Preparing for climate change
Why it matters 
Nottingham is already experiencing a range of climate impacts, including heat waves and flooding. In the future, these are expected to become more frequent and severe. Water shortages, food shortages, and a decline in the nature found in the city also become more likely as the climate changes.
We need to make sure that we make the city and those who live here are less vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. We call this adaptation. Ensuring that we can anticipate, manage, and recover from the effects of events related to climate change is what we call resilience.
Both adaptation and resilience are especially important when acting against future climate change and must be considered alongside actions to reduce carbon emissions across the city.
What we’re doing
We are working with partners to better understand flood risk through modelling and to enhance Nottingham’s natural environment through flood risk management schemes. This involves undertaking projects to reduce the risk of flooding to homes and businesses by storing water, slowing the flow and returning watercourses, such as brooks, to a more natural state.
Across the city, we are looking at ways to manage surface water flooding using sustainable drainage systems. These are green features that capture rainfall and reduce the flows going into traditional drainage pipes. As well as reducing the risk of flooding, these schemes improve habitats for wildlife and help make the city greener.
What can you do?
- Work out your environmental footprint online
- Encourage others to act at home, at work or where you study
- Understand how to prepare for a flood