Climate action, including adaptation, is framed as a key political priority and championed by the lead Cabinet Member.
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.
Climate action, including adaptation, is framed as a key political priority and championed by the lead Cabinet Member. The overarching strategic plan for the Council reflects a holistic approach to the climate and ecological emergency, with adaptation as a critical component, closely aligned with environmental justice, health equity, biodiversity and informed through the Council’s multi-award winning Environmental Justice Measure, which maps environmental factors and socio-economic drivers
How did it start?
Westminster City Council declared a Climate Emergency and set out its response in a Climate Emergency Action Plan (CEAP, 2021). Actions included the need to develop a Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan. The CEAP has been supported by an internal governance framework that encourages accountability across all levels. This includes a Delivery Board and a quarterly Climate Leadership Group which convenes all Cabinet Members and the executive Leadership Team to review progress.
How does it build resilience?
Strong leadership and engagement from the Cabinet Member for Climate, Ecology, and Culture has supported delivery around adaptation. A Climate Resilience Working Group has been established, which enhances collective capacity to address challenges by sharing knowledge, aligning strategies and coordinating actions across the council.
A senior leadership away day, attended by heads of service, directors, and executive directors, has helped communicate the need for action and foster leadership across the organisation. Building on this, internal training on climate resilience, greening and biodiversity will be delivered in 2025. These initiatives support the integration of climate adaptation into the existing Climate Emergency Action Plan.
What are the challenges?
Climate adaptation requires breaking down silos and embedding across all teams and decision-making, relying on buy-in from departments that may not traditionally engage with climate issues.
Conclusion
Strong leadership is needed to make adaptation a central part of climate action.
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 London Councils website.