An internal cross-department working group was set up to focus specifically on heat risk. The group initially brought together officers from Communications, Facilities Management and Library Services, Education, Housing, Parks, Emergency Response, Climate, Public Health and Adult and Social care to consider key heat related risks and past responses.
Introduction
This case study was collected by London Councils as part of their London Leading: Case Studies in Climate Resilience Leadership report, which showcases how London boroughs are making climate adaptation a priority and embedding action within councils.
An internal cross-department working group was set up to focus specifically on heat risk. The group initially brought together officers from Communications, Facilities Management and Library Services, Education, Housing, Parks, Emergency Response, Climate, Public Health and Adult and Social care to consider key heat related risks and past responses. Going forward the group will explore how a social infrastructure approach and closer working with Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) partners might work in future responses.
How did it start?
The group focused on mobilisation in response to National Heat Health Alerts, learning from the borough’s response to heatwaves in 2022. The aim was to understand who is particularly vulnerable in extreme heat events, what kind of support services are available to them, and how the council can better facilitate access to this support.
How does it build resilience?
The group will integrate heat risk into decision making across the council, focusing on key departments, to enable a more comprehensive and coordinated effort during extreme heat events. This may include extending the network of cool spaces and identifying areas where they are most needed.
The group is also looking at how deprivation, poor health, poor accommodation and other factors increase heat risk and the role that VCS partners can play in delivering messages and targeted support to at-risk individuals.
The communications department is working to create more accessible guidance for residents, promoting increased understanding of heat risk, and highlighting the potential for cascading impacts on service delivery.
What are the challenges?
Capacity and resources for service areas to build significant responses into their delivery plans, and some areas are better connected or able to focus on this work than others. There is also the challenge of how to reach vulnerable households and individuals within a community who may not be aware of the risks or available support.
Conclusion
Climate risk-specific working groups can be an effective means of working with other departments on adaptation projects.
This case study was collected by London Councils as part London Leading: Case Studies in Climate Resilience Leadership report. You can view the full report on the London Councils website.