE8 |
Dec-25 |
| NE4.1 |
Improve understanding on the condition of peat habit in Cannock Chase National Landscape |
Complete a condition assessment of peatland habitat |
Both |
NE6, NE8 |
Mar-26 |
| NE5.1 |
Increase awareness of wildfire risk in Country Parks and Cannock Chase National Landscape |
Liaise with the communications team to deliver a wildfire risk communications campaign |
Both |
NE1 |
- Benefits to human health due to risk of injury from fire, avoided air pollution
- Avoided damage to natural environment
- Reduced carbon emissions from wildfire incidents
|
Ongoing seasonal campaigns |
| NE6.1 |
Commission research to identify high risk areas of the public rights of way (PROW) network where surface water flooding and other climate impacts may affect PROW and identify potential measures to address |
Commission study to identify high risk areas, consider different approaches including more resilient specifications, alternative routes, information for users, etc |
Adaptation |
NE7 |
Benefits to health and wellbeing from active travel and accessibility to greenspace |
Mar-26 |
| NE7.1 |
Develop an adaptation plan for Cannock Chase National Landscape and contribute to plan for Peak District National Park Authority (PDNPA) |
Prepare an Adaptation plan for Cannock Chase National Landscape |
Adaptation |
NE1 - NE9 |
|
Mar-28 |
| NE7.2 |
Contribute to the development of the adaptation plan for the PDNP |
Adaptation |
NE1 - NE9 |
|
Mar-28 |
| NE8.1 |
Identify an approach to tree and woodland management and creation for Staffordshire |
Develop a tree and woodland strategy for Staffordshire which considers the opportunities and consequences of climate change |
Both |
NE8 |
As NE1.1 |
Dec-28 |
Health, wellbeing and safety
| Ref | Core action | Sub action | Mitigation/adaptation | Risks addressed | Co-benefits | Target date |
|---|
| HWS1.1 |
Provide alerts prior to extreme weather event |
Deliver targeted communications to care providers via ASC Communications or ASC Incident Management dependent on the severity of extreme weather warnings and events |
Adaptation |
H1, H2, H8 |
|
Ongoing |
| HWS2.1 |
Improve understanding of health impacts and climate change in Staffordshire |
Work with partners such as the NHS and UKHSA to understand the changing risk to Staffordshire |
Adaptation |
H5 |
|
Ongoing |
| HWS2.2 |
Raise awareness of tick related diseases on Country Parks and Cannock Chase National Landscape |
Adaptation |
H5 |
|
Ongoing seasonal campaigns |
| HWS3.1 |
Build climate change resilience in communities |
Work in partnership with local groups to ensure community resilience programmes are in place for areas with greatest need |
Adaptation |
I1, I2, H1 - H4 |
|
Ongoing |
Working together
| Ref | Core action | Sub action | Mitigation/adaptation | Risks addressed | Co-benefits | Target date |
|---|
| Flood risk and water management |
| WT1.1 |
Raise awareness and integrate climate adaptation into flood risk management |
Develop education initiatives to support people’s awareness of flood risk and their responsibilities in reducing it through personal property management |
Adaptation |
I1 |
As CIB 7.1 |
Dec-27 |
| WT1.1 |
Identify projects to reduce surface runoff across catchments and working with a variety of landowners |
Adaptation |
I1, NE3, NE6, NE7, NE12 |
Dec-25 |
| WT2.1 |
Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to plan for future water needs |
Engage with water companies and other relevant stakeholder to identify opportunities for greater partnership working |
Adaptation |
HI3 |
|
Ongoing |
| Waste management |
| WT3.1 |
Reduce waste by 1% year on year |
Increase the tonnage of waste taken from HWRC sites by charities to redistribute to communities, forming a baseline tonnage to build on in 2026. |
Mitigation |
n/a |
Enabling delivery of Circular Economy principles
|
Apr-26 |
| WT3.2 |
Complete a business case for the reintroduction of bag splitting on HWRCs |
Mitigation |
n/a |
Jul-25 |
| WT3.3 |
Complete a composition analysis of waste on HWRCs and consider targeted communications to increase recycling based on results |
Mitigation |
n/a |
Jun-25 |
| WT4.1 |
Safeguard process identified for staff and visitors for extreme weather |
Develop a procedure for triggering extreme weather processes on HWRCs |
Adaptation |
I16, I1 |
|
Jul-25 |
| Travel and transport |
| WT5.1 |
Ongoing delivery against targets in the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) |
Investigate opportunities for transition and rollout of zero emission buses |
Mitigation |
n/a |
Potentially enabling improved air quality (and public health) due to avoiding fossil fuel combustion |
|
| WT5.2 |
Annual monitoring of the number of individual bus passenger journeys |
Mitigation |
n/a |
Understanding passenger movements can help to inform service improvement, maximise usage and reduce car journeys |
|
| WT6.1 |
