The adaptation framework, pictured in Figure 4 below, provides the overarching structure of better practice actions, tools and outputs involved in a comprehensive response to adaptation. This framework consists of two main stages: climate risk and vulnerability assessment and climate adaptation planning. We have highlighted in Figure 4 which specific components of this better practice framework have been covered in this Project and to what extent.

The framework is based on the following:

The ICLEI Changing Climate, Changing Communities: Guide and Workbook for Municipal Climate Adaptation is a compendium of resources that provide a milestone based framework to assist local governments in the creation of adaptation plans to address the relevant climate change impacts associated with their communities. This milestone-based framework is considered as leading practice in adaptation. We have added to this framework for the purposes of this Project – drawing out and adding vulnerability and embedding actions as required in each of the five steps of: (1) initiation, (2) research and modelling, (3) planning, (4) implementation and (5) monitoring and review.

Although climate change adaptation is a complex process, this stepped framework provides a methodology for adaptation planning. It should be noted that although presented sequentially, the milestone framework is not necessarily linear; rather, it can be an iterative process and also councils can, and have been found, commencing their adaptation process at any step. There is no singular way to approach climate adaptation, by definition it requires a response to local impacts, and as such any plan must be tailored to a council and its community. The ICLEI Guide and Workbook are particularly recommended for councils wanting to make a start as it contains more than seventeen practical tools to guide each adaptation step. Likewise, the UKCIP Adaptation Wizard provides a framework and resources needed to prepare an adaptation strategy. It is a practical guide on how to adapt, taking organisations through a very similar five step process.

Figure 4: Climate Risk and Adaptation Planning Framework:

Phase One of the Project focused on the first stage of this milestone framework - climate risk and vulnerability assessment.

The findings and recommendations presented in this report address or partially address the actions in Initiate (step 1) and Research and Modelling (step 2). This connection is illustrated in the diagram below:

Figure 5: Relationship between project stages and adaptation framework

Table 3 below details the elements of the Adaptation Framework that have been addressed through Phase One activities of the project:

Table 3: Alignment of project stages to the first section of the adaptation framework