Climate change is already affecting the UK and will continue to impact Colchester.
We are likely to see:
- Hotter, drier summers: The number of days above 25°C could increase by 25% by 2050 compared to recent years. When rainfall does occur, it may be heavier, increasing the risk of flooding.
- Warmer, wetter winters: Winter rainfall in Colchester is projected to increase by 5% to 16% compared to recent years.
To respond to these changes, we focus on climate risks and hazards, mitigation, and adaptation.
Climate risks and hazards
Climate hazards are physical events caused or intensified by climate change. These include extreme heat, heavy rainfall, storms, droughts and rising sea levels.
Climate risks are the impacts those hazards have on people, buildings, infrastructure, the economy and the natural environment.
In simple terms:
- Hazard = the event
- Risk = the damage or consequences the event can cause
Examples of climate hazards
- Extreme heatwaves
- Heavy rainfall and flash flooding
- River or coastal flooding
- Storms and high winds
- Drought and water shortages
- Wildfires
- Sea-level rise
- Cold snaps and snow
Examples of climate risks
- Damage to homes and buildings
- Health impacts from heat or poor air quality
- Disruption to transport networks
- Water supply shortages during drought
- Crop failure and impacts on food production
- Business disruption and economic losses
- Damage to habitats and wildlife
As a society, we need to work together to reduce risks and build resilience.
Climate mitigation
Climate mitigation means taking action to reduce or prevent the causes of climate change. This usually involves lowering greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide and methane.
Mitigation tackles the source of the problem so future climate change is less severe.
Examples of climate mitigation
- Switching from fossil fuels to renewable energy
- Improving energy efficiency in homes and buildings
- Reducing waste and increasing reuse and recycling
- Protecting and restoring nature
- Using public transport, walking, cycling or electric vehicles
Climate adaptation and resilience
Climate adaptation means changing how we live, work and design our surroundings so we can cope with the effects of climate change.
Adaptation reduces the risks we face and helps build long-term resilience.
Examples of climate adaptation
- Installing shading or cooling measures in buildings
- Using flood protection measures such as barriers and flood-resistant doors
- Increasing green space to absorb heavy rainfall
- Planting trees to provide shade and reduce heat
Our action plans
Colchester City Council continuously reviews climate risks and uses this information to guide how we reduce emissions and adapt to change.
We produce regular action plans and reports to ensure we are developing mitigation and adaptation measures.
Email us to request a copy of our:
- Climate Emergency Action Plan
- Biodiversity Action Plan
- Greenhouse Gas Report
If you have suggestions for future projects, email sustainability.team@colchester.gov.uk.