Maximise efficiency of home to school transport services
|
Shift 25% of users from contracted services to local services |
Mitigation |
n/a |
Potentially enabling:
- Reductions in air and noise pollution
- Improvements in human health as a result of the above
- Lower congestion on the road network
|
Sep-28 |
| WT6.2 |
Reduce single occupancy taxis to at least 13% |
Mitigation |
n/a |
Apr-25 |
| WT6.3 |
Develop an app using route mapping and scheduling information to show alternative routes when roads closed due to extreme weather |
Adaptation |
I8 |
|
Sep-25 |
| WT7.1 |
Provide real time information for bus services |
Develop App for buses and school travel information |
Mitigation |
n/a |
Potentially reducing number of private vehicles on road enabling:
- Reductions in air and noise pollution
- Improvements in human health as a result of the above
- Lower congestion on the road network
|
Sep-25 |
| WT8.1 |
Reduce the number of pupils travelling to school in private vehicles |
Better understand the barriers to low carbon travel for school journeys through annual surveys and pupil/ parent data to identify local solutions to increasing active travel |
Mitigation |
n/a |
As WT7.1 |
Dec-25 |
| WT8.2 |
Work with Sustrans to deliver a programme of School Streets where there are timed road access restrictions to motorised traffic at the start and end of the school day. The Pilot Phase includes 3 School Streets |
Mitigation |
n/a |
Jul-25 |
| WT8.3 |
Establish 15 new regular walking bus routes |
Mitigation |
n/a |
Jul-26 |
| WT9.1 |
Encourage sustainable staff travel |
Pilot car share App for staff |
Mitigation |
n/a |
Potentially reducing number of private vehicles on road enabling:
- Reductions in air and noise pollution
- Improvements in human health as a result of the above
- Lower congestion on the road network
|
Sep-26 |
| WT9.2 |
Present the benefits for a corporate sustainable travel policy |
Mitigation |
n/a |
Dec-25 |
| WT10.1 |
Ongoing Deliver against objectives of the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) |
Annual monitoring of available data to show walking and cycling trends |
Mitigation |
n/a |
- Health benefits from more active travel
- Better Safety - A safe and reliable way to travel for short journeys
- Better Mobility - More people cycling and walking – easy, normal and enjoyable
|
Dec-25 |
| WT10.2 |
Deliver active travel schemes through the Highway and Transport Capital Programme |
Mitigation |
n/a |
Ongoing |
| Community engagement |
| WT11.1 |
Community learning programmes to widely incorporate climate change aspects |
Develop a ‘green leaf’ criteria to be displayed against courses to indicate sustainability elements |
Both |
H1, H2 |
|
TBC |
| WT11.2 |
Incorporate climate change education more widely across course content including mitigation, adaptation and impact on mental health |
Both |
|
|
Ongoing |
| WT12.1 |
Offer community funding for small scale climate change related projects |
Offer an annual fund for climate change projects for schools, parish councils and the local community |
Both |
I1-I3, NE8, H1 - H4, H12 |
|
Apr-26 |
| WT13.1 |
Reduce waste by 1% year on year |
Develop external comms campaign to target reuse and zero waste principles – targeting 4000 individual interactions throughout 2025/26. |
Mitigation |
n/a |
Enabling delivery of Circular Economy principles |
Mar-26 |
| WT14.1 |
Raise awareness of climate change and encourage behavioural change |
Meet targets outlined in the ‘Sustainability Internal Communications Plan 2025’ in collaboration with the Sustainability Team. |
Both |
Theme dependent |
|
Dec-25 |
| WT14.2 |
Meet targets outlined in the ‘Sustainability External Communications Plan 2025’ in collaboration with the Sustainability Team. |
Both |
Theme dependent |
|
Dec-25 |
| WT14.3 |
Deliver campaigns that encourage reduced car travel and promote sustainable travel |
Both |
H6 |
|
Dec-25 |
| WT15.1 |
Engage with communities to raise awareness and highlight opportunities for local action for waste and climate change |
Hold a Climate Change & Waste Conference |
Both |
Theme dependent |
|
Oct-25 |
| WT16.1 |
Behaviour change campaigns that encourage reduced car travel and promote sustainable transport |
Deliver three national campaigns that encourage reduced car travel and promotes sustainable transport |
Mitigation |
n/a |
|
Apr-26 |
| Monitoring and evaluation |
| WT17.1 |
Monitor and review action plan progress |
Monitor plan quarterly and review actions and refresh annually |
Both |
n/a |
|
Dec-25 |
Appendix 2: The Climate Change Risk Assessment
Projected changes in climate
Table 1 shows the projected changes in climate for Staffordshire for the warming levels of 2 and 4 degree rises relative to 1982-2000 levels and informs the risk assessment. There is also a degree of uncertainty around the change so the 10th and 90th percentiles are also shown to outline the best and worst case scenarios.
