Adaptation Strategy Consultation Report
Full Version
This is the full report of findings of the Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly (DCIoS) Climate Adaptation Strategy Consultation, which took place from 9th May to 30th June 2023.
Proposed amendments are shown in tables throughout the report. Phrases in bold were to be added to the Strategy, and phrases with a strikethrough were to be removed. These changes have now been made to the strategy.
Background to this Report
The Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly (DCIoS) Climate Adaptation Strategy will help communities and organisations across the Southwest better understand the risks their area might face in the future, as climate change increasingly affects the UK. It will also help them to adapt to these changes, thereby improving their preparedness and resilience and ensuring community safety.
The DCIoS Climate Impacts Group, chaired by the Environment Agency, was formed in 2019 in response to declarations of climate emergency across the area. The Climate Impacts Group (CIG) includes representatives from public bodies, private sector interests, environmental organisations and academic institutions. This group is responsible for assessing the impacts faced in the South West region and reviewing current levels of community preparedness for a warmer world.
The DCIoS CIG produced an Adaptation Strategy to tackle climate impacts that require regional collaboration. To do this, they worked with environmental consultants RSK to understand the implications of climate change for the region up to 2059 and identify strategic adaptation options and actions to respond to the impacts.
There are three parts to the Strategy:
- The Risk Register, which identifies regional climate impacts and their risks and opportunities.
- An Adaptation Plan, which sets out the conditions for everyone to act on adapting to climate change together.
- An Action Plan, which sets out the priority actions for regional collaboration over the next five years.
The Strategy was co-developed with the Climate Impacts Group and built upon an initial climate risk assessment that had been prepared previously by the CIG in early 2022. The 61 risks and opportunities outlined in CCRA3 – the UK’s third Climate Change Risk Assessment (Climate Change Committee (CCC), 2021; HM Government, 2022), were used as a basis for the CCRA.
In addition to the members of the Climate Impacts Group, a number of key stakeholders, such as infrastructure operators, were invited to workshops assessing the risks and identifying adaptation options.
Consultation Purpose
The public consultation was a chance for citizens and organisations to read the draft Adaptation Strategy documents and provide feedback on how the region should respond to the impacts of climate change before the Strategy’s launch later in 2023. Thank you to everyone who responded.
The consultation aimed to:
- Raise awareness with people about what the Adaptation Strategy is;
- Emphasise the importance of adaptation in the climate crisis and its relevance to people’s lives;
- Get public feedback on the current draft of the Adaptation Strategy, including the risks, opportunities and strategic adaptation options identified;
- Get feedback on the proposed governance structure for overseeing the delivery of the strategy and plans for monitoring and evaluation;
- Establish the public mandate for the Strategy;
- Find out how people are interested in being involved with the Strategy in future;
- Understand people’s views on climate change and the impact climate change may be having on their lives and organisations already.
Summary of Findings
A total of 214 responses were received from 188 individuals and 26 organisations. Organisations which responded included environmental charities, community groups, local authorities including town and parish councils, bodies relating to protected landscapes in the region and the police. Overall, a good geographical spread of responses was achieved, although a greater number were received from within Devon compared to Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. However, younger age groups were underrepresented in the consultation.
Overall, there is clear support for the Strategy —eighty percent of respondents either “support the strategy” or “support some parts of the strategy but not others”. Only twenty percent selected “I don’t support the strategy”. Further feedback gave a strong message that respondents recognise that immediate action on climate change and adaptation is needed, and that the Strategy is comprehensive and evidence-based.
Concerns about the resources to deliver the strategy, as well as monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and enforcement recurred in feedback given. A number of respondents would like to see greater quantification of costs and clearer timelines.
There was also a strong level of support for the risk assessment in feedback.
Feedback on the climate change risks and opportunities identified in the strategy highlighted concerns about specific information perceived to be missing. Comments were made on risks to water and food supply, domestic violence, tourism, wildfires and vulnerable populations.
Comments regarding the strategic adaptation options identified highlighted the importance of education, awareness raising of climate change impacts and community engagement. Concerns about food and water security, tourism, transport, equality and diversity were also raised.
Respondents would like to see the Strategy presented in a way which is clearer to navigate and easier find the elements relevant to them – these concerns will be taken forward in the development of the website presenting the final Strategy.
Responses on the proposed governance, monitoring and evaluation of the Adaptation Strategy continued to underline the need for collaboration and coordination with a wide range of stakeholders, especially community groups and businesses. Additional concerns were also raised about the evaluation metrics to be used to track progress against the Strategy and the need to include qualitative as well as quantitative measures. Clarification regarding the framing of risks to law and governance was also sought, with worries about civil liberties and domestic violence.
A vocal minority were concerned about the scientific basis of climate change. We have not addressed this in detail in the consultation report. The consensus of the scientific community and the government strongly supports the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to increase our resilience to the impacts of climate change.
The need for more explicit connections to be made between work being done nationally and regional priorities came through in other feedback.
Most respondents are concerned about climate change (76%). Many individuals and groups in the region have felt the effects of climate change already (69%). A good number of respondents are already engaged in taking action with their communities on climate change. There is an appetite for information, support and updates about action on climate adaptation, and emissions reduction, with an emphasis on collaboration and co-production to avoid the public feeling disempowered and like passive recipients of adaptation measures. Public events would be welcomed.
In summary, there is concern about climate change, the effects are being felt and citizens wish to work with others to adapt to the impacts. They would like to see words turned into action promptly but want greater assurances of the resources for this to happen, for both organisations and households. We must provide the information needed, clearly update the public on progress against the Strategy and work with government and others to secure the resources to make it a reality.
How the Consultation was Promoted
1.1. Timing
The consultation was open from the 9th of May to the 30th of June 2023 for a period of six weeks.
1.2. The Strategy’s Availability
The Strategy was available online as accessible and searchable web pages and as a downloadable PDF. Hard copies were available by post via a phone call to the Devon County Council Customer Service Centre or by email request. ‘Quick Read’ slides and a Summary version of the Strategy were made available on the website for individuals looking for a shorter, more accessible way to learn about the Strategy.
1.3. Promotion methods
The consultation was promoted widely. A free one hour webinar was held which introduced the Strategy, gave an opportunity for questions to be submitted to the panel via email and explained how responses to the consultation could be made. Sixty people attended the webinar. The recording is available online here.
A half page print advert was displayed in the Western Morning News for four consecutive weeks during the consultation in order to reach offline audiences.
Several communications toolkits were prepared and distributed to partner organisations and local authorities in the region to support promotion on their channels.
1.4. Promotion in Devon
Paid and organic social media posts were used to promote the consultation throughout its duration. The Awareness campaign reached over 85,000 people with 229,628 impressions. The Landing Page View Campaign achieved 164,923 impressions, with a reach of 10,438 and 6,761 Landing Page Views.
The DCE Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube accounts promoted the consultation with organic posts. Other parties that may be interested in climate adaptation were reached out to via email or tagging on social media, including the DCE partnership, other local authorities, academics and service providers. The consultation was promoted to Devon County Council (DCC) staff internally via Yammer.
DCE prepared and carried out Google Display Network advertising, achieving over 2.2 million advert impressions and 14,710 clicks (Velocity Web, 2023).
The consultation was featured in the DCE monthly newsletter three times. It was also featured in partner newsletters and the DCC ConnectMe resident newsletter. Other staff at DCC managing newsletters were informed of the consultation and asked to promote it.
Press releases were sent to target media via Prgloo and the release was featured on DCC’s news site.
To reach offline audiences, DCE promoted the consultation in person at the Devon County Show 2023 and at a pop-up stand at the University of Exeter. A thirty-second radio advert was produced to promote the consultation and was put out on Greatest Hits radio.
The Strategy was considered by various formal committees of the local authorities in Devon.
1.5. Promotion in Cornwall
The consultation was promoted through Cornwall Council’s social media pages, including Facebook and Twitter. It was also shared in the Residents’ newsletter.
The Consultation was disseminated through internal and external officer networks by officers who had been engaged in earlier stages of the development of the Strategy.
Furthermore, the Strategy was considered by the Neighbourhood Overview and Scrutiny Committee (NOSC) – a public facing member scrutiny committee and the Directorate Leadership Team, the Senior Directors at Cornwall Council.
1.6. Promotion in the Isles of Scilly
The consultation was promoted through the Council of Isles of Scilly Facebook page.
1.7. The questionnaire
Responses could be submitted through an online questionnaire available on the same website as where the strategy was presented.
Offline audiences that had requested a hard copy of the Plan also received a hard copy of the questionnaire with a Freepost return envelope.
Types of Responses Received
There were 214 responses.
The responses were received in the following ways:
- 205 responses to the online questionnaire;
- 4 responses by email;
- 5 responses via the paper version.
The responses received by email have been analysed and their comments incorporated into the questionnaire data under the relevant question.
Overall views of the Adaptation Strategy
Question 1. “What is your overall view of the Adaptation Strategy?”
