A new report, co-developed by the Government Office for Science, emphasises the importance of a people-centred approach to climate adaptation in the UK. The report, titled 'Putting people at the centre of UK climate adaptation and resilience', explores how individual needs, behaviours, experiences, and local contexts influence how climate risks are perceived and how adaptation measures are understood and implemented.
The document, developed by the ACCESS Adaptation and Resilience Task Force, argues that addressing climate change effects such as flooding, heatwaves, and drought extends beyond infrastructure improvements and technology. It also involves understanding how people experience these challenges and the support they require to take action.
Professor Dame Angela McLean, Government Chief Scientific Adviser, stated that adapting to the changing climate requires understanding what affects people's choices and using that knowledge in policy design. The report aims to help policymakers better understand people's needs and behaviours to create more effective, equitable, and responsive adaptation measures for communities, businesses, and public services.