Table 1
| | Recent past
2001 - 2020 | 2°C global warming level
(advised to prepare) | 4°C global warming level
(advised to assess risk) |
|---|
| Temperature | ºC | ºC change | ºC change |
|---|
| Summer maximum temperature |
30.5
29.6 to 31.6 |
3.3
+2.2 to +5.2 |
6.9
+5.9 to +9.1 |
| Summer average temperature |
16.1
15.8 to 16.5 |
2
+1.4 to +2.6 |
4.1
+3.6 to +5.0 |
| Winter average temperature |
4.2
4.0 to 4.8 |
1.3
+0.6 to +1.6 |
2.7
+1.7 to +3.3 |
| Winter minimum temperature |
-6.6
-7.7 to 5.1 |
+2.5
+1.7 to +4.4 |
4.8
+3.7 to +5.9 |
| Annual average temperature |
9.9
9.8 to 10.1 |
1.6
+1.2 to +1.8 |
3.3
+2.9 to +3.8 |
| | Number of days | Number of days | Number of days |
|---|
| Days above 30ºc |
2
2 to 3 |
4
2 to 6 |
13
10 to 21 |
| Days above 35ºc |
0
0-1 |
0
0-1 |
2
2-4 |
| Precipitation | % | % change | % change |
|---|
| Summer precipitation rate |
1.98
1.79 to 2.19 |
-11
-22 to -3 |
-28
-43 to -21 |
| Winter precipitation rate |
2.32
2.13 to 2.67 |
6
-1 to +15 |
17
+11 to +25 |
Critical infrastructure and building
| Risk code | Risk
(including indirect and interdependency risk) | Opportunity or Threat | Urgency UK CCRA3 defined | SCC Risk Rating | Estimated future magnitude of mapped CCRA3 risk/opportunity for England |
|---|
| Present day | 2050
2°c rise by 2100 | 2050
4°c rise by 2100 |
|---|
| I1 |
Damage to council, residential and business properties from flooding |
T |
action needed |
Major |
High |
High |
High |
| I2 |
Damage to council, residential and business properties and building fabric from storms (excluding floods), driving rain, wetter winters and wildfires |
T |
action needed |
Moderate |
Medium |
Medium |
Medium |
| I3 |
Overheating of properties, infrastructure and mobile libraries during heatwaves. Potential need for increased cooling. |
T |
action needed |
Moderate |
Low |
Medium |
Medium |
| I4 |
Milder winters may reduce building heating requirements, cold weather related damage and associated maintenance costs |
O & T |
future/ watching brief |
Minor |
Low |
High |
High |
| I5 |
Increased risk of damage to cultural heritage |
T |
action needed |
Moderate |
Medium |
Medium |
High |
| I6 |
Risk to digital connectivity from extreme weather conditions (storms, floods, extreme temperatures) |
T |
further investigation |
Major |
Medium |
Medium |
Medium |
| I7 |
Utility infrastructure (energy & water supply) damaged/outages by extreme weather (heat, floods, drought, storms) or chronic changes to climate leading to service disruption as well as possible related impacts on other infrastructure systems |
T |
action needed |
Major |
High |
High |
High |
| I8 |
Damage or closures to major road or rail infrastructure from weather related incidents (flooding, tree fall etc)leading to service disruption and impact on communities and businesses |
T |
action needed |
Major |
High |
High |
High |
| I9 |
Pavement failure due to more extreme weather and change to freeze thaw cycles |
T |
action needed |
Major |
Medium |
High |
High |
| I10 |
Slope and embankment failure along road networks |
T |
action needed |
Major |
Medium |
Medium |
Medium |
| I11 |
Failure of highways structures from flooding, heat and rain. |
T |
further investigation |
Major |
Medium |
Medium |
Medium |
| I12 |
Impacts of the changes in timings of seasonal events and more extreme weather for highway maintenance and enhancement works |
T |
action needed |
Major |
High |
High |
High |
| I13 |
Changing climate could cause premature failure of highways assets |
T |
action needed |
Major |
High |
High |
High |
| I14 |
Milder winters may change highways winter service delivery |
O/T |
Not identified in CCRA |
Moderate |
not rated by CCRA3 |
| I15 |
Changing climate impacts on overall management of highways network |
T |
action needed |
Major |
High |
High |
High |
| I16 |
Risk of fire at HWRC in waste and recycling skips |
T |
Not identified in CCRA |
Major |
not rated by CCRA3 |
| I17 |
Risk to public on HWRCs due to high winds and flooding |
T |
Not identified in CCRA |
Moderate |
High |
High |
