Co-authoring the UK's Climate Change Risk Assessment Evidence Report

Over a 12 month period, Rachel Brisley, one of Steer Economic Development’s Associate Directors, was responsible for co-authoring the ‘Health, Communities and Built Environment’ Chapter of the UK’s next UK Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA) Evidence Report. Produced every five years, and with preparation on this occasion being overseen by the University of Exeter (the client for the work) for the UK Climate Change Committee, the Evidence Report informs the UK Government’s CCRA, which identifies and analyses the most severe risks posed by climate change to the UK’s economy, society, and environment, now and in the future.

Working with Dr Sari Kovats, Associate Professor at The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Rachel’s drafting focused on the key risks for people and communities arising from flooding, the long-term viability of coastal communities affected by sea-level rise, the risk of water scarcity affecting interruptions in household water supply, and potential climate impacts for cultural heritage. Rachel’s analysis was based on an extensive literature review of the most recent climate policy and research and analysis of climate projections, prioritising identified risks informed by their magnitude, the extent to which adaptation action is underway and planned, and the likely shortfalls in adaptation action.

The Evidence Report is due to be published in June 2021 by the UK Climate Change Committee.