Climate Adaptation: A National Wake-Up Call and a Local Opportunity

Britain’s warmest May Day on record was more than just a meteorological milestone-it was an environmental, social and political wake-up call!  The Climate Change Committee’s (CCC) latest climate adaptation progress report was published in the same week. Its focus is deeply entangled with the May Day election results. Climate adaptation is a national wake up call and a local opportunity.

The majority of people are worried about climate change and want government action
Rachel Brisley from IPSOS recently wrote a Post analysing Ipsos data on the public’s view on climate action called; ‘The public wants more action too’. Rachel reports that 72% of Britons are concerned about climate impacts, a figure that has risen steadily in recent years. However, only 25% believe the government has a clear plan to address these risks. 

“It’s the economy stupid“
In a report funded by Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF)  titled ‘Addressing Key Voter’s Economic Insecurity is Vital for All Parties’ the Nuffield Politics Research Centre show that:
* Around 18.5 million adults in Great Britain feel economically insecure, equivalent to around 35% of the eligible British voting population. 
* Approximately 8.9 million of these are in the 35–59 mid-life group. 
* The economically insecure are evenly spread in their political choices and more electorally volatile in mid-life. 

Since July 2024, vote switching has been higher among those in mid-life who are economically insecure (35% have changed their vote intention) compared to those who are secure (28% have changed their vote intention).

The climate crisis is inextricably linked to the economy
The CCC report shows that these two agenda’s are not only connected by public concern but also by cause and effect. The report is blunt: the UK’s preparations for climate risks are “inadequate.” The CCC warns that without urgent, coordinated action, the UK faces threats to infrastructure, food security, economic growth, and even lives due to flooding and extreme heat. 

In the last few years we’ve had farmland underwater for long periods, the second worst recorded harvest ever, heat waves causing 3,000 deaths, unprecedented levels of wildfires causing emergency services to reach breaking point.

Over half of our top quality agricultural land, one third of railway and road and 6.3 million properties are at risk of flooding. 

The CCC estimates that if we don’t act, climate change could impact UK economic output by up to 7% of GDP (2024 GDP was around £2.56 Trillion) by 2050. 

Climate change is not fair
There is a further layer of complexity to consider in that climate change does not affect everyone equally. In a review of climate change inequalities research, Zahnow et al found there to be ‘a disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable groups and inequitable access to climate change initiatives’, .e.g. people with low incomes living in areas more likely to be flooded and less able to afford to adopt low carbon technologies. 

“May Day“
May Day is known as the international distress signal. On May Day in 2025, the public expressed their concerns with their vote. We are standing at a crossroads. 

The evidence shows us that climate change and the economy are inextricably linked and that climate change will compound pre-existing inequalities, i.e. the negative impact of climate change will be worse for people who are most economically insecure. 

It is imperative that we recognise and respond to the relationship between climate change, economic insecurity and inequality by integrating climate, economic and equality narrative,  policy, and place-based action.  Climate adaptation and mitigation goals must go hand-in hand with strategies for economic security and with a focus on improving the quality of life and opportunities for people and communities where there is more economically insecurity. 

The message from the data, the experts, and the public is clear: the time for bold, coordinated and integrated economic and climate action which has a tangible and positive impact on the most economically insecure communities is now.

Local action, part of the solution.  
At The Green Estate CIC, we have always believed in the power of place-based action. Our work transforming 42 hectares of derelict land in Sheffield into thriving parklands, meadows, and sustainable urban drainage systems shows what’s possible when local communities, nature, and innovation come together.

The CCC report’s findings reinforce the importance of local leadership and practical solutions:
Our work -such as the award-winning Pictorial Meadows, sustainable drainage in Manor Fields Park, and peat-free compost production-are living demonstrations of climate adaptation in action. We are proud to be recognised by the King and British Chambers nationally for our green innovation, but we know there is much more to do.

At The Green Estate CIC, we are ready to share our expertise and work with partners to deliver the step-change in adaptation that the UK needs. Our experience shows that investing in green infrastructure, biodiversity, and resilient landscapes not only protects against climate risks but also creates healthier, more vibrant communities and has a positive economic impact. 

Join us in adapting and building a resilient future
Climate change is here now. The CCC’s report is a stark reminder that delay will only increase costs and risks. Climate adaptation is a national wake up call and a local opportunity which we want to realise for the benefit of our local communities and beyond.

Linked to the results of the South Yorkshire Climate Assembly, we have recently been awarded support from South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority to explore the potential for developing a national demonstrator of Urban Resilience.

We are also part of the Yorkshire and Humber Policy Innovation Partnership bringing communities, researchers and policy makers together to instigate positive and systemic change through place-based demonstration and action. 

In the next 18 months we will be exploring what place-based urban resilience means with our local communities and stakeholders and we will be hosting a series of showcases and masterclasses being delivered with partners over the next two years. 

The first event will be part of the Festival of Debate and will focus on growing resilience in the built and natural environment on 15 May 2025. Email: [email protected] for a ticket.

The next event will be our Marvellous Meadows open day on 6 July 2025 – watch this space for further info. 

We invite everyone-policy makers, businesses, community groups, and citizens-to visit, learn, and collaborate with us.

Find out more about our mission and work and how to get involved on our website, connect with us on our social channels or get in touch via [email protected]