‘Adapt to the Climate’ Event – What

Background Note 3 – What can we do?

1. Home Adaptations

Flood Resilience:

Flood Barriers: Install flood barriers or gates for doors, air bricks, and windows to protect against rising water.

Raised Electrical Systems:

Raise electrical sockets, fuse boxes, and wiring to a higher level to avoid damage.

Waterproofing:

Use water-resistant materials for flooring and walls in ground-floor rooms.

Drainage Systems:

Ensure that your property has adequate drainage systems to prevent water from pooling near the foundation.

Heat Mitigation:

Insulation:

Improve insulation to maintain a stable indoor temperature, keeping homes cool during heat waves.

Shading:

Install external shading devices like awnings, shutters, or reflective window film to reduce heat gain. Solar shading panels are made by a company in Havant and reflective roof tiles can reduce indoor temperature by up to 30%.

Green Roofs and Walls:

Plant green roofs and walls to absorb heat and provide insulation.

Ventilation:

Improve natural ventilation by installing vents or designing layouts that promote airflow to keep homes cool.

2. Garden Adaptations:

Drought-Resistant Landscaping:

Native Plants – use drought-resistant and native plants that require less water and are adapted to the local climate.

Mulching – apply mulch to beds to retain soil moisture and reduce the need for watering. Plants do not need daily watering – a once a week drenching is more effective.

Rain Gardens – create rain gardens to absorb and filter rainwater, reducing runoff and improving water management. Instructions at: https://www.wwt.org.uk/discover-wetlands/gardening-for-wetlands/howto-make-a-rain-garden

Water Conservation – rainwater harvesting: Install rainwater harvesting systems to collect and store rainwater for garden use.

Drip Irrigation – use drip irrigation systems to deliver water directly to plant roots, reducing water waste.

Windbreaks and Shelter:

Hedgerows and Trees – plant hedgerows or trees to act as windbreaks, reducing wind speed and protecting plants and structures.

Permeable Surfaces: use permeable paving materials for paths and driveways to allow rainwater to soak into the ground, reducing surface runoff. Southern Water offers rebates for digging up concrete driveways and replacing them with permeable surfaces.

3. Community and Local Area Adaptations:

Flood Risk Management:

Community Flood Plans – develop community flood response plans, including the identification of vulnerable areas and evacuation routes.

Wetlands Restoration

Support local initiatives to restore or create wetlands and floodplains that can absorb excess rainwater.

Green Infrastructure

Tree Planting – increase tree planting in communal areas to provide shade, reduce heat, and improve air quality.

Community Gardens

– establish community gardens that use sustainable practices, such as rainwater harvesting and organic gardening, to improve local food security and resilience.

4. Emergency Preparedness:

Community Networks – build strong community networks to support each other during extreme weather events, sharing resources and information.

Local Climate Action Groups – join or form local climate action groups to advocate for resilience planning and support adaptation projects.

5. Education and Awareness:

Workshops and Training

Organise workshops to educate residents on sustainable gardening, flood prevention, and energy efficiency.

Public Information Campaigns

Run local campaigns to raise awareness of climate risks and encourage proactive adaptation.

By implementing these strategies, householders and communities can better withstand the impacts of climate change, from extreme heat and drought to increased flooding and storms.

This information note was prepared by Colin McKenna, Chair of Chichester Climate Change

Group, 22nd August 2024