New risk assessment enables better understanding of the effect of climate change on communities

The British Red Cross has been working with AtkinsRéalis to develop a new climate risk assessment to prepare for the impact of climate change better than ever before. Ellie Murtagh and Katie Andrews from the British Red Cross’ Climate Adaptation Team, and Francis Heil Associate Director for Climate Change and Resilience at AtkinsRéalis, here outline the importance of the new climate risk assessment.

In an era where the impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly evident, AtkinsRéalis and the British Red Cross have launched a new Crisis and Emergency Response Climate Change Risk Assessment.

This strategic assessment marks a significant step forward in the British Red Cross’s commitment to understanding and adapting to the effects of climate change on its services and the communities it supports in the UK.

Understanding the impact

Climate change poses a multitude of challenges in the UK, from more frequent and severe weather events, such as flooding and heatwaves, to long-term shifts in climate patterns, such as hotter and drier summers.

These changes can exacerbate vulnerabilities and create new risks for the people and places served by humanitarian organisations like the British Red Cross.

The climate risk assessment provides a detailed analysis of how these climate-related risks are likely to impact crisis and emergency response efforts in the UK.

Building the evidence base for climate adaptation

One of the key objectives of this assessment was to build a robust evidence base for climate adaptation within the British Red Cross.

By understanding the specific risks posed by climate change across the UK, the organisation can develop targeted strategies and actions to enhance community resilience.

This will help to ensure that the British Red Cross's services remain effective and responsive in the face of evolving challenges.

AtkinsRéalis’ role in collaboration

The development of this climate risk assessment was made possible through collaboration between the British Red Cross and AtkinsRéalis.

The expertise and insights have been invaluable in shaping a comprehensive and actionable assessment that will guide the British Red Cross in the years to come.

Francis Heil explains: "It has been a pleasure supporting the British Red Cross with this important piece of work.

"By bringing in climate change projections, risk mapping, and data on groups most vulnerable to climate hazards, we’ve complemented the insights which were collected with British Red Cross Emergency Response area teams.

"This climate risk assessment not only shows how climate change is already impacting the Crisis and Emergency Response service but also provides the robust evidence base for why climate adaptation is so important.

"This will ensure the British Red Cross can continue to provide support to the UK’s most vulnerable communities."

Looking Ahead

As this critical initiative is launched, the British Red Cross is committed to integrating the risk assessment findings into its operational planning and response strategies.

This will enable them to better support the communities it serves, ensuring that they are prepared to meet the challenges of a changing climate head-on.

The British Red Cross would like to thank everyone who has been part of the development of this climate change risk assessment, and invite colleagues and partners to join the organisation on this important journey towards climate resilience.

Together, it's possible to build a future where services are not only responsive to immediate crises but are also supporting adaptation to the long-term impacts of climate change.

In addition, a new local climate change risk assessment tool has been created to help British Red Cross Emergency Response area teams translate the information presented in the report at a national scale and apply it to a local context.

This toolkit will support teams in understanding the British Red Cross Climate Change Risk Assessment and guide them through the process of completing their own local climate change risk assessment.