North Wales climate risk assessment ranks 17 of 62 risks as 'Act Now'
A new regional assessment of climate risks across north Wales has reviewed 62 risks and put 17 of them in its most urgent “Act Now” category. A further 32 are “Plan Now” and six are “Watch / Low”, according to a joint statement from the region’s Public Services Boards published by Conwy Council on 27 October.
Climate risk assessment
- Risks reviewed
- 62
- Act Now
- 17
- Plan Now
- 32
- Watch / Low
- 6
What ranks highest
The North Wales Regional Climate Change Risk Assessment brings together evidence from Gwynedd, Anglesey, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham. Among the highest-priority risks are the impacts of extreme weather on health and social care, flooding of homes and communities, disruption to transport and other critical infrastructure, risks to coastal communities, and disruption to businesses and supply chains.
Who is most exposed
The assessment says climate change will not affect everyone equally. Age, health, disability, poor housing, low income and social isolation can all increase vulnerability to its impacts, so building resilience can also help tackle health inequalities.
Work already under way
The statement points to coastal adaptation and flood alleviation schemes, better multi-agency coordination in severe weather, preparation for wildfire and investment in resilient transport. It also says natural habitats such as peatlands, woodlands, dunes and saltmarshes can help manage water and reduce heat.
What it cost and who wrote it
The assessment was produced in-house with partners rather than by outside consultants, which the Boards estimate saved £200,000 against quoted fees. The lead writer was Dr Rebecca Colley Jones of Ynys Resources, working with two Bangor University researchers. Partners included Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Natural Resources Wales, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, North Wales Police, Eryri National Park Authority, Dŵr Cymru and the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agency.
What happens next
The findings will feed into Well-being Assessments and the 2027 to 2032 Well-being Plans, which councils and Public Services Boards will consult on over the next year. They will also inform risk management, investment, asset management and emergency planning.
Professor Andrew Edwards, chair of the Gwynedd and Anglesey Public Services Board, said the assessment gives “a much clearer shared picture of the climate risks facing North Wales and, importantly, where those risks are already being experienced by our communities”. The statement does not set out costs for acting on the risks or say which projects will be funded.