High |
| I18 |
Rogue traders - taking advantage of consumers damaged homes/property. Pressure selling, mis selling , false / inaccurate claims for goods and services, overcharging. |
T |
Not identified in CCRA |
Moderate |
not rated by CCRA3
|
| I19 |
Risks to development, regeneration, maintenance and other construction work due to extreme weather |
T |
Not identified in CCRA |
Major |
not rated by CCRA3
|
Natural environment and green spaces
| Risk code | Risk
(including indirect and interdependency risk | Opportunity
or Threat | Urgency
UK CCRA3
defined | SCC Risk
Rating | Estimated future magnitude of mapped CCRA3 risk/opportunity for England |
|---|
Present
day | 2050
2°c rise by 2100 | 2050
4°c rise by 2100 |
|---|
| NE1 |
Increased frequency of wildfires putting terrestrial species and habitats at risk |
T |
action needed |
Major |
not rated as wildfires are not covered by their own risk in CCRA3 |
| NE2 |
Changes in timings of seasonal events and extreme weather has changed the time windows for management maintenance and enhancement work and agricultural production |
T |
action needed |
Major |
High |
High |
High |
| NE3 |
Changing climatic conditions and extreme events, including temperature change, water scarcity, flooding, wind, and altered hydrology impacting terrestrial and freshwater species and habitats |
T |
action needed |
Major |
High |
High |
High |
| NE4 |
Terrestrial and freshwater species and habitats at risk from pests, pathogens and invasive species |
T |
action needed |
Moderate |
High |
High |
High |
| NE5 |
Cycles of drought and wet weather and pests and disease may compromise tree health |
T |
action needed |
Moderate |
Medium |
High |
High |
| NE6 |
Damage to soils from seasonal aridity and wetness |
T |
action needed |
Major |
Medium |
High |
High |
| NE7 |
Erosion of and other damage to footpaths and associated infrastructure due to storms, fallen trees, drought and other extreme events |
T |
action needed |
Moderate |
Medium |
High |
High |
| NE8 |
Opportunities for natural carbon stores, carbon sequestration and natural cooling and flood risk management. Risk to natural carbon stores from climate hazards such as fire, flood, pest and diseases. |
O&T |
action needed |
Major |
Medium |
High |
High |
| NE9 |
Opportunities for increased visitors due to drier warmer summers. Increased visitors could also lead to greater land management pressure |
O |
further investigation |
Major |
Low |
Medium |
Medium |
| NE10 |
Changes to agricultural productivity from extreme events and the changing climate, including heat, flooding, wildfire, pests, pathogens and diseases. |
T |
action needed |
Moderate |
Medium |
High |
High |
| NE11 |
Animal welfare from severe weather |
T |
action needed |
Moderate |
Medium |
High |
High |
| NE12 |
Opportunities for land management, new species, changes to agricultural practices |
O |
further investigation |
Moderate |
Medium |
High |
High |
Health, wellbeing and safety
| Risk code | Risk
(including indirect and interdependency risk) | Opportunity
or Threat
| Urgency
UK CCRA3
defined
| SCC Risk
Rating | Estimated future magnitude of mapped
CCRA3 risk/opportunity for England
|
|---|
| Present day | 2050 2°c rise by 2100 | 2050 4°c rise by 2100 |
|---|
| H1 |
Excess deaths or heat related illness, especially the vulnerable during heatwaves |
T |
action needed |
Moderate |
High |
High |
High |
| H2 |
Extreme cold, damp and mould and associated illness or death especially for those living in fuel poverty. Potential benefits to health from reduced frequency of cold weather. Risks and opportunities from summer and winter household energy demand. |
T&O |
action needed |
Moderate |
Low |
High |
High |
| H3 |
Mental health issues from climate related impacts (flood, storm damage, extreme heat etc) and potential risk to life. Potential benefit to mental health from warmer weather and greater opportunities to be in the outdoors. |
T&O |
action needed |
Major |
High |
High |
High |
| H4 |
Widening health inequalities from extreme weather conditions and long-term climate change |
