Stafford Borough Council is pledging support to businesses who are planning measures to adapt to climate change.
The local authority has drawn up a forward-looking Climate Change Adaptation Strategy – the first of its kind in the West Midlands – which highlights ways of building resilience while working to achieve net zero.
The climate risks that are projected to increase across the region are hotter, drier summers, warmer, wetter winters, and increases in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events.
Firms may feel the impacts of these changes through the flooding of their premises, a reduction in productivity during heat waves, or damage to infrastructure during periods of high winds.
“The implementation of our Adaptation Strategy is aimed at having a positive influence on businesses in the Borough,” said Eleanor Warren, Corporate Climate Change Lead.
“We have identified providing support to businesses who are looking to deliver climate adaptation as an action.
“This will be done through the delivery of communications campaigns, signposting to relevant resources and funding opportunities, and continued collaboration with our partners in the business communities.
“As climate risks change across the region, we will work to ensure communities and businesses remain aware of the potential impacts, enabling the necessary preparations to be made.”
Business owners are urged to read the document “Weathering the Storm” (Weathering the Storm – Sustainability West Midlands), published by partner organisation Sustainability West Midlands.
Steps that can be taken to adapt include modifying premises to be less vulnerable to floods, safeguarding infrastructure such as plumbing and heating and diversifying supply networks.
The Council welcomes feedback from businesses who are interested in climate change adaptation. To discuss further, email [email protected].
