London Borough of Ealing: Resilience & Adaptation Stakeholder Forum

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.

Ealing took a partnership approach to strengthening borough-wide climate resilience and enabling stakeholders to implement adaptation measures. The inaugural Climate Adaptation & Resilience Partnership Forum in December 2024 drew together a wide range of partners, including emergency services, environment agency, academia, community representatives, and private sector. 

The Climate Adaptation & Resilience Programme behind it focuses on four themes in line with the National Adaptation Plan, and partnership is integral to each theme: 

• the natural environment
• the built environment
• the resilient communities
• business, commerce, and industry. 

Ealing undertook a review of its Climate Ecological and Emergency Strategy and identified opportunities to add greater emphasis on climate adaptation. Embedding collaboration at the heart of the adaptation programme was a goal from the outset. 

Taking a partnership approach not only ensures a considered outcome but also reflects the council’s ‘connected communities’ approach of working in collaboration with stakeholders to strengthen equity. 

The programme recognises the synergies between climate mitigation and adaptation and bringing together a wide group of stakeholders has strengthened collective understanding. The forum looked at the response to local climate risks focusing on the most vulnerable groups and areas, and agreed to establish thematic workshops to identify gaps and weaknesses in strategies, knowledge and preparedness. The workshops will also promote local initiatives and a better understanding of barriers to implementation. 

The forum brings together varied levels of understanding and experience, requiring a tailored approach which competes with limited staff capacity. Internally and externally, shared responsibilities also require a sense of ownership. It is challenging to record and quantify the ‘cost of doing nothing’ in order to make the case for action (e.g. equipment failures, internet connectivity issues, operational callouts). 

Working in partnership strengthens everyone’s resilience within the organisation and the wider community and supports the financial case for 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 the London Councils website.

Elzbieta Kaleta 
Ealing Council
[email protected]

Mark Thomlinson 
Ealing Council
[email protected]