A number of new research projects focusing on the adaptation of the urban environment and infrastructure to climate change are being rolled out by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and UK Climate Impacts Programme. The funders are placing particular emphasis on the development of a network of researchers and users as the programme progresses. To become involved see http://www.ukcip-arcc.org.uk/ .
Researchers in the ARCADIA project are using the Tyndall Centre’s whole systems analysis of cities in a quantified integrated model of long term change in London. The model incorporates analysis of long term change in London’s economy, land use, transport and other infrastructure (e.g. water supply and flood defences) in order to understand the potential impacts of climate change and effectiveness of adaptation options. In order to develop the model as a multi-purpose tool for adaptation and mitigation decision making, the researchers, led by Professor Jim Hall of the University of Newcastle, will develop further work on the governance of decision-making, systems analysis of the processes by which climate impacts influence urban systems, a UKCP09-compatible climate scenario generator for urban areas, scenarios of London’s economy for analysis of adaptation options and a land use simulator of the spatial evolution of cites. Outputs will include tools for analysis of adaptation options at a city scale, including advanced visualisation customised to the needs of stakeholders. The RTPI is involved in the project’s steering group which brings together the Greater London Authority, Communities and Local Government, London First, the Commission for Architecture and the Built environment, ARUP and the Town and County Planning Association. See the ARCC website for further details of ARCADIA and other adaptation research projects.
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