Eighty percent of respondents either “support the strategy” or “support some parts of the strategy but not others” (Table 1). Only twenty percent selected “I don’t support the strategy”.
| Response Options | Number of Responses | Percentage of responses: |
| I don’t support the strategy | 41 | 20% |
| I support some parts of the strategy but not others | 55 | 26% |
| I support the strategy | 113 | 54% |
| Grand Total | 214 | 100% |
Respondents were asked to tell us why they did or did not support the Strategy. The bullet points below show the most frequent themes occurring in the feedback. The number in brackets shows the number of responses to that theme:
- Immediate action is needed (38)
- There is no climate crisis (35)
- Comprehensive and evidence based (26)
- More action and detail is needed, risk of watering down actions that need to be taken, no mention of expenditure and who will pay over the timeframe (20)
- Concern about research used/gaps in research (17)
- Not enough obligation on policymakers, local government, infrastructure operators etc., and not enough incentives (e.g. for farmers) (12)
Proposed amendments responding to the feedback under Q1, Table 2:
| Section | Feedback responded to | Response |
| Executive Summary, page iv and v | The ‘five main impact themes’ (exec summary, iv) will all have impacts on health, not just temperature change. | Insert the following sentence: “Though all five main impact themes listed will also have impacts on health.” |
| Executive Summary, page vii and Action A1 in the Action Plan under Health and the Built Environment | We need to go beyond raising community awareness and seek to influence and drive action and behaviour change at all levels. The awareness campaigns need to include all in the ‘we’ (vii), as public and private bodies are unlikely to adapt without there being an expectation from or impact on the general public. | The adaptation strategy’s actions are designed to drive action and behaviour change at all levels. Action A1 in the Health and Built Environment section is aimed at community awareness to help address mental health issues associated with climate anxiety. Amend Action A1 under Health and the Built Environment to say: “A1. Working with relevant agencies, develop a Climate Change awareness campaign to inform stakeholders, including the public, of the projected range of changes and their impacts alongside how we are adapting.” |
| Executive Summary and Action HBEA2 in Section 4.1.2 | Public authorities to enable appropriate adaptation planning… not just by businesses and householders – but by all organisations (so including themselves – i.e. all schools, GP practices, care homes, whole VCSE sector etc). | Amend Action HBEA2: “Public authorities to continue to provide timely & localised information on climate change impacts to enable appropriate adaptation planning by |
| Executive Summary and Action HBEE4 in Section 4.1.2 | The language of the strategy needs to better reflect an approach of co-production with communities, rather than the public being ‘done to’. | Amend the wording of Action HBEE4 “Policymakers to engage with the public to ensure |
| Section 3.4 and the Executive Summary | Move the second paragraph in section 3.4, page 50, to the introduction – but include ‘organisations’ as well as businesses (so VCSE sector not left out). | Move the following text to the Executive Summary, with the addition of the word ‘organisations’: “Whilst the DCIoS CIG and local authorities will play an influential role in preparing the community and other stakeholders for the changes ahead, success will require a collaborative approach involving government departments and agencies, transport and utility providers, organisations, local businesses, communities, and individuals to develop and build the adaptation actions needed in each sector. “ |
| Section 4.1.2 | Update the definition of zoonotic diseases | Amend CCA2 “Define a regional approach (e.g. ‘One Health’) to prevent the emergence of zoonotic diseases (infectious diseases transmitted between |
| Under section 3.5.4 Resources | No mention of expenditure and who will pay over the timeframe. | Add in the following text “In addition, The Third National Adaptation Programme (NAP3) and the Fourth Strategy for Climate Adaptation Reporting (2023) outlines a number of ways in which funding is being provided to regions and local authorities for climate adaptation, including through: • devolution deals, which Devon is currently negotiating, and Cornwall has completed; • funding for responsible authorities to lead the preparation of Local Nature Recovery Strategies; • the UK Shared Prosperity Fund; • Local Investment in Natural Capital Programme funding; • and through a pilot to strengthen Local Resilience Forums, as set out in the 2022 UK Government Resilience Framework. NAP3 also cites estimates that nationally adaptation investment for the risks and opportunities identified in CCRA3 could be as much as £10 billion per year nationally. The government will support collaboration over the next 5 years to address barriers to investment and the Climate Change Committee is anticipated to further identify adaptation investment needs for CCRA4 in 2027. The CIG will continue to monitor available funding streams and pursue opportunities to secure investment as they become available, whilst engaging with national government around the finance needed for the region to adapt.“ |
| Section 3.4.1 Roles and responsibilities | Not enough obligation on policymakers, local government, infrastructure operators etc., and not enough incentives (e.g. for farmers). | Amend the following sections: “Local Authorities: In partnership with Defra, local authorities are guided to plan for and implement climate adaptation at a local level. In addition, there are some Furthermore, the government will be piloting adaptation reporting by local authorities (LAs) and the CIG will keep abreast of the requirements to ensure that we are ready for any changes in the responsibilities of the region’s LAs (DEFRA, 2023). Organisations and Businesses: Organisations and businesses are responsible for identifying, understanding, controlling, and adapting to the risks (and opportunities) that climate change poses to their assets, products, and services. This is especially true in the case of energy, water, telecommunications and transport infrastructure resilience. This includes the people, systems, processes, and data needed to deliver business activities across their supply chains. A number of organisations already have a legal requirement to report on adaptation under the Adaptation Reporting Power, such as South West Water. The government are exploring increasing the number of organisations required to report and the scope of reporting e.g., identifying organisations in the agriculture sector. Furthermore, the Environmental Land Management schemes and Water Management Grant under the Farming Investment Fund will help to incentivise adaptation measures in the agricultural sector (DEFRA, 2023).“ |
| Executive summary and Section 4.1.2 | Support shouldn’t just be for Community Resilience Groups as there are many existing groups. | Amend action HBEC3: “Develop the materials and training to support in the establishment and support operation of local Community Resilience Groups (or similar existing groups) and the development of community adaptation plans. |
| Section 3.6 | Concern about the lack of monitoring and evaluation plans and accountability. | Add the following text: “Following the finalisation of the Adaptation Strategy the Climate Impacts Group will work to agree a monitoring, evaluation and reporting framework for the Action Plan and make this publicly available online.” |
| Section 1.5.2 | Concern that the sea level projections are too conservative. | The projections used are provided by the UK Climate Projections 2018 – the official UK source of climate projection information. |
| Should critical infrastructure have additional provision for food supply – given that in extreme events or future scenarios we may need to protect emergency provision or supply of food over others (1.2). | Risk to food security from various climate impacts is picked up in the Natural Environment, Health & Built Environment, and Cross Cutting sectors of the Strategy. | |
| Section 1.4 | Greater qualification needed of the text describing the vulnerability of individuals living with disabilities. | Amend sentence regarding the vulnerability of people living with disabilities: “Disabilities: Some people living with disabilities can be more vulnerable due to on average lower incomes,…” |
Climate Change Risks and Opportunities
Question 2. “Please tell us any comments you have on the climate change risks and opportunities we have identified (if referring to a particular risk please use the risk identifier e.g. CIG17)”
Respondents were asked to input free text comments on the risks and opportunities identified. One hundred and forty-one responses to this question were given. The bullet points below show the most frequent themes occurring in the feedback. The number in brackets shows the number of responses to that theme:
- Missing information (31)
- General support (26)
- There is no climate crisis (21)
- Change priorities (19)
- Needs to hold organisations accountable to manage the risks (12)
- Believe risks are exaggerated (8)
Proposed amendments responding to the feedback under Q2, Table 3:
| Section | Feedback responded to | Response |
| Section 1.5.2 | Assessment of likely sea level rise looks to be very low and out of step with latest evidence/science. | The projections used are provided by the UK Climate Projections 2018 – the official UK source of climate projection information. |
| Section 2.2.4 Health and Built Environment, Risk CIG40 | CIG40 needs to expand on which pollutants are included and whether this includes both indoor and outdoor pollutants. Given potential changes to heating sources and retrofitting of properties need to ensure both internal and external air quality is improved. Some additional comments about this risk questioned whether the risk should be major or severe rather than moderate. However, the risk scoring has not been changed as the risk is assessed for the magnitude and likelihood for the 2050s under a 4°C warming scenario and based on current government policy we can assume electric vehicles are widespread and decarbonisation of heat has also reduced particulates. Although higher temperatures and associated weather pose other challenges to air quality e.g., changes to pollen. | Amend the wording of the risk and the accompanying detailed descriptor on the risk register spreadsheet: “CIG40 Risks to health and wellbeing from changes in air quality, both indoor and out.” “• Air Pollution: Outdoor air pollution is a result of the way we generate power, heat our homes, produce food, manufacture consumer goods and power transport. Indoor air pollution is generated from domestic appliances, personal care products, building materials and household products, tobacco smoke, and radon. • Fine particles (PM10, PM2.5) increase in concentration during hot, still air conditions. High temperature also increases the levels of ozone in the lower atmosphere, which lead to respiratory disease. • Climate change may result in earlier seasonal appearance of symptoms from hay fever and related respiratory diseases. Aeroallergens: The effects of climate change on plant distribution can expose the population to aeroallergens (pollen) from more plants, with different flowering seasons, and for a longer duration. • Thunderstorms are associated with high levels of aeroallergens and a rise in asthma exacerbations, known as thunderstorm asthma. • Indoor air quality should also be considered given potential changes to heating sources and retrofitting of properties will influence air circulation. “ |
| Section 2.2.2 Natural Environment, Risk CIG08 | CIG08 [Risks to agri-food (agriculture and horticulture) from pests, pathogens and invasive species] highlights risk to agri-food from pests. Given the importance of agriculture to environmental management, and the environment on them as businesses, and to human health this should be separated into its own section, and references to existing strategies. | The risk register lists Devon Invasive Species Initiative (DISI) as an existing control. Amend to add “enforcement by the Animal and Plant Health Agency as an existing control and note the Plant biosecurity strategy for Great Britain (2023 to 2028).” The proposed regional Invasive Species Management Plan (strategic adaptation option NEA 3) would explore this issue in more detail. |
| Section 2.2.1 | River and surface water flooding (2.2.1). Both acute and chronic outcomes have impacts on public health, foul water may carry disease, whilst longer-term mental health and physical health outcomes may influence individual’s incomes and outgoings that negatively impact on health. The adaptation strategy should link in with high level housing / planning strategies to inform planning applications submitted for developments in areas prone to flooding. | Risk CIG37 in the ‘Health and the built environment’ section of the Risk and Opportunity Assessment identifies the impact of river, surface and groundwater flooding on people, communities and buildings. Applications for development are required to demonstrate that they will not increase flood and ideally reduce it (National Planning Policy Framework paragraphs 159 – 169). Therefore an additional Strategic Option in the Adaptation Strategy is not necessary. Amend the wording of section 2.2.1 River and surface water flooding: “Flooding can have significant impacts on the region’s economy, both in the short-term damage to assets and longer-term due to lost revenue from reduced tourism and/or business activity whilst the area recovers. Additionally, individuals’ mental health can be negatively impacted by the trauma of experiencing a flood event, on top of risks to physical health from foul water and flood damage. This can have consequences for productivity and place increased pressure on local health services. “ |
