PI2C Develop an initial adaptation strategy and action plan

For many organisations, an initial adaptation strategy and action plan can act as a catalyst for raising awareness and resourcing further adaptation work. At this stage, the focus is will mostly be on setting strategic objectives and capacity building initiatives.

Sub tasks:

Define the scope of the initial adaptation strategy/ action plan. Options include developing a high level strategy covering the whole organisation or focusing on a specific service/ project. If there is currently limited support or governance for adaptation, then consider developing a light-touch strategy/plan that can be implemented to help build support and momentum for further adaptation activities. Conversely, if there is already significant organisational support, resourcing and buy-in then it may be possible to create a more detailed strategy/plan at this stage which capitalises on current organisational culture and assets.

Communicate the case for adaptation – the initial adaptation strategy/ plan is an important engagement and awareness raising document and should include a section setting out the need for adaptation and benefits for the organisation. Include key facts about climate trends, projections and impacts for your organisation (UC1A ‘Learn about climate trends and projections’, UC1B ‘Learn about climate impacts affecting Scotland’ and UC2C ‘Explore the impact of recent weather events on your organisation’). Explain how adaptation will benefit your organisation including any links to wider organisational strategic priorities and outcomes (OC1A ‘Examine the Structure & Priorities of your Organisation’).

Set out the long term vision/ outcomes/objectives that you have developed to guide your organisations approach to adaptation (PI2A ‘Define strategic adaptation goals, outcomes and/or vision’). Describe how the actions in this initial plan are the starting point of a longer term process of adapting to climate change.

Provide details of the adaptation actions that have been agreed by your organisation (PI2B ‘Identify a range of potential adaptation options’). Describe each action and specify an action owner and deadline date. Ensure that you include details of monitoring, evaluation and review of the actions and strategy/ plan.

Where there is a long list of potential actions, a basic action appraisal process may be beneficial. The appraisal process will help you to prioritise the actions by scoring them against criteria such as 1) potential to reduce climate risk, 2) contribution to climate justice and 3) level of organisational buy in.

Set out governance arrangements explaining who is responsible for implementation and oversight of the strategy/ plan.

Use the publication of the action/plan strategy to build further awareness and support for implementation. Infographics can be used to clearly communicate key facts/messages contained within the strategy/ plan. A briefing for senior leaders will also be important..

Resources:

University of the West of Scotland Adaptation Plan

University of Glasgow Climate Adaptation Plan

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