Sensing, Learning, Changing: Climate Adaptation in the South Hams

The Bioregional Learning Centre has created a short film to enable communities to find their pathways to action for adapting to climate change here in the South Hams.

‘Climate change mitigation means avoiding and reducing emissions of heat-trapping greenhouse gases into the atmosphere to prevent the planet from warming to more extreme temperatures. Climate change adaptation means altering our behaviour, systems, and, in some cases, ways of life to protect our families, our economies, and the environment in which we live from the impacts of climate change.’ WWF

Looking ahead to a future under climate change can feel overwhelming, but understanding the specific scenarios we are likely to encounter can allow us to prepare now. The Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Adaptation Strategy outlines some of the specific local concerns: river & surface water flooding; sea level rise (coastal flooding and erosion); reduced water availability (drought conditions); temperature change & extreme heat/cold; and cascading impacts from all of these.

In summer 2024, BLC ran a Learning Journey for Climate Adaptation around South Devon. During that week evidence of how farming, communities, town councils and others are already adapting, and what is needed to grow future resilience was gathered. BLC found some amazing examples of people and groups taking action, but there is still a long way to go for South Devon to prepare.

Adaptation requires us to think in the big picture, across whole landscapes and systems. To enable this, BLC’s primary recommendation for the region is to develop a robust joined-up local adaptation strategy and network, supporting the collaboration needed to move forward together.

Following the Learning Journey, BLC has committed the next 18 months to working on the adaptation agenda with South Hams District Council, SusSH and communities across the region. BLC have created a report - available to download from the website very soon - with several suggested pathways to action and the film explains the concept of climate adaptation and invites viewers to consider specific ways they would like to begin developing climate adaptation work in their communities.

The film can be viewed on YouTube, but community groups or councils are encouraged to incorporate it into wider group discussions. VLC can provide for free a high-resolution file of the film, supporting worksheets, and a limited number of in-person workshops. Let BLC know if you are interested via this form or by emailing bridie.kennerley@bioregion.org.uk.