Climate adaptation
Adapting to a changing climate in South Oxfordshire
The Met Office climate projections show an increased likelihood of:
- warmer, wetter winters
- hotter, drier summers
- increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather.
South Oxfordshire is increasingly feeling the effects of climate change, with more rainfall and regular storms resulting in flooding and subsequent damage and disruption.
Summers are getting hotter with extreme temperatures affecting crops, wildlife and putting the health of vulnerable people at risk. The heat and inconsistent rainfall can lead to potential water shortages.
Adapting to climate change
Adaptation to our changing weather to help build resilience among our communities is a one of the five themes for action in our new Nature and Climate Action Plan. The plan looks at “how the council can ensure our services are resilient to a changing climate and how we can support our residents and community to adapt to the extremes of a changing climate.”
The council has developed forward-looking planning policies on climate change in the emerging Joint Local Plan. This includes Policy CE1 Sustainable design and construction which addresses adaptation, as follows:
“All new development should be designed to improve resilience to the anticipated effects of climate change. Proposals should incorporate measures that address issues of adaptation to climate change taking account of best practice. These include resilience to extreme weather, including increasing temperatures and wind speeds, droughts, heavy rainfall and snowfall events and the need for water conservation and storage.”
Examples of climate adaptation in South Oxfordshire include:
- flood alleviation schemes and flood defences eg a natural flood management scheme to reduce the flood risk for those living downstream in Wheatley (see pic below)
- setting up flooding and weather alerts for storms or heatwaves
- promoting ‘cool spaces’ and advice during times of extreme heat
More information for individuals and businesses
We are working in partnership to make the district more resilient to a changing climate. Further details can be found in Oxfordshire Council Council’s Climate Vulnerability Assessment, and the Climate Change Adaptation Route Map for Oxfordshire 2025-30.
The UK Climate Impact Programme has developed an Adaptation Wizard. This is to help your organisation adapt to climate change. It’s also a guide to useful information, tools and resources.
Check your risk? Is your area at risk from different types of flooding.
Check your postcode: Is your area vulnerable to extreme heat?
Contact us - Climate and Biodiversity Team
South Oxfordshire District Council
Abbey House
Abbey Close
Abingdon
OX14 3JE
