Introduction

The global average surface temperature of the Earth has increased by approximately 0.7°C over the last 100 years (1906 – 2005): man-made emissions of greenhouse gases particularly carbon dioxide are very likely the principal cause (IPCC, 2007). Global temperature rises of up to 4°C are projected for the next 100 years with knock-on effects on extreme events such as storms, sea level rise, droughts and increased levels of precipitation The impacts on ecosystems and societies could be devastating.

Climate change poses a professional challenge to all planners and has prompted changes to the RTPI Vision for Planning. The RTPI launched its seven commitments on “Planning to Live with Climate Change” at the Planning Convention in June 2009. Commitments 5 and 6 are to celebrate best practice and compile a compendium of best practice. Climate change is a global problem; there is a need to share knowledge, technologies and expertise between different countries and regions.
Clearing devastation after mudslide in Bududa, Uganda: photo by Wepukhulu Jeremiah

The International Development Network (IDN) has a key to play in disseminating knowledge about planning approaches to climate change, promoting and sharing good practice and policy, and influencing decision makers.

To help achieve the seven commitments the RTPI Networks have established Climate Change Champions. The aim is for these individuals to facilitate the exploration of good practice examples and the promotion of discussion amongst Network Members. Douglas McNab is the International Development Network climate change champion and the author of this page – he can be contacted via IDN.

An international perspective on planning and climate change

All countries – regardless of their level of development – need a spatially coherent approach to climate change mitigation and adaptation. This should be set within a broader context of sustainable development as important links exist between planning for climate change and wider sustainability concerns such as biodiversity protection, water conservation and minimisation of resource consumption (e.g. using green roofs for urban cooling and runoff reduction whilst also enhancing biodiversity). As the IPCC (2007) states: “Sustainable development can reduce vulnerability to climate change, and climate change could impede nations’ abilities to achieve sustainable development pathways.”

Those countries with the highest total historical carbon emissions, such as the UK, could be argued to have a particular moral imperative to act on climate change mitigation and to lead the way.

With regard to climate change adaptation, the need and type of response will vary by country and region – however, it is important to recognise that many of the world’s poorest people living in countries in the global south are projected to be particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts, such as floods and drought. They will need support to adapt, and given the ‘polluter pays principle’, there is arguably again a moral imperative on the largest polluting countries to assist.

IDN Advisory Group member Ian Haywood addresses international development issues in climate change in his October 2007 article in Planning magazine: Read more

International web links

References mentioned above and examples of good practice in responding to the challenge of climate change mitigation and adaptation, are outlined here.

What else is the RTPI doing on climate change? 

The  RTPI Climate Change Compendium includes links to key organisations and web-sites, research, guidance and advice and examples of best practice. We would always be glad of links to sources of advice that you have found useful and any case studies that demonstrate good practice, either your own, or from the work of others. To add an item to the compendium please email our Policy & Practice staff.

Author:

Judith Eversley

Publisher:

The Royal Town Planning Institute

Date:

15-Dec-10

Categories:

 

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