| Section 2.2.1 | Reduced water availability (2.2.1) End of second para in this section “public health, including mental wellbeing” should be reworded; public health covers population health, including physical and mental wellbeing. | Amend wording to: “The risk of increased pollutants in concentrated river flows is heightened during droughts, presenting water quality concerns with implications for human and environmental health. The combined effects of more frequent periods of water scarcity and high numbers of summer tourists poses a risk to the region’s public water supply and will also increase demand for energy (electricity and heating/cooling) and other resources. Reduced water availability is likely to have considerable economic implications for businesses and household water supply interruptions threaten public health, |
| Section 2.2.4 Health and the built environment | CIG44 needs an explanation for excluding South West Water. | Amend CIG44 to be clearer that it refers to private water supplies, as public water supplies is covered by CIG27 and Gid20: “CIG 44 Risks to health from private |
| Section 2.2.3 Infrastructure | Mining considerations in relation to CIG21 and CIG26 could be highlighted. | Add mention of mining considerations to the detailed descriptor of the positive and negative impacts to the Risk Register spreadsheet. |
| 4.1.2 and appendix 6 | Concern that there is not more actual action on domestic violence associated with heat waves proposed. | Developing actions on domestic violence would flow from the implementation of CCC1 – Work with partners, including universities, to examine the effects of climate change on crime rates and the potential for civil disorder. Therefore, no amendment. |
| Section 2 and section 3.2.4 Business and Industry | Better consideration of impacts of and on tourism sector needed as it is a large sector for all of DCIoS. | Risks listed under 2.2.5 all apply to the tourism sector, though not exclusively to it. However, there is outreach work to be done in future to work with the region’s tourism industry to develop a sector specific strategy and communicate relevant information to businesses on how to increase their resilience. This is encompassed by adaptation option BIA 2 “Develop business engagement strategies to enable local authorities and regional action groups to assess private sector needs, gain inputs, and consult companies on practical implementation of adaptation actions.” |
| Section 3.2.3 Health and the built environment | CIG46: Care homes are especially vulnerable in hot weather, so a specific targeted action to enable care homes to control high temperatures is needed. | Add an adaptation option: “Raise awareness with social care managers, commissioners, staff, and carers on preparing for response to adverse weather, including heatwaves.” |
| Section 2.2.4 Health and the built environment | Very little is said about fire except along with other hazards. Other parts of the world have seen a massive increase in wildfire occurrence. It is not clear whether that possibility has been scoped – and if so what the consequences would be. The most significant consequence appears to be deaths from smoke inhalation, which could affect large numbers of people | Under Health and the built environment we will add a risk: “Risks to people, communities and buildings from wildfires.” |
| Section 2 | Missing specific risks linked to critical drainage areas. | Specific flood risk areas, such as critical drainage areas (an area with critical drainage problems which has been formally notified to the Local Authority by the Environment Agency) have not been addressed in this high-level strategy but the risk from their failure is covered by CIG21, CIG23, CIG37 etc. which cover surface water and river flooding. |
| Section 2 | Specific set of cascading, cross cutting,risks linked to sustainable transport i.e. cycleways, pavements, leisure, bus and rail; and specific set of cascading, cross cutting, risks for vulnerable sections of society. | Risks to transport networks are covered under CIG20 (cascading failures), CIG 21, CIG22, CIG31 and CIG24. Cross cutting, cascading risks are covered by CIG62 and local strategies will need to further consider vulnerable sections of society. |
| Section 2 | It’d be helpful to be able to filter out so that you can quickly see the parts that are relevant to your particular type of organisation, or use colour coding. | Consideration to be given as to how the website can best present information targeted at stakeholder groups and be easily filtered according to interest. |
Strategic Adaptation Options
Question 3. “Please tell us any comments you have on the strategic adaptation options identified:”
Respondents were asked to input free text comments on the strategic adaptation options identified. One hundred and twenty-seven responses to this question were given. The bullet points below show the most frequent themes occurring in the feedback. The number in brackets shows the number of responses to that theme.
- Doubts about the science of climate change and the characterisation of the situation as a crisis (22)
- Greater emphasis on education, awareness raising of climate change impacts and community engagement needed. (15)
- General support (10)
- Concern about the cost and resources available for identified options. (8)
- Taking action should be the priority, with incentives and penalties to change behaviour. (8)
- More detail needed on implementation, such as accountability, monitoring and timelines. (6)
- Unclear how the strategic adaptation actions comprehensively address all the risks identified. In the process of grouping enabling activities under overall strategic directions, some key themes were lost. (6)
- We need to build resilience in food security and access to clean water, e.g. greater reductions in leaks and shortening of supply chains through regional food and farming plans and support for local farmers. (5)
Proposed amendments responding to the feedback under Q3, Table 4:
| Section | Feedback responded to | Response |
| Greater emphasis on education, awareness raising of climate change impacts and community engagement needed. | This is covered under Strategic Direction C – “Assist public services to understand climate change impacts on their assets, service delivery and the community’s health”, Adaptation action C3 “Work with partners to develop the materials and training to support in the establishment and support of local Community Resilience Groups (or similar existing groups).“ | |
| 3.5.4 Resources | Concern about the cost and resources available for identified options. | Repeated from responses to Q1, add in the following text: “In addition, The Third National Adaptation Programme (NAP3) and the Fourth Strategy for Climate Adaptation Reporting (2023) outlines a number of ways in which funding is being provided to regions and local authorities for climate adaptation, including through: • devolution deals, which Devon is currently negotiating, and Cornwall has completed; • funding for responsible authorities to lead the preparation of Local Nature Recovery Strategies; • the UK Shared Prosperity Fund; • Local Investment in Natural Capital Programme funding; • and through a pilot to strengthen Local Resilience Forums, as set out in the 2022 UK Government Resilience Framework. NAP3 cites estimates that nationally, adaptation investment for the risks and opportunities identified in CCRA3 could be as much as £10 billion per year nationally. The government will support collaboration over the next 5 years to address barriers to investment and the Climate Change Committee is anticipated to further identify adaptation investment needs for CCRA4 in 2027. The CIG will continue to monitor available funding streams and pursue opportunities to secure investment as they become available, whilst engaging with national government around the finance needed for the region to adapt.“ |
| Section 3.4.1 Roles and responsibilities | Taking action should be the priority, with incentives and penalties to change behaviour. (8) | A range of enforcement measures and incentives exist within current national legislation, with plans by the government to pilot new approaches. This is in part addressed by the response proposed in relation to feedback to Q1 – we will amend the following sections: “Local Authorities: In partnership withDefra, local authorities are guided to plan for and implement climate adaptation at a local level. In addition, there are some areas functions of local government where adaptation Furthermore, the government will be piloting adaptation reporting by local authorities (LAs) and the CIG will keep abreast of the requirements to ensure that we are ready for any changes in the responsibilities of the region’s LAs (DEFRA, 2023). Organisations and Businesses: Organisations and businesses are responsible for identifying, understanding, controlling, and adapting to the risks (and opportunities) that climate change poses to their assets, products, and services. This is especially true in the case of energy, water, telecommunications and transport infrastructure resilience. This includes the people, systems, processes, and data needed to deliver business activities across their supply chains. A number of organisations already have a legal requirement to report on adaptation under the Adaptation Reporting Power, such as South West Water. The government are exploring increasing the number of organisations required to report and the scope of reporting e.g., identifying organisations in the agriculture sector. Furthermore, the Environmental Land Management schemes and Water Management Grant under the Farming Investment Fund will help to incentivise adaptation measures in the agricultural sector (DEFRA, 2023).“ |
| More detail needed on implementation, such as accountability, monitoring and timelines. (6) | This is addressed by the proposed response to feedback to Q1 – We will add the following text: “Following the finalisation of the Adaptation Strategy the Climate Impacts Group will work to agree a monitoring, evaluation and reporting framework for the Action Plan and make this publicly available online.” | |
| Unclear how the strategic adaptation actions comprehensively address all the risks identified. In the process of grouping enabling activities under overall strategic directions, some key themes were lost. | This concern is addressed by the responses to the specific omissions raised in the below rows of this table. | |
| Concern that ‘risks to public water supplies from reduced water availability’ (risk CIG27) are identified as a major risk requiring more action in the regional risk assessment. But only one strategic direction makes reference to the crucial issue of water: ‘Support residences and businesses on private water supplies to adapt to climate change threats, including security of supply and changing water quality’. In light of the risks identified, this strategic direction feels insufficient. It seems to address only a niche issue dwarfed by the wider issue of water supply across the region. One recommendation would be to change the wording of this strategic direction for a broader statement relating to water scarcity, which would then be underpinned by the comprehensive actions listed in the action plan. | Risk CIG27 is responded to by Action A1 which will be updated following feedback from this consultation to: “Develop a collaborative regional water strategy to manage water availability and safe treatment and disposal of waste water, including aquifer recharge, control over-extraction, increase the use of rainwater harvesting, reduce effluent discharge etc.” under the Natural Environment Strategic Direction A “Support and actively improve the adaptive capacity of landscapes and habitats.” | |
| We recommend that one of the strategic options (possibly strategic direction E) in the Health and Built environment section is reworded to make a clearer reference to planning. | Action E3 under Strategic Direction E is explicit about the role of planning in delivering this strategic direction. Therefore, an amendment is not necessary. | |
| The document could be restructured digitally based on the intended audience. For this strategy to be widely adopted and eventually succeed, clarity is primordial, and any actions to ease access and simplify the document would be welcome. Whilst interesting, the dynamic adaptation pathways and the case studies provided do not contribute to clarifying the strategy. Both should be provided separately. | Repeated from an earlier response to Q1: Consideration to be given as to how the website can best present information targeted at stakeholder groups and be easily filtered according to interest. | |
| More specific adaptation options regarding the impacts on and from tourism are needed. | Response repeated from earlier in the document: Risks listed under 2.2.5 all apply to the tourism sector, though not exclusively to it. However, there is outreach work to be done in future to work with the regions tourism industry to develop a sector specific strategy and communicate relevant information to businesses on how to increase their resilience. This is encompassed by adaptation option BIA 2: “Develop business engagement strategies to enable local authorities and regional action groups to assess private sector needs, gain inputs, and consult companies on practical implementation of adaptation actions.” | |
