This is the fourth in a series of reports which the Climate Change Committee (CCC) commissioned CAG Consultants to produce, to explore the role of UK local authorities in responding to climate change.
This fourth report highlights where local mitigation and adaptation actions work well together, and where additional considerations may be required. It explores opportunities for local authorities to integrate mitigation and adaptation actions across key sectors including buildings, transport, electricity supply, agriculture and land use, waste, and industry, alongside cross-cutting themes such as planning, governance, finance, skills, data, and community engagement.
Please note, this report does not include all the key mitigation and adaptation actions required and should not be used as a checklist for climate actions by local authorities. It should be read alongside the other reports (listed below), which contain the main lists of priority actions in reducing emissions and in adapting to climate risks. This report is intended as an accompanying guide to highlight local authority climate actions that deliver mitigation and adaptation synergies and those that require careful consideration around potential trade-offs.
This report reflects the views of CAG Consultants, and does not represent the views of the CCC.
The previous three reports from CAG Consultants are available to read below:
- Duties and Powers for Local Authorities in the UK to Adapt to Climate Change – this report outlines the legal framework for local climate adaptation across the four UK nations.
- The Role of UK Local Authorities in Climate Adaptation – this report explores the role of local authorities and the practical actions they can take for each adaptation system. It identifies the key drivers of and barriers to successful local climate adaptation.
- Local Authorities and the Seventh Carbon Budget – this report focuses on mitigation and outlines the role of local authorities in delivering the Seventh Carbon Budget across key emissions sectors in the UK (buildings, transport, electricity supply, agriculture and land use, waste and industry).
Key messages
- In many cases, climate mitigation and adaptation should be planned together, rather than treated as separate activities, to achieve better outcomes and avoid costly future retrofits or repairs.
- Good local plans, joined-up governance, shared data, coordinated investment, outcomes-focused procurement, skills development and effective community engagement can leverage adaptation-mitigation synergies and improve value for money.
- Many mitigation actions, especially in relation to buildings decarbonisation and land use (such as woodland creation and peatland restoration) can also support adaptation objectives including reducing overheating, flood risk, and drought impacts.
- Climate risks should be considered when designing and delivering mitigation measures so that new infrastructure, buildings, and systems remain effective under future climate conditions.
