Brent’s Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan (CARP) in July 2022 outlined the key climate risks facing the borough, including flooding, heatwaves, drought and extreme cold.
Introduction
This case study was collected by London Councils as part of their London Leading: Case Studies in Climate Resilience Leadership report, which showcases how London boroughs are making climate adaptation a priority and embedding action within councils.
Brent’s Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan (CARP) in July 2022 outlined the key climate risks facing the borough, including flooding, heatwaves, drought and extreme cold. The plan assessed preparedness and proposed actions to build resilience. In 2024, the council initiated a review to reflect the latest data, best practice and evolving local priorities. Officers used resources such as Met Office data, GLA Climate Risk Maps, and engagement workshops to create a “living document”, adaptable to new data and guidance.
How did it start?
The original CARP stemmed from Brent’s overarching Climate and Ecological Emergency Strategy (2021 - 2030) and was developed in 2022 as part of the first Climate and Ecological Emergency Delivery Plan. The 2024 CARP review was prompted partly due to limited progress in advancing adaptation, as well as the availability of new guidance, datasets, and best practice. A Cabinet decision in October 2024 agreed to prioritise adaptation in the delivery plan and to review the CARP.
How does it build resilience?
The original CARP provided a comprehensive assessment of climate risks and made the case for adaptation. The current review aims to build resilience by elevating adaptation as a priority, incorporating best-practice guidance, engaging previously uninvolved stakeholders and developing a more actionable framework. Updated recommendations will be prioritised to target the most critical areas and create a clearer pathway for delivering essential adaptation measures.
What are the challenges?
Limited funding, capacity and competing priorities. Many actions from the original CARP have not yet been implemented due to competing priorities, including a greater focus within the council on climate mitigation. Gaps in data, such as on housing vulnerabilities to heat and flooding, have also hindered progress. Without consultancy support, the team is utilising free resources to identify priorities and target the most at-risk areas and populations.
Conclusion
Pragmatic, resource-efficient and dynamic adaptation planning is required to build readiness for climate impacts.
This case study was collected by London Councils as part London Leading: Case Studies in Climate Resilience Leadership report. You can view the full report on London Councils website.
Useful link
Contact information
Gemma Clenshaw
Brent Council
[email protected]
Tom Welsh
Brent Council
[email protected]