| Transport issues require more attention. Suggestions include reducing cars to ease the urban heat island effect. Transport is highlighted as severe and major risk under the Infrastructure sector, however, it feels like there is perhaps a lack of action directly relating to this. p.88: Action INFA 3, ”Develop working group with infrastructure industry associations and providers at regional level to improve interdependencies awareness within the infrastructure sector”. Is this enough? It might be good to see more focused action on dealing with road and rail infrastructure issues. | Risks to transport networks are covered under CIG20 (cascading failures), CIG 21, CIG22, CIG24 and CIG31. These risks are addressed by the following adaptation options in the strategy: • INFA 1–Build and develop resilience partnerships. Ensure their Command, Control and Co-Ordination arrangements for an emergency which involves the loss of both power and telecoms, and actively involve utilities companies in local planning where required to ensure linkage with regional and national developments. • INFA 3-Develop working group with infrastructure industry associations and providers at regional level to improve interdependencies awareness within the infrastructure sector (Co-location of infrastructure – e.g. bridge crossings / roadways and impact of cascade failure on infrastructure output). Engage with National Grid, Hydrologists and power system modelers to simulate and understand the impacts of compounded flooding, heat waves and droughts on the power generation in the region. • INFB 2-Enable and promote climate resilience through procurement processes. Consider climate resilience of new assets and infrastructure when comparing competing bids, by accounting for costs over the asset lifetime under alternative climate scenarios. • INFX 3-Due to increased risks of adverse weather events causing surface water (pluvial) flooding all businesses should consider a proactive rolling review of their key site / assets flood vulnerability not just at point of site selection or event. • INFX 1-Promote cross sector partnerships to develop industry-accepted climate risk assessment framework for the region. Use common formalised standards of resilience, such as the new ISO 14091 across infrastructure sectors to build system wide resilience. Collaborate with stakeholders including utilities, services, other transport modes on risk management planning to protect business continuity. • INFX 2-Reassess the inspection schedules on bridges and highway assets containing multiple key utilities / infrastructure services. Reduce risk of cascading failures by inspecting critical assets more frequently than design manual for roads and bridges specifies. | |
| 3.2.1 Natural Environment | Natural environment (3.2.1) Nature based solutions (NBS) intrinsically include supporting human health. Table 3, A5, should explicitly set out the human health basis of nature based solutions: “…Local Nature Recovery strategies to demonstrate what type of appropriate habitats will support nature based ecosystems and sustainable healthy communities”. | We will amend the wording of Enabling Activity A5 in Table 3, to say: “Develop long-term green space and Local Nature Recovery strategies to demonstrate what type of habitat will be supported in the future (e.g. intertidal zones, the benefits of different saltwater/freshwater marsh etc.) and opportunities for supporting human health.” |
| 3.2.1 Natural Environment | Natural environment (3.2.1) Table 3, A1, should make specific reference to effluent discharge. | We will amend the wording of Natural Environment Action A1 to: “Develop a collaborative regional water strategy to manage water availability and safe treatment and disposal of waste water, including aquifer recharge, control over-extraction, increase the use of rainwater harvesting, reduce effluent discharge etc.” |
| 3.2.1 Natural Environment | Natural environment (3.2.1) Table 3, C2, to include human health in references to nature based solutions: “Landowners connecting with local nature groups to understand the benefits around alternative land use to support biodiversity, natural environment, and human health (which can include employment opportunities etc.)”. | We will amend the wording of Natural Environment Action C2 to: “Facilitate landowners connecting with local nature groups to understand the benefits around alternative land use to support biodiversity and the natural environment Detail in brackets will be removed to improve readability. |
| 3.2.3 Infrastructure | Infrastructure (3.2.2) Table 4, A1 Need to be clear that there are already existing resilience partnerships (e.g. LRF / Community resilience forums), though separate partnerships may need to be built / developed with different planning, response, and recovery time scales with consideration of the links between the different partnerships needed. | We will amend the wording of the Infrastructure Action A1 to: “Build on and develop resilience partnerships that consider short, medium and long-term planning horizons and how resilience changes over time. Ensure command, control and co-ordination arrangements for an emergency which involves the loss of both power and telecoms, and actively involve utility companies in local planning where required to ensure linkage with regional and national developments.” |
| 3.2.3 Health and the built environment | Health and built environment (3.2.3) Table 5, A1, emphasis on what communities / households can do / are doing to adapt and reduce the negative impacts of the changes in climate. What ‘we’ (individuals / communities/ organisations / agencies) can do to respond. | We will change the wording of the Health and Built Environment Action A1 to: “Working with relevant agencies and our communities, develop a climate change awareness campaign to inform the public of the projected range of changes and their impacts alongside how we are adapting and what we can all do to respond.” |
| 3.2.3 Health and the built environment – Heritage assets | Health and built environment (3.2.3) Table 5, C2. Need to be explicit that “Managed Decline to Adaptive Release” means losing people’s properties to the sea. Apart from recording physical buildings / sites / landscapes – you can record people’s stories and memories and experiences as part of giving consideration to the direct health impacts on those losing their homes and range of community impacts e.g. solastalgia. The strategy also needs to identify more actions in relation to the risks to inland heritage assets from climate change e.g. flood damage and changes to vegetation. Reference could also be made to providing guidance to owners of listed and traditional buildings to assist with sympathetic adaptation to climate change. Historic England has produced a number of guides (Climate Change: Mitigation, Adaptation and Energy Measures | Historic England), and Historic Building Officers within local authorities and National Park Authorities can also advise. | We will amend the wording of action C2 and add a footnote to explain the term “Managed Decline to Adaptive Release*” in the strategy: “ Develop a strategy and guidance for the adaptation of heritage assets to climate impacts, including a “Managed Decline to Adaptive Release” strategy to record historic buildings, sites, and landscapes as a part of managed coastal retreat due to sea level rise, erosion, and storms.” “*Adaptive Release (AR) is an approach that supports the transformation of a heritage asset (including its values and significance), within wider landscape settings. AR is proactive and positive, intended to be applied in situations where anticipated environmental change is likely to lead to eventual loss and/or alteration.” (University of Exeter et al., 2022) However, this action primarily addresses historic buildings and monuments, not residential or commercial properties. We will update the second paragraph under ‘Sea Level Rise’ in Section 2.2.1 to read “Coastal erosion will cause the region’s coastline to retreat inland, potentially causing conflict over land use and the need for some coastal communities to relocate.” |
| Health and built environment (3.2.3) Table 5, D1, suggest removing word ‘older’ as some newer properties need upgrading and make it clearer how new buildings will be resilient to climate change. | We will change the wording to Business and Industry Action D1 to: “Provision of funding and guidance for | |
| Business and industry (3.2.4) Table 6, B2, Businesses – both employers and employees – have joint health and safety responsibility so suggest rewording: “…set out clearly what employers and employees should do when Met Office severe weather warnings are issued”. | Action B2 is for businesses (i.e. employers) to implement and therefore no amendment is necessary. | |
| Business and industry (3.2.4) Table 6, C1 add *e.g*. promote property flood resilience… Ensuring buildings are adapted to stay cool in the heat also very important. | We will change the wording to Business and Industry Action C1 to: “Promote the robust and resilient design of new / refurbished assets and infrastructure. E.g., Promote property flood resilience products to protect against severe weather and hazardous events (e.g. flooding).” | |
| Cross-cutting (3.2.5) Table 7, A1, A2, and A3 appears to focus on communicable disease. In addition, consideration should be given to adapting to non-communicable disease in both mitigation and adaptation. Given the increasing prevalence of climate change prone non communicable disease, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, consideration should be given to appropriate adaptation to these vulnerable groups. Additionally, climate change may trigger susceptibility to developing certain conditions. Impacts on ability to exercise, further limitations on affordable nutritious diets, and failing to seek opportunities to improve population health may exacerbate conditions. NB. A1. take out ‘NHS health boards’ this is a Scottish thing – use ‘NHS partners’. | We will change the wording to Cross-Cutting Risks and International Dimensions Action A1 to: “Local Authorities to engage with NHS Partners We will also add a new Enabling Activity/ Action: “Public Health teams to engage with NHS partners, Health Protection Teams and LA environmental health departments to raise awareness of climate sensitive non-communicable disease (NCD) e.g. the links between climate change and increased cardiovascular disease and appropriate adaptation for vulnerable groups. This should include developing adaptations for activities such as exercise and active travel which may be impacted by climate change with consequences for non-communicable disease.” | |
| 3.3 Case studies could include more recent events, e.g. Coverack. Using newer events could include newer terminology (e.g. ‘Strategic Command Group’ instead of ‘Gold Command’), and promote services such as the Targeted Flood Warning Service – and adaptation options could include use of nature-based solutions for reducing the impact of extreme rainfall. | Case studies were invited from all partners during the preparation of the strategy. New case studies can be submitted by partners at any stage and after publication. | |
| Table 3, Natural environment (including agriculture, forestry, and fisheries) | Table 3. Action A4: Set out a regional strategy to protect terrestrial carbon stores from land use change and increase the resilience where possible (e.g. peatlands, woodland, soils). This should also include the restoration of peatlands, given much of the region’s peatlands are not in good condition and so are currently net emitters of carbon rather than carbon stores. Similarly, bringing existing woodlands into active management will support increased growing rates and therefore carbon sequestration. | We will update Natural Environment Action A4 to: “Set out a regional strategy to protect, restore and enhance terrestrial carbon stores from land use change and increase the resilience where possible (e.g. peatland restoration, woodland management, soils).” |
| Infrastructure including Rights of Way and Access | There is very little in the Strategy regarding the impacts of climate change on rights of way and access which are increasingly impact by climate change e.g. fallen trees and increased maintenance needed to path drains. Further discussion on the potential impacts on the rights of way and access network should be included in section 2.2.3 Infrastructure, and actions included in Table 4 to address these, including through local adaptation plans where relevant. | Public rights of way are included within the term ‘infrastructure’. We will add a risk to section 2.2.3 Infrastructure: “Risks to infrastructure networks from high winds and intense rainfall”, as that specific risk is not identified in the register. We will update Action INFX 2 to state ”Reassess the inspection schedules on bridges and highway assets (including Public Rights of Way) |
| Section 1.4 Consideration of vulnerable populations | Whilst the report highlights vulnerable groups, the wider issues of social inequalities/social justice impacting on people’s ability to adapt need to be more openly stated, even if it is beyond the strategy’s capability to address them. This is a hugely contentious political area, but must be addressed at national level for any adaptation plan to work. There is no consideration given to diversities, protected characteristics groups or hard to reach groups. This engagement must go beyond a ‘consultation’ and ‘outreach’ approach. Table 5 in general lacks options that relate to the private, charitable and informal sectors providing social care to elderly and vulnerable adults who are at high risk. This sector and its service users are a significant feature of DCiOS and it service users are not only supported by public services. | The Strategy does describe headline impacts on people living with disabilities, low-income households, the elderly, young people, people with physical and mental health conditions, minority communities and those who are homeless. These are at Section 1.4. Full impact assessments will be prepared by organisations delivering actions in communities, responding to local circumstances and needs. A response formulated with regards to feedback to Q2 helps to address this feedback in part – We will add an adaptation option: “Raise awareness with social care managers, commissioners, staff, and carers on preparing for response to adverse weather, including heatwaves.” |
| A bit light on soil management and nature based solutions. Soils were identified as a major priority but detail on options and action is lacking. Nature based solutions (NBS) don’t appear to feature very highly at all and although elements of NBS are included, a general statement and actions around the full integration of NBS is important. | The below actions in the strategy relate to nature-based solutions: • NEA 4–Set out a regional strategy to protect terrestrial carbon stores from land use change and increase the resilience where possible (e.g. peatlands, woodland, soils). • NEA 5–Local Nature Recovery strategies to demonstrate what type of habitat will be supported in the future e.g. intertidal zones, the benefits of different saltwater/freshwater marsh etc. • NEA 6–Tree planting (in appropriate places) to support biodiversity net gain, reduce river water temperatures, increase flood risk management, provision of shade for crops and livestock, increase sequestration etc. • NEB 1–Promote and Improve soil management techniques (Min-till cultivation, cover crops, ley-arable rotations) to protect soil structure / nutrient levels and increase resilience to adverse weather / aridity impacts. • NEB 5–Adapt agricultural land use through via Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMs) and Biodiversity Net Gain funding (e.g. buffer strips, conservation areas etc.). • NEX 2–Promote soil health, reduce runoff, surface water flooding and adopt soil conservation techniques (e.g. cover crops, wider crop rotations, contour ploughing to reduce soil erosion); preventing landslips and land movement, and reduce compacted soils and improve aeration of soils to increase rate of infiltration and absorption. To address soil wetness and aridity. • NEX 3–Enhance regional habitat condition and connectivity to increase species resilience and biodiversity (e.g. wildlife corridors, rewilding, river restoration etc.). • NEX 5–Land owners connecting with local nature groups to understand the benefits around alternative land use to support biodiversity and the natural environment (e.g. such as turning less productive areas into woodland, wildlife meadows, hedgerows, creation of wetlands etc.). • NEX 6–Prioritising nature-based solutions in catchment planning to reduce river flood risk and slow river flows specifically wetland enhancement / re naturalisation and and river restoration. | |
| We suggest that ‘Adaptation pathways’ could be drafted for human processes as well as for material interventions. We would like to see the Strategy include consideration of models of human adaptation to changing climatic and environmental conditions over time, and an indication of the psychosocial processes (community and individual) that may be involved. | The adaptation pathways are included in the strategy to demonstrate their use as a tool to consider options and their phasing. We agree that they could be usefully applied to behaviour change and adaptation of societal norms etc. and anticipate their development and use in further work undertaken to implement the action plan. For example, the following actions might benefit from their use: “C3 Work with partners to develop the materials and training to support in the establishment and support of local Community Resilience Groups.” Or “B3 Communicate behavioural change measures to reduce consumption of water and energy.” |
Proposed Governance, Monitoring and Evaluation of the Adaptation Strategy
Question 4. “Please tell us any comments you have on the proposed governance, monitoring and evaluation of the Adaptation Strategy:”
Respondents were asked to input free text comments on the proposed governance, monitoring and evaluation of the Adaptation Strategy. 119 responses to this question were given. The bullet points below show the most frequent themes occurring in the feedback. The number in brackets shows the number of responses to that theme.
- Greater collaboration and coordination with a wide range of stakeholders is needed, especially community groups and businesses. (14)
- Doubt about the scientific evidence for climate change. (14)
- Unsure if the evaluation metrics are right, e.g. not qualitative enough – such as considering public attitude or the need for interim indicators. (12)
- We should ensure it works in practice, frustrated by lack of action. (9)
- Clearer accountability for actions is needed and greater enforcement powers. (9)
Proposed amendments responding to the feedback under Q4, Table 5:
| Section | Feedback responded to | Response |
| Greater collaboration and coordination with a wide range of stakeholders is needed, especially community groups and businesses. Furthermore, feedback included the need to make it clearer who the delivery partners are beyond the Environment Agency and Local Authorities, as well as the need for networking between the 4 levels identified e.g. how this will relate to district plans etc. | The Climate Impacts Group (CIG) reports to the Risk Management Group of the Local Resilience Forum, the Devon Climate Emergency (DCE) partnership’s Response Group, the Cornwall Climate Change Board and Isles of Scilly emergency planning. These partnerships have a wide range of representation and local networks and are better placed to collaborate and coordinate locally than the CIG. They will provide a golden thread of communication from the regional strategy to dovetail with more local strategies. For example, the Devon Climate Emergency partnership has representation from all of the District, Borough and City councils in Devon and will collaborate to align the plans of those authorities with the regional Adaptation Strategy. Additionally, the membership of the Climate Impacts Group is listed on the Climate Resilient DCIoS website. Members of the Climate Impacts Group include organisations such as South West Water and the West Country Rivers Trust etc. However, we will add an appendix into the strategy itself to list the members of the Climate Impacts Group. These concerns are also addressed by an existing action which is to be amended to reflect earlier feedback, action HBEC3: “Develop materials and training to support in the establishment and operation of local Community Resilience Groups (or similar existing groups) and the development of community adaptation plans.” The concerns are further addressed by adaptation option BIA 2 “Develop business engagement strategies to enable local authorities and regional action groups to assess private sector needs, gain inputs, and consult companies on practical implementation of adaptation actions.” | |
| Unsure if the evaluation metrics are right, e.g. not qualitative enough – such as considering public attitude or the need for interim indicators or the quality of projects carried out. Further feedback included that a Theory of Change would be useful; the need for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion metrics; that a definitive set of indicators are needed to show progress; metrics must measure what is important to measure not what is easy to measure; make metrics available so others like parishes can try and calculate their resilience too; regular updates are needed and the potential for citizen science metrics and using tools such as the Adaptation Monitoring Framework developed by the Committee on Climate Change to monitor the effectiveness of the plan. | This will be addressed by a previous response to earlier feedback. Add the following text: “Following the finalisation of the Adaptation Strategy the Climate Impacts Group will work to agree a monitoring, evaluation and reporting framework for the Action Plan and make this publicly available online.” | |
| Clearer accountability for actions is needed and greater enforcement powers. Feedback included the need for clearer outcomes and dates, a clearer role of each entity, the role of the assessors and legal duties, as well as ensuring there is clear communication between partnerships and no duplication, with specific organisations and authorities to be assigned for certain actions. | A range of enforcement measures and incentives exist within current national legislation, with plans by the government to pilot new approaches. Furthermore, the strategy outlines responsible bodies for actions in the Action Plan. In response to feedback to Q1 we will amend the following sections to the below: “Local Authorities: In partnership withDefra, local authorities are guided to plan for and implement climate adaptation at a local level. In addition, there are some areas functions of local government where adaptation Furthermore, the government will be piloting adaptation reporting by local authorities (LAs) and the CIG will keep abreast of the requirements to ensure that we are ready for any changes in the responsibilities of the region’s LAs (DEFRA, 2023). Organisations and Businesses: Organisations and businesses are responsible for identifying, understanding, controlling, and adapting to the risks (and opportunities) that climate change poses to their assets, products, and services. This is especially true in the case of energy, water, telecommunications and transport infrastructure resilience. This includes the people, systems, processes, and data needed to deliver business activities across their supply chains. A number of organisations already have a legal requirement to report on adaptation under the Adaptation Reporting Power, such as South West Water. The government are exploring increasing the number of organisations required to report and the scope of reporting e.g., identifying organisations in the agriculture sector. Furthermore, the Environmental Land Management schemes and Water Management Grant under the Farming Investment Fund will help to incentivise adaptation measures in the agricultural sector (DEFRA, 2023).“ | |
| Concern about resources – keep pushing the government for additional support, funding and necessary powers. Furthermore, keep up the pressure on government to act itself at pace. | Repeated from responses to Q1, we will add in the following text: “In addition, The Third National Adaptation Programme (NAP3) and the Fourth Strategy for Climate Adaptation Reporting (2023) outlines a number of ways in which funding is being provided to regions and local authorities for climate adaptation, including through: • devolution deals, which Devon is currently negotiating, and Cornwall has completed; • funding for responsible authorities to lead the preparation of Local Nature Recovery Strategies; • the UK Shared Prosperity Fund; • Local Investment in Natural Capital Programme funding; • and through a pilot to strengthen Local Resilience Forums, as set out in the 2022 UK Government Resilience Framework. NAP3 also cites estimates that nationally adaptation investment for the risks and opportunities identified in CCRA3 could be as much as £10 billion per year nationally. The government will support collaboration over the next 5 years to address barriers to investment and the Climate Change Committee is anticipated to further identify adaptation investment needs for CCRA4 in 2027. The CIG will continue to monitor available funding streams and pursue opportunities to secure investment as they become available, whilst engaging with national government around the finance needed for the region to adapt.“ | |
| Worried about the framing of ‘risks to law and governance’ in this document (see p29). The emphasis on ‘crime rates and social disorder’ presents climate change adaptation as a civil defence and disobedience issue, whereas it should be focused on the needs and protection of citizens, for example in the case of risks of gender-based violence which has been reported to be associated with extreme climate events. | Risk CIG60 [“Risks to law (e.g. environmental crime, domestic violence, acquisitive crime) and governance in the DCIoS region from climate change.”] reflects the data supporting an increased incidence of domestic violence during heat waves, whilst also recognising that there might also be other crimes which may increase in incidence due to climate change impacts and this needs to be understood. The motivation to understand the link between climate impacts and crime is to be able to protect vulnerable populations. Developing actions on domestic violence would flow from the implementation of CCC1 – Work with partners, in’cluding universities, to examine the effects of climate change on crime rates and the potential for civil disorder. Therefore, no amendment. |
Other Feedback Given on the Adaptation Strategy
Question 5. “Is there any other feedback you’d like to give on the Adaptation Strategy?”
