Various agencies and groups are creating strategies to respond to climate change in our area. There are ways for you to prepare for the effects of climate change as well.

Coping with heatwaves

Heatwaves, intensified by climate change, are becoming more frequent, longer, and more severe, posing a major threat to human health. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can lead to heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and worsen conditions like heart disease and asthma. Older adults, children, and people with chronic illnesses are especially vulnerable. As global temperatures rise, the number of heat-related illnesses and deaths is expected to grow significantly.

The NHS have a Heatwave Plan to help residents when there’s a heatwave. This raises awareness of the risks relating to severe hot weather. It tells individuals and organisations what to do to reduce those risks.

Cancer Research UK has advice on staying safe in the sun, including resources for parents and teachers.

Coping with cold spells

While global temperatures are rising overall, climate change can also lead to greater extremes and unpredictability, including more intense cold spells. Sudden drops in temperature increase the risk of hypothermia and cardiovascular stress, especially among older adults, infants, and people with pre-existing conditions. Cold weather can also worsen respiratory illnesses and lead to higher rates of hospitalisation and mortality, particularly in poorly insulated homes or regions unprepared for extreme cold.

Find information and useful winter survival tips from Public Health England about how to keep your home warm and healthy.

Water

In the UK, climate change is intensifying both droughts and floods, putting pressure on water availability and infrastructure. Hotter, drier summers are reducing river flows and groundwater levels, especially in the south, while heavier rainfall in winter increases flood risks and can overwhelm drainage systems. These shifts threaten drinking water supplies, agriculture, and ecosystems. 

Wessex Water and Bournemouth Water have net zero strategies that sets out a long-term water resources plan.

Register as a high priority service user with your utilities provider 

The Priority Services Register is a free support service in the UK for people who need extra help with their energy or water supply, such as older adults, those with medical conditions, or people with young children. It offers benefits like advance notice of power cuts, priority support during emergencies, and help with meter readings or bills in accessible formats.

Food

Food plays an important role in our impact on the environment. As part of our approved plant-based diet action plan, we are taking steps to increase the availability and visibility of plant based options across our services. Plant-based foods generally require fewer resources to produce, which helps reduce emissions, save water and support a more sustainable local food system.

Across our operations, we are:

• increasing plant-based choices in cafés and outlets operated by us
• making sure that plant-based options are available at meetings, events and in future catering contracts
• working with schools and staff to promote plant-based food days and share simple, healthy recipes
• providing tips for residents of all ages on preparing affordable, nutritious plant-based meals

Tips to include more plant-based foods into your diet

Shifting even a small part of our diets towards plant-based foods can cut emissions, support healthier lifestyles and reduce pressure on land and water resources.

Tips for children and young people:

• help children prepare their own snacks such as hummus and veg sticks to build confidence in healthy choices
• explore plant-based options in school menus and participate in schools plant based events to discover new flavours

Tips for adults:

• add more vegetables, beans or lentils to familiar meals such as curries or stews for a nutritious and filling boost - increasing fibre rich foods can support digestion and help maintain energy levels
• keep affordable staples on hand like oats, beans, tinned tomatoes and frozen vegetables to make quick meals
• try plant-based versions of everyday items such as non dairy milk, plant based spreads or plant based sandwiches to support heart health by reducing saturated fats when meals are based on whole foods

Tips for older residents:

• choose gentle, nutrient rich meals like vegetable soups, lentil cottage pie or porridge with fruit
• increase plant based protein sources such as lentils, beans or tofu as these can help support muscle maintenance
• choose fortified plant based milks if recommended, particularly for calcium and vitamin D

Flooding

You can check if you are at risk of flooding and sign up for flood warnings.

Report any local flooding incidents as soon as you can.

If you have any questions or would like to get in touch with us, please email sustainabilityteam@bcpcouncil.gov.uk.