Why is planning important for climate change?
Planning can provide lasting resilience to the impacts of climate change. It can implement local measures such as sustainable drainage and well-designed development. Planning can also provide a strategic framework to deal with the impact of the predicted 1.15 metres or more sea level rise by 2100.
Planning must also consider how these issues play out over the lifespan of development (usually a minimum of 100 years) and to consider future climate impacts. Our response now will lock us into certain irreversible pathways.
Climate change at the TCPA
The TCPA has a strong track record in research, policy formulation and political influence on climate adaptation and mitigation in the context of spatial planning. This has been informed by comprehensive knowledge supported by both UK research and European-funded projects on adaptation, green infrastructure, human health and energy.
Please click on the links below to access TCPA’s resources on planning for climate change and for information on the training the TCPA offers. These resources are aimed primarily at local authority officers but are also useful for elected members, practitioners, students and anyone interested in the contribution of the planning system to addressing the climate challenge.
The TCPA Offer
The TCPA can provide bespoke training and CPD presentation sessions and workshops for local authorities on a wide range of issues, including planning for climate change.
Become a member
Join our community of members to access our archive of recordings from past climate related webinars and workshops and receive discounts on future events.
Training videos
Climate adaptation
These videos are designed to introduce the importance of planning for climate change. They are useful for anyone who is trying to understand how the planning system can contribute to addressing the climate challenge.
Resources
Planning for flood risk in England
This video explains how and why planning must consider flood risk and explores different options and opportunities.
Rising to the climate change challenge: The role of housing and planning within local councils
This report by the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE), researched and written by the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA), considers the important role of local councils in tackling climate change, with an emphasis on their responsibilities in relation to housing and planning.
Building a safer future: a guide for communities on the planning system and flood risk
This guidance for communities, written in partnership with the National Flood Forum, explains how flood risk is dealt with in the English planning system and how communities can most effectively get their voices and concerns heard in planning decisions.
News & Blog
The Planning Inspectorate’s assault on an exemplary Net Zero planning policy fuels the climate crisis
There has been disbelief and despair at the Planning Inspectorate’s (PINS’) decision to remove critical climate targets from the proposed…
Putting flood risk at the heart of planning
Each person’s health, prospects and happiness are impacted hugely by the place in which they live. The very first planning…
Resource launched on addressing flood risk through the planning system
The Town & Country Planning Association and the Environment Agency launch a new resource on addressing flood risk through the…
