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Retrofitting England's suburbs to adapt to climate change

Joynt, Jennifer L.R.; Williams, Katie; Gupta, Rajat; Hopkins, Diane; Gregg, Matthew; Payne, Catherine; Joynt, Jennifer; Smith, Ian; Bates-Brkljac, Nada

Authors

Jennifer L.R. Joynt

Katie Williams Katie4.Williams@uwe.ac.uk
Professor and Research Centre Director

Rajat Gupta

Diane Hopkins

Matthew Gregg

Catherine Payne

Jennifer Joynt

Nada Bates-Brkljac



Abstract

The majority of the English population lives in suburbs and this is where the impacts of climate change will significantly affect people's domestic lives: heat stress, respiratory problems, flooding, drought, deterioration of green spaces and damage from storms. A recognized need exists to adapt suburbs (homes, gardens and public space) physically to mitigate against further climate change and to adapt to inevitable weather patterns. A number of potential adaptation options, addressing different risks, are identified and tested using a range of methods, including modelling, and workