Adapting to a Changing Climate

In 2003 the South West Climate Change Impacts Partnership (now called Climate South West) produced the scoping study ‘Warming to the Idea'. Based on the UK climate scenarios, the study identifies the possible impacts of climate change in the South West across such areas as the
natural environment, society, infrastructure, economy and tourism.

These changes in climate and the increased frequency of extreme and erratic weather will directly and indirectly affect tourism, and this will need adequate consideration in both regional and local development and planning. The impacts will present both challenges and opportunities in varying degrees across the region depending on the business location, type and its vulnerability.

Would you like get involved with Climate South West?  

Climate South West's Tourism Sector Group is looking for new business representatives to attend meetings and provide input into their activities.  

The group aims to identify, develop, and promote opportunities for tourism in the region to become resilient to the impacts of climate change.

If you are interested in finding out more, please contact Emma Whittlesea, who is chair of the group. Email: ewhittlesea@swtourism.org.uk 
To find out more visit www.oursouthwest.com/climate.  

Resources

The resources below offer more information about the projected climate changes and how tourism businesses can adapt.

• Changing Climate, Changing Business 
  This easy to watch film (below), produced for Climate South West and South West Tourism, highlights some of the key problems presented by our changing climate and showcases how South West tourism businesses are taking measures to adapt.
  
  Including top tips on how to identify the potential risks to your business, this film acts as a useful guide to help plan and adapt for the changes ahead.

To watch the edited 6 minute version on You Tube, click here.

Hard copies of the DVD are available at a cost of £15 plus VAT each (including P&P). Send a purchase order or cheque for the 'Changing Climate - Changing Business' DVD to us at:

South West Tourism 
Sterling House 
Dix's Field 
Exeter 
EX1 1QA

DVD Booklet                                                                 DVD Cover 

• Case Studies 
  Climate South West have produced a series of case studies on South West businesses that are taking actions to combat climate change (some of which are featured in the above video). To view the case studies on their website, click here.

• Prepare for Climate Change - Information for Tourism Businesses in the South West (2009) 
  This leaflet contains information and top tips on how you can prepare your business for a changing climate.

• www.climateprepared.com 
  Visit this website to access a practical and interactive toolkit, which highlights examples of how your business might be affected, practical actions that you can take, and where to go for further information and support. The checklist also provides you with a personalised summary to help you plan and take action.

• Adaptation Checklist for Tourism Businesses (2007) 
  This adaptation checklist for tourism businesses explains how climate change could affect your business and offers tips on how you can be prepared.

• Flooding: minimising the risk (2008)  
  The Environment Agency has produced a pack for campsites and caravan parks, which gives practical advice on minimising the impact of flooding and keeping your visitors safe in the event of a flood.
  
  To receive a hard copy, please email:
  helen.gittins@environment-agency.gov.uk

• Prepare your property for Flooding 
  This leaflet shows the steps you can take to increase your businesses resilience to flooding. Although it's impossible to completely flood-proof your premises, there are things you can do to reduce the damage flooding can cause - meaning  the cost of cleaning up is less and you can be back open for business far more quickly.
  
  To find out if you are at risk of flooding and what flood warning service is available in your area call Floodline on 0845 988 1188*.
  
  *BT calls cost up to 2p/min plus 6p set-up fee from your home.
  Other providers and mobiles may vary.

• If you're looking for advice and resources on how you can make your business more sustainable, visit our Save Money - Go Green page.