Respondents were asked to give any other feedback they had on the Adaptation Strategy. One hundred and thirty-five responses to this question were given. The bullet points below show the most frequent themes occurring in the feedback. The number in brackets shows the number of responses to that theme:
- There is no climate crisis (21)
- The proposals should be fully implemented (20)
- Missing an area of information (20)
- The Strategy needs to be enforced – include measures of accountability and success (12)
- Needs to go further (10)
- Little faith in the Strategy (8)
Proposed amendments responding to the feedback under Q5, Table 6:
| Section | Feedback responded to | Response |
| Section 3.4.1 | The Strategy needs to be enforced – include measures of accountability and success. | Repeated from a previous response to earlier feedback: A range of enforcement measures and incentives exist within current national legislation, with plans by the government to pilot new approaches. Furthermore, the strategy outlines responsible bodies for actions in the Action Plan. In response to feedback to Q1 we will change the following sections to the below text: “Local Authorities: In partnership withDefra, local authorities are guided to plan for and implement climate adaptation at a local level. In addition, there are some areas functions of local government where adaptation Furthermore, the government will be piloting adaptation reporting by local authorities (LAs) and the CIG will keep abreast of the requirements to ensure that we are ready for any changes in the responsibilities of the region’s LAs (DEFRA, 2023). Organisations and Businesses: Organisations and businesses are responsible for identifying, understanding, controlling, and adapting to the risks (and opportunities) that climate change poses to their assets, products, and services. This is especially true in the case of energy, water, telecommunications and transport infrastructure resilience. This includes the people, systems, processes, and data needed to deliver business activities across their supply chains. A number of organisations already have a legal requirement to report on adaptation under the Adaptation Reporting Power, such as South West Water. The government are exploring increasing the number of organisations required to report and the scope of reporting e.g., identifying organisations in the agriculture sector. Furthermore, the Environmental Land Management schemes and Water Management Grant under the Farming Investment Fund will help to incentivise adaptation measures in the agricultural sector (DEFRA, 2023).“ |
| Appendix 5 and Section 3.2 | Concern about water issues, in particular the need for water storage including reservoirs and residential rainwater storage tanks and leaks in South West Water pipes. | We will add the newly published Defra (2023) Plan for Water to Appendix 5, Table 20 “Signposting to useful resources”. The Plan outlines how the government will deliver a clean and sustainable water supply, including delivering on its goals in the Environmental Improvement Plan 2023. The Climate Impacts Group will continue to engage in the development of South West Water’s Draft Water Resources Management Plan 2024, which is due to go out for its second consultation in October 2023. Repeated from a previous response to earlier feedback: Risk CIG27 is responded to by Natural Environment Action A1 to: “Develop a collaborative regional water strategy to manage water availability and safe treatment and disposal of waste water, including aquifer recharge, control over-extraction, increase the use of rainwater harvesting, reduce effluent discharge etc.” This action is under the Natural Environment Strategic Direction A “Support and actively improve the adaptive capacity of landscapes and habitats.” Risk CIG27 is also responded to by Infrastructure Action B1 “Develop joint strategies, research, and longer-term schemes with South West Water, Lead Local Flood Authority, and catchment partnerships to improve catchment management both for high flow areas at flood risk and protect low flow by reducing demand/drought impacts.” And B3 “Communicate behavioural change measures to reduce consumption of water and energy.” Both Action B1 and B3 are currently under Infrastructure Strategic Direction B – “Enhancing long term Infrastructure resilience through local stewardship.” |
| Section 3.2 and Appendix 5 | Incorporate more explicit connection between regional priorities, and development of strategies, and work being done nationally (for instance, that although South West Water is the water provider for the region, it is involved in national climate response that is not being headed by Devon). | We will update section 3.2 “Adaptation at the national level” which summarises the National Adaptation Programme (NAP) to reflect the latest NAP 3 which was published shortly after the consultation period and covers 2023 to 2028: “To create the conditions and capacity for everyone (policy makers, businesses, communities, and individuals) to act, several objectives have been set nationally, outlined in the National Adaptation Programme (Defra, 20 • • • • • • • • Infrastructure: Deliver a whole society approach to resilience, including commitments on resilience standards, as set out in the Resilience Framework. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) will drive investment in resilient water supply through the Plan for Water. The Department for Transport (DfT) will consult on a new transport adaptation strategy. • Natural environment: Defra will account for climate impacts in Local Nature Recovery Strategies and in the Environmental Land Management schemes design, to promote resilient land management and farming. Natural England will launch Six Nature Recovery Projects in 2023 and Defra will work with the Nature Recovery Network partners to identify and launch another 13 projects. • Health, communities and the built environment: The government will invest £5.2 billion in flood and coastal erosion schemes in England; the UK Health Security Agency will continue deploying the Adverse Weather & Health Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework will be updated to support both adaptation and mitigation efforts, further to recent updates to Building Regulations to reduce excess heat and unwanted solar gains in all new residential buildings. Upper tier local authorities will be provided with local climate projections. • Business and industry: The government will work with stakeholders to deliver the Green Finance Strategy 2023, including actions to protect the financial system from climate impacts and increase investment into adaptation. A new strategy on supply chains and imports, including improving resilience to threats from climate change will be published by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). DBT will also survey businesses to assess readiness for climate impacts and provide information and support to businesses on climate adaptation. • Adaptation Reporting Power: Thegovernment will consider expanding the scope of organisations which report, in particular on canals and reservoirs, health and social care, and food supply. New bodies will be invited to report, such as organisations in the food sector and local authority reporting will be piloted. • Supporting evidence: Defra will support research into adaptation needs and approaches, such as through contributing to a £15 million UK Research and Innovation/ Defra programme.” We will also update Appendix 5 – “Signposting to useful resources”, to include The Third National Adaptation Programme (NAP3) and the Fourth Strategy for Climate Adaptation Reporting, which has now been published (DEFRA, 2023). |
| Section 3.5.4 | These changes will require substantial resources, both financial and logistical. Therefore continue to urge the Government to consider providing additional support, funding, and technical assistance to ensure the successful implementation of these adaptation measures. | Repeated from responses to Q1, we will add in the following text: “In addition, The Third National Adaptation Programme (NAP3) and the Fourth Strategy for Climate Adaptation Reporting (2023) outlines a number of ways in which funding is being provided to regions and local authorities for climate adaptation, including through: • devolution deals, which Devon is currently negotiating, and Cornwall has completed; • funding for responsible authorities to lead the preparation of Local Nature Recovery Strategies; • the UK Shared Prosperity Fund; • Local Investment in Natural Capital Programme funding; • and through a pilot to strengthen Local Resilience Forums, as set out in the 2022 UK Government Resilience Framework. NAP3 also cites estimates that nationally adaptation investment for the risks and opportunities identified in CCRA3 could be as much as £10 billion per year nationally. The government will support collaboration over the next 5 years to address barriers to investment and the Climate Change Committee is anticipated to further identify adaptation investment needs for CCRA4 in 2027. The CIG will continue to monitor available funding streams and pursue opportunities to secure investment as they become available, whilst engaging with national government around the finance needed for the region to adapt.“ |
| The document is not concise or accessible enough, with clearer information needed regarding actions for individuals, families and communities. | Consideration to be given as to how the website can best present information targeted at stakeholder groups and be easily filtered according to interest. | |
| The reporting/feedback on progress must be innovative, eye catching, relevant and paint a really clear picture of progress or not as the case may be. There is a need to communicate and provide information, as well as work with local groups, including youth groups. | The website will continue to be developed and the strategy will be communicated in a targeted way to audiences through the partner organisations social media and newsletters as well as through face-to-face events, such as County Shows. | |
| Section 1.4 | Suggest rewording first sentence at (1.4) along lines of “The impacts of climate change and associated hazards (…) present direct threats to physical and mental health and indirect threats to health (through impacts on the building blocks of health, ie food, housing, employment, transport, green space). Would aim not to pitch rural against (‘versus’ sic) urban, certain rural settings, and certain urban settings will have differing vulnerabilities and differing vulnerable populations e.g. isolation, or urban heat effect, together with low income etc. (1.4) Some groups more likely to include vulnerable people are… (1.4), though people within these communities may also provide resilience and support to others. Trauma can affect any age group and not restricted to children, climate change may increase traumatising events, such as flooding and loss of homes, income, insurance, together with increased anxiety and inability to protect or move home (1.4). General wording may be improved in this section. | We will reword the first sentence of 1.4 to: “The impacts of climate change and associated hazards (e.g. heatwaves, floods, and droughts) present direct threats to physical and mental health and indirect threats to health (through impacts on the building blocks of health, i.e. food, housing, employment, transport, green space. |
