People everywhere will be affected by climate change, and here in the UK we will not be immune. Climate change scenarios for the UK published last year show that average temperatures across the country could increase by 2 to 3.5 °C over the coming century. So it is important that we all take steps to adapt our plans and business operations for the likely changes in climate.

A new leaflet aimed at council Chief Executives was launched this week to show councils how they should take action now to cope with the impacts of climate change.

‘Climate Change and Communities - How prepared are you?’ is published by the UK Climate Impacts Programme (UKCIP). It shows how taking action now could help protect major council assets from climate change and help council services cope better with the expected changes in temperature and rainfall.

Speaking at the launch at the London Borough of Camden on Tuesday, Minister for the Environment & Agri-Environment, Elliot Morley said:

"This is an important issue on which we need leadership from the highest level. It is vital that Chief Executives realise how their councils could be affected, and that staff know how to act to minimise the risk to council assets and services.”

"There are also actions which can be taken to cut back emissions at a local level to help us to meet our national and international targets. The guidelines being published today will support councils in building a sustainable future for local communities.”

"I would also like to take this opportunity to urge councils which have not already signed up to the Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change to think seriously about doing so. Over sixty councils have already signed up to this voluntary scheme, which shows their commitment to action on climate change."

Councils will also be able to get extra help to tackle their emissions of greenhouse gases. The Carbon Trust is developing a major new £2m Local Authority Carbon Management Programme with the intention of working with up to 75 LAs over the next two years to develop and implement energy savings. The Carbon Trust has written to all Local Authority Chief Executives asking for expressions of interest in the programme.

Also attending the launch, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, Phil Hope said:

"Councils are central to our efforts to tackle climate change. Everything from transport to house building to the energy efficiency of public buildings is affected by - and affects - the changing climate.”

“We want local authorities across the country to realise the effect climate change can have and encourage them to take this guidance on board - sooner rather than later.”

"This is a global problem but the solution is local. Councils must work together with their communities to make a difference - not only to prepare for climate change but also to reduce the emissions which cause it.”

"Developing programmes that show even the smallest community can make a huge difference is vital to achieving this. To encourage this, the Deputy Prime Minister devoted £201 million in February to parks and green spaces."

Councillor Celia Cameron, Chair of the Local Sustainability Advisory Board at the Improvement and Development Agency, who helped produce the UKCIP report, said:

"The impacts of climate change have become all too apparent over the last few years, and local government has a special role in making sure our communities are aware of the risks and best protected from the more serious effects. The new guide alerts Chief Executives, key elected members and council managers to the changes needed to ensure council services are best prepared for the future.”

The guide provides advice and resource information but also asks councils to address the risks in their locality. Some of the questions it asks are:

• Do you expect your buildings and infrastructure to still be in place in 50 years’ time?
• Are you planning new buildings and infrastructure that will still be in place in 50 years’ time?
• Do any of your streets and buildings get uncomfortably hot during summer weather?
• Does your council area contain rivers, canals or a coastline?
• Do you have problems with river flooding or drainage overflows?
• Do you have natural ecosystems, parks and gardens to look after?
• Do you manage emergency services?
• Are your roads at risk from flooding, landslips, snowfall, or wind debris?
• Does your community face competition for water supply or water quality problems?

If you answer YES to any of these questions, there is a risk that climate change will make current problems worse, or create new problems.

The pdf copy of the guide can be viewed at www.ukcip.org.uk