T |
action needed |
Moderate |
Not rated by CCRA3 |
| H5 |
Greater incidence of vector borne and infectious diseases |
T |
action needed |
Moderate |
Medium |
Medium |
Medium |
| H6 |
Risk to health and wellbeing due to changes in indoor and outdoor air quality |
T |
further investigation |
Moderate |
High |
Medium |
Medium |
| H7 |
High temperatures and more frequent exposure to heat will increase risk of heat stress and UV exposure, particularly to outdoor and mobile staff. |
T |
action needed |
Moderate |
High |
High |
High |
| H8 |
Challenges to delivery of health and social care during extreme weather events |
T |
action needed |
Moderate |
Medium |
Medium |
Medium |
| H9 |
Staff responding to extreme weather events such as storms or wildfires are in high risk situations |
T |
action needed |
Moderate |
Medium |
Medium |
Medium |
| H10 |
Utility infrastructure damaged by extreme weather leading to service disruption and public health issues (not SCC care homes). |
T |
action needed |
Moderate |
Medium |
Medium |
Medium |
| H11 |
Higher temperatures affecting food safety and food borne disease cases. Changing climate could impact food security (local and global supplies) |
T |
action needed |
Major |
High |
High |
High |
| H12 |
Drier warmer summers provides greater opportunity to use outdoor spaces |
T |
further investigation |
Moderate |
Low |
Low |
Low |
| H13 |
Risks to public water quality and supplies from drought and low river flows |
T |
further investigation |
Moderate |
Medium |
Medium |
Medium |
| H14 |
Risks to schools closures and education provision from extreme weather putting pressure on services providing safeguarding and welfare checks |
T |
action needed |
Moderate |
Medium |
Medium |
Medium |
The local economy
Risk
code | Risk
(including indirect and interdependency risk) | Opportunity
or Threat | Urgency
UK CCRA3 defined
| SCC Risk
Rating | Estimated future magnitude of mapped
CCRA3 risk/opportunity for England |
|---|
| Present day | 2050
2°c rise by 2100 | 2050 4°c rise by 2100 |
|---|
| E1 |
Risks and opportunities to businesses from changing weather patterns. |
O & T |
further investigation |
Moderate |
High |
High |
High |
| E2 |
Potential skills gap as the demand for Green Economy and Ecosystem Services increases |
O & T |
further investigation |
Major |
Medium |
Medium |
Medium |
| E3 |
Reduced employee productivity due to infrastructure disruption and higher or lower temperatures in working environment |
T |
further investigation |
Moderate |
Low |
Medium |
Medium |
| E4 |
Risk and opportunities for business from changes in demands for goods and services |
O & T |
further investigation |
Moderate |
Medium |
Medium |
Medium |
| E5 |
Disruption to supply chains, possibly including essential goods such as food and pharmaceuticals |
T |
action needed |
Moderate |
Medium |
Rated as unknown in CCRA3
as evidence base is too
uncertain to assess |
| E6 |
Price volatility for materials and commodities, including possible impacts on essentials like food and energy security |
T |
action needed |
Moderate |
High |
Medium |
High |
| E7 |
Increased risk to business from water scarcity |
T |
further investigation |
Moderate |
Low |
Medium |
Medium |
SCC corporate processes and governance
Risk
code | Risk
(including indirect and interdependency risk) | Opportunity
or Threat | Urgency
UK CCRA3 defined | SCC Risk
Rating | Estimated future magnitude of mapped
CCRA3 risk/opportunity for England |
|---|
Present
day |
2050
2°c rise by 2100 | 2050
4°c rise by 2100 |
| E8 |
Risks to finance, investment and insurance including access to capital for businesses |
T |
further investigation |
Moderate |
Medium |
Medium |
High |
| C1 |
Decision making and risk assessment processes do not fully consider climate change implications |
T |
N/A |
Major |
not rated by CCRA3 |
| C2 |
Risks to finance, investment and insurance including access to capita |
T |
future/ watching brief |
Moderate |
Medium |
Medium |
High |
References
Downloadable version