| Section 1.3 | Add in reference to protected landscapes including National parks and AONBs into the snapshot of the region. | We will insert the following text in Section 1.3 “Snapshot of the DCIoS region” under the subheading “Land use”: “The DCIoS region has a number of protected landscapes, including two National Parks in Devon (Dartmoor and Exmoor) and seven Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs). The Cornwall AONB is made up of 12 separate geographical areas and covers approximately 27% of the County ( The National Association Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, 2023). Thirty-five percent of Devon’s land area is within Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks and five AONBs. There are also two World Heritage Sites (the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape and Jurassic Coast) as well as the North Devon Biosphere Reserve and Exmoor’s International Dark Skies Reserve. Whilst the Isles of Scilly are the smallest designated AONB in the UK, the islands boast diverse scenery. These valued landscapes are important for the communities living and working there, but also key attractions for the millions of visitors who come each year. They also play an important role in climate adaptation. “ |
| Section 1.4 | There is a need for an equality assessment of adaptation options. | Vulnerability is highly variable dependent on the specifics of the place, local population, hazard and intervention. Therefore, equality impact assessments will be prepared by organisations delivering local adaptation actions with regards to specific interventions.” Devon County Council has prepared an Impact Assessment of this Strategy, which is available at: https://www.devon.gov.uk/impact/climate-adaptation-strategy/ Cornwall Council has prepared and had approved a Cornwall Development & Decision Wheel for the Strategy, which includes consideration of equality and inclusion. |
| There should be a ‘climate resilience officer’ in every area or community – an experienced and passionate individual that is paid to raise awareness and signpost to the right organisations that can offer support and make changes. | Funding permitting this could be considered as part of the amended action HBEC3: “Develop materials and training to support in the establishment and operation of local Community Resilience Groups (or similar existing groups) and the development of community adaptation plans.” | |
| Need for more information on monitoring and evaluation. | This will be addressed by a previous response to earlier feedback. Add the following text: “Following the finalisation of the Adaptation Strategy the Climate Impacts Group will work to agree a monitoring, evaluation and reporting framework for the Action Plan and make this publicly available online.” | |
| Concern about the extent of preparedness for wildfires. | The strategy does include the following adaptation options in relation to wildfires: “NEX 7 Fire services to collaborate with land owners to access water storage in areas at risk of wildfires (e.g. moorlands).” “NEX 13 Fire services to increase the size or number of crews to tackle increased risk of wildfires.” “HBEA 1 Working with relevant agencies and our communities, develop a climate change awareness campaign to inform the public of the projected range of changes and their impacts alongside how we are adapting.” Repeated from an earlier response to feedback – Under Health and the built environment we will add in a risk: “Risks to people, communities and buildings from wildfires.” We will add the following document to Appendix 5 “Signposting to useful resources”: Parliamentary Office of Science & Technology (2019) Climate Change and UK Wildfire. |
Future Involvement of Respondents in the Strategy
Question 6. “How would you like to be involved with the Strategy in the future?”
Respondents were asked how they would like to be involved with the Adaptation Strategy in future. One hundred and thirty-four responses to this question were given. Table 7 shows the themes occurring in the feedback. Seventy-three percent of respondents expressed an interest in being involved in the strategy in some way in future, ranging from advising on measures, arranging local events, encouraging others to be more informed, becoming more informed about emergency events, engaging in their own organisational plans, implementing actions in the strategy, responding to future surveys and sharing their opinions at events and open meetings. The most frequent response, at thirty-two percent of responses, indicated that respondents would like to follow developments and to receive updates and be informed. Twenty-seven percent of respondents didn’t wish to be involved going forward.
| Categories of how people would like to be involved with the strategy in future | Number of responses | Percentage of responses (%) |
| Advise on measures | 16 | 12% |
| Arrange local events to spread awareness | 1 | 1% |
| At parish level, encourage other residents to inform themselves | 8 | 6% |
| Being informed of what to do in an emergency – drought, flooding, heat wave | 1 | 1% |
| Comment on their own companies plans | 2 | 2% |
| I will not be involved | 36 | 27% |
| I would follow developments, and like to receive updates and be informed | 43 | 32% |
| Implement as many actions as possible from the plan | 8 | 6% |
| Signed up for the monthly newsletter | 2 | 2% |
| Through surveys | 2 | 2% |
| To be listened to | 2 | 2% |
| Would attend discussions, town hall open meetings, conferences and events | 12 | 9% |
| Grand Total | 133 | 100% |
Some of the things respondents told us:
“It would be good for there to be a regular newsletter for the adaptation plan, including ways to get involved as things progress.”
“I am a Town Councillor, and so would like to be involved with helping my community prepare and reduce the risks to its residents.”
About the Respondents
Question 7. “Are you responding on behalf of yourself or an organisation?*”
Responses were received from 188 individuals, making up 88% of responses, but also from representatives of 26 organisations, accounting for 12% of responses.
Organisations
Question 8.a “Which organisation do you represent? For larger organisations please also list your department. *”
A variety of organisations responded and are listed below. These included environmental charities, community groups, local authorities including town and parish councils, bodies relating to protected landscapes in the region and the police.
| Bioregional Learning Centre |
| Blackdown Hills AONB |
| CarbonScope Consulting |
| Crediton COP26 Group |
| Devon & Cornwall Police |
| Devon County Council Climate Change Standing Overview Group |
| Devon Wildlife Trust |
| Exeter branch, Women’s Equality party |
| Exeter Quakers. |
| Exminster Parish Council |
| Exmoor National Park Authority |
| Great Torrington and District Community Development Trust |
| Heart of Devon Community Energy Limited |
| Kingsbridge Town Council |
| Naturally buzzin |
| North Devon Council |
| Plymouth City Council |
| Public Health Devon and Emergency Planning, Devon County Council |
| Seven Concerned Citizens |
| South Hams District Council |
| Standing Overview Group of the Corporate Infrastructure and Regulatory Services Scrutiny Committee , Devon County Council |
| Sustainable Harbourne Valley, part of Sustainable South Hams |
| Sustainable South Brent |
| Torbay Council, Strategy and Project Delivery Team (Planning and Transport) |
| Transition Town Totnes |
| West Devon Borough Council |
Question 8.b “What type of organisation are you responding on behalf of?”
Local Authorities were the most common type of organisation to respond; only two businesses and two social enterprises responded. This underlines the need for further future engagement with the business sector going forward. Those who answered “Other” included an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a political party and a campaign group, Table 8.
| Type of organisation | Number of responses |
| A business | 2 |
| A charity | 5 |
| A community group | 1 |
| A faith group | 1 |
| A local authority | 8 |
| A public sector organisation which is not a local authority | 3 |
| A social enterprise | 2 |
| Other/multiple | 3 |
| (blank) | |
| Grand Total | 25 |
Table 8 What type of organisation are you responding on behalf of?
Question 8.c “How many people are in the organisation you are representing?*.”
Only three organisation who responded represented more than 5000 people. Most represented fewer than 250 people, as can be seen in Figure 1.
Figure 1. How many people are in the organisation you are representing?
Question 8.d “Please select the first part of your organisation’s postcode from the list.”
Of the organisations which responded to the consultation, none provided an address from Cornwall or the Isles of Scilly. The organisations were scattered across Devon, with a few postcodes with higher response rates around Exeter and in the South Hams TQ9 postcode. Again this strengthens the case for concerted business engagement in future around adaptation in the region.
Figure 2 Organisations who responded by postcode
Question 8.e “Is your organisation based within a national park?”
Twenty-one organisations answered this question, of which sixteen were not in a National Park, three were based in Dartmoor National Park and two in Exmoor.
Individuals
Question 9.a “Please select the answer which best represents your connection to Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly (you can select multiple answers). *”
Most respondents (181) live in Devon, Cornwall or the Isles of Scilly, Figure 3. However, a minority (5) regularly visit but do not live in the area. Sixty people said they work in the area.
Figure 3. Q9.a Please select the answer which best represents your connection to Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly (you can select multiple answers).
Question 9.b “Do you live within a National Park in Devon?”
One hundred and eighty-six individuals answered this question, of which fifteen were based in Dartmoor National Park and four in Exmoor.
| Response options | Number of responses | Percentage of responses |
| Don’t know | 2 | 1% |
| No | 165 | 89% |
| Yes, Dartmoor National Park | 15 | 8% |
| Yes, Exmoor National Park | 4 | 2% |
| Grand Total | 186 | 100% |
Table 9. Q8.e Do you live within a national park?
Question 9.c “Please select the first part of your postcode from the list.”
