Policy guide

Read and download the policies affecting how public space can adapt to climate change in the UK.

Adaptation helps ensure that urban environments are more robust in the face of inevitable climate change. But many solutions can also have a positive influence on place-making and quality of life. A growing body of policy and legislation at a range of scales is now emerging or in place, designed to build the adaptive capacity of places and communities.

International policies

UN and EU policy and legislation guides and directs policy-making at the national level, with the following policies relevant to climate change adaptation.

National policy and legislation

Policies relevant to climate change adaptation developed in the UK but consistent with UN and EU Directives and policy.

Regional action

Regions have an important role to play in providing a driver for adaptation action through Regional Spatial Strategies and Local Development Frameworks.

Local action

Local government has a pivotal role in achieving sustainable development including mitigating and adapting to climate change.