Mapping vulnerability to climate-related hazards to inform local authority action in adaptation: A feasibility study

Abstract

Background: Local authorities have a crucial role in building community resilience to the health effects of a changing climate. Support in achieving local action can be provided through improving available public health intelligence to inform decision making. We aimed to co-develop with a local authority a tool mapping vulnerability to climate related hazards. Methods: We conducted a feasibility study, exploring through stakeholder engagement local priorities and levers for action in adaptation that could be informed by provision of increased intelligence. This informed co-development of a proof-of-concept tool. Results: Stakeholders reported needs in better understanding the intersection between vulnerability and hazard to facilitate partnership working, decision making, and targeting of interventions. We developed a mapping tool, using nationally available data, overlaying a vulnerability index with hazard (heat and flooding) exposure. Conclusions: Mapping tools are feasible methods by which public health intelligence to support climate change adaptation planning can be shared. Barriers to action may result from the complexity of vulnerability, concerns of unintended consequences, and resource constraints. Co-development with local expertise is necessary to ensure that outputs add value to local response. This tool will now be piloted to gather feedback on useability, usefulness, and potential improvements.