Responses were not received from all postcodes within the region. However, overall a good geographical spread was achieved, Figure 4. Although, a greater number of responses were received from within Devon compared to Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. This might be expected though, given that the population of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly combined (Cornwall – 570,300 people, ONS, 2021; Isles of Scilly 2,100 people, ONS, 2021) are roughly half the population of Devon (1,218,440 including Plymouth and Torbay).
Figure 4. Q9.c Map of number of respondents by post code , the Isles of Scilly are pictured inside the orange bordered box.
Question 9.d “Which age band are you in? (please select one option only)”
Younger age groups were underrepresented in responses. For example, 25-34 year olds ought to account for just over 10% of responses to reflect the proportion of this age group in the wider population (ONS,2021). Whereas 2% of responses came from individuals who answered that they were in this age band. In future, different strategies may be needed to engage younger sections of society.
Figure 5. Q9.d Which age band are you in?
Question 9.e “Please select the gender you identify with”
Respondents identifying as male accounted for 49%, with 38% of respondents identifying as female, 2% as non-binary, 1% as other and 9% preferred not to say.
Figure 6. Q9.e Please select the gender you identify with
Question 9.f “How would you describe your ethnic origin?”
The proportion of responses from individuals describing their ethnic origin as mixed heritage were in line with the proportion of the wider population who identify as such (ONS, 2022). However, no responses were received from individuals who described themselves as Arab/British Arab, Asian/British Asian, Black/Black British, Gypsy/Traveller/Roma or White – Irish.
A high proportion of individuals who ‘prefer not to say’ might account for why the percentage of responses from individuals who describe themselves as White – English, Welsh, Scottish, Northern Irish / British or White – Other were below the proportion we might expect based on the wider population of the South West.
| Response options | Number of responses | Percentage(%) of responses | South West Percentage (%) Figure 2021 (ONS, 2022) |
| Mixed Heritage | 4 | 2% | 2% |
| Other/ self describe: | 7 | 4% | 0.9% |
| Prefer not to say | 26 | 14% | N/A |
| White – English, Welsh, Scottish, Northern Irish / British | 147 | 77% | 87.8% |
| White – Other | 6 | 3% | 5.3% |
| Grand Total | 190 | 100% |
Your Views on Climate Change
Question 10. “How concerned are you about climate change?”
Sixty-nine percent of respondents were either extremely concerned or very concerned about climate change, with a further seven percent slightly concerned. In comparison, twenty-three percent were not concerned at all. For context, a 2019 Ipsos poll recorded eighty-five percent of Britons as concerned about climate change, with fifty-two percent very concerned (Ipsos, 2019).
Figure 7. Q10. How concerned are you about climate change?
Question 11. “Is climate change more or less important to you than it was two years ago?”
Forty-nine percent of respondents said that climate change was more important to them than two years ago, thirty-three percent said it was about the same and seventeen percent said it was less important too them, Figure 8.
When compared with responses to the same question from a consultation just in Devon in 2021, with 1322 responses, it appears that a greater proportion of respondents to the 2023 poll say climate change is much less important to them and fewer respondents have said that climate change is more important to them. However, the geography of the consultations were different and the number of respondents different.
Figure 8. Q11. Is climate change more or less important to you than it was two years ago?
Question 12. Do you or your organisation recognise climate change as a risk/opportunity?
Just over a third of respondents recognised climate change as a risk. Whereas almost two-fifths of respondents considered it both a risk and an opportunity. Only four percent saw it just as an opportunity and twenty-two percent saw it as neither a risk nor an opportunity.
Figure 9. Q12. Do you or your organisation recognise climate change as a risk/opportunity?
Question 13. Have you or your organisation felt the effects of climate change already?
Over double the number of people said they or their organisation had felt the effects of climate change already (69%) than said no they hadn’t (25%), Figure 10. Six percent said they didn’t know if they had.
Figure 10. Q13. Have you or your organisation felt the effects of climate change already?
If yes, respondents were asked to provide an example of how their organisation has felt the effects of climate change. Responses were categorised and are summarised in Table 18.
Heatwaves/drought/excess heat was the most common category of impact reported, followed by extreme weather, unpredictable/changing weather and increasing concerns about health.
| Category of effects of climate change on individuals and organisations | Count |
| Changing food prices on different items | 6 |
| Climate induced transport disruptions | 2 |
| Extreme weather | 24 |
| Flooding | 10 |
| Heatwaves/drought/excess heat | 35 |
| Heavy rainfall/storms causing destruction to land and infrastructure | 7 |
| Impact on wildlife | 8 |
| Increasing concerns about health | 14 |
| Increasing need for water storage | 5 |
| Polluted water due to stronger rainfall and poor water management | 3 |
| Seeing the increasing retreat rate of glaciers | 1 |
| Solar radiation management | 1 |
| The climate crisis is exaggerated | 13 |
| Unpredictable/changing weather | 15 |
| Grand Total | 144 |
Question 14. Which climate risks are you or your organisation most concerned about?
Respondents were asked which climate risks they, or the organisation they represent, were most concerned about. These responses were then categorised and the number of responses by category calculated. A wide range of risks were raised as of concern, with twenty-three percent of respondents indicating they were concerned about all of the risks of climate change. Although fifteen percent of responses stated they weren’t worried about any of the risks of climate change. Risks relating to social disruption – food shortage, increased migration to the UK, war, public fear were also prominent, accounting for thirteen percent of responses.
| Categories of responses given | Number of responses | Percentage of responses (%) |
| All | 40 | 23% |
| Biodiversity loss | 6 | 3% |
| Coastal, fluvial and surface flooding | 9 | 5% |
| Compromised food supply | 12 | 7% |
| Drought – impacting wildfires, food production, wildlife etc | 6 | 3% |
| Erratic weather patterns | 13 | 7% |
| Loss of green spaces | 1 | 1% |
| None | 26 | 15% |
| Planet being overall unhabitable | 7 | 4% |
| Rapid climate change – increasing positive feedback loops along with new ones | 4 | 2% |
| Reaching tipping points | 1 | 1% |
| Sea and air temperature rise | 7 | 4% |
| Sea level rise | 4 | 2% |
| Social disruption – food shortage, increased migration to the UK, war, public fear | 23 | 13% |
| There is no climate crisis | 2 | 1% |
| Threat to our health from heat, drought, zoonotic disease, depression and anxiety | 3 | 2% |
| Threatened species population | 4 | 2% |
| Water and air pollution | 3 | 2% |
| Water shortage | 5 | 3% |
| Total | 176 | 100% |
Keeping in Touch
Question 15. How did you hear about this consultation?
Despite spending on paid print and social media advertising, community newsletters were the most frequently reported method through which respondents had hear about the consultation. This was followed by other, word of mouth, Facebook and website, Table 20.
| Response options | Number of responses |
| Newspaper advert | 6 |
| Community newsletter | 54 |
| Word of mouth | 38 |
| Radio advert | 4 |
| YouTube | 5 |
| 1 | |
| Website | 17 |
| 1 | |
| 28 | |
| 3 | |
| Other (please elaborate in the textbox below.) | 53 |
If respondents replied ‘other’ to question 15 ‘How did you hear about the consultation?’ they were asked to provide further information about the means through which they learnt of the consultation. These answers were then categorised, Table 21. The most frequent response was through a newsletter other than the Devon Climate Emergency newsletter.
| Responses given | Number of responses | Percentage of responses |
| Climate Impacts Group | 2 | 4% |
| Community group | 4 | 7% |
| Devon Climate Emergency (DCE) newsletter | 9 | 16% |
| DCE partners | 4 | 7% |
| From a council | 3 | 5% |
| Manual search | 1 | 2% |
| Other newsletter/email | 31 | 54% |
| Other website | 1 | 2% |
| 2 | 4% | |
| Grand Total | 57 | 100% |
Question 16. Would you like to receive the monthly climate newsletter from your area’s climate partnership?
Respondents were asked if they wanted to join one of the region’s climate partnership newsletters. Ninety-seven opted to join the Devon Climate Emergency newsletter, with eight opting to join the Carbon Neutral Cornwall newsletter. The Isles of Scilly don’t have a specific newsletter regarding action on climate change, however the relevant webpages and social media links where individuals could stay updated were signposted to.
| Response options | Number of responses |
| No | 92 |
| Yes, add me to the Carbon Neutral Cornwall newsletter | 8 |
| Yes, add me to the Devon Climate Emergency newsletter | 97 |
| Grand Total | 197 |
Next Steps
Your responses will be used to redraft the Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Climate Adaptation Strategy, as described in this document. An amended Strategy will be published in Winter 2023/24.
In the meantime, the members of the CIG will continue to take action on climate change.
How you can stay up to date:
- Updates regarding the strategy will be published on climateresilient-dcios.org.uk.
- View the latest minutes of the CIG on the Devon Climate Emergency website.
- For Devon follow Devon Climate Emergency on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, and subscribe to their free monthly newsletter.
- For Cornwall see the Carbon Neutral Cornwall Hive , subscribe to the Carbon Neutral Cornwall newsletter and follow Cornwall Council on Facebook and Twitter.
- For the Isles of Scilly, see the latest information on Climate Adaptation on the Council of the Isles of Scilly website and follow their Facebook page.
- For individual member organisations of the Climate Impacts Group please see their websites and social media.
References
Climate Change Committee, (2021). Independent Assessment of UK Climate Risk. Available at: https://www.theccc.org.uk/publication/independent-assessment-of-uk-climate-risk/ [Accessed 17 Jan. 2023]
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Defra, (2023) The Third National Adaptation Programme (NAP3) and the Fourth Strategy for Climate Adaptation Reporting. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/third-national-adaptation-programme-nap3 – The%20third%20National%20Adaptation%20Programme%20(NAP3)%20and%20the%20fourth%20strategy%20for%20climate%20adaptation%20reporting%20(with%20correction%20slip) [Accessed 9th August 2023]
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