We are already feeling the impacts of our changing climate.

This is most apparent when extreme weather events create crisis situations such as storms, flooding, drought, tidal surges or wildfires. By their nature, emergencies are disruptive and are potentially damaging and dangerous to us and our wildlife. It is how we prepare, respond and how quickly we recover that makes the difference.

Yorkshire and the Humber is at the forefront of emergency preparedness and response having been impacted by numerous incidents over the past 20 years. Flooding from river, coastal and surface water sources, long-duration dry weather, and of course the pandemic are just some of the instances where dayto-day living has been disrupted, sometimes significantly in recent years. We need to assess and learn from our experiences, and strive for continuous improvement in our emergency response.

Being resilient means being well prepared. Considered emergency planning and response is essential to help places maintain their function, identity and structure following the disturbance of an emergency. This will ensure that when incidents occur, those impacted know what to do to help themselves and others get back to normal life as quickly as possible. When done holistically, it will also mean that other species are able to escape dangerous situations and survive until the crisis abates. It will also ensure there is planning in place for long-term support and regeneration after the immediate emergency has passed.

We can improve our resilience to the impacts of climate change through nature-based solutions that protect, sustainably manage and restore ecosystems. Examples include natural flood management approaches, sustainable urban drainage systems, restoration of saltmarshes and agroforestry techniques. As well as providing protection from climate impacts and helping to reverse biodiversity decline, the fact that these approaches can have a range of other benefits – such as improving air quality, enhancing access to green space and capturing carbon – often makes them popular with the public and politicians. Crucially, they are also much more cost-effective and less carbon-intensive than engineered approaches that depend on grey infrastructure and the widespread use of concrete and steel. We propose that a priority be given to the protection and enhancement of nature and to the use of nature based approaches as we respond to the climate crisis.

We know we’re succeeding when…

• Neighbourhoods have the ability to respond quickly and cost-effectively when impacts occur, and recover well with minimal health implications and little disruption to people’s daily lives.

• The diversity of cultures, history of innovation and resilient spirit in our region is proving to be an asset in providing strong, welcoming and supportive communities that protect each other, including those displaced from their homes, in times of crisis.

• Organisations have plans in place to actively adapt to climate impacts, with resilient systems enabling essential services to continue in the face of severe climate impacts.

• Our natural and ecological systems are thriving and connected across the region and beyond, enabling a diverse mix of species to survive and adapt as our climate changes, and protecting people in our rural and urban areas by providing shade, shelter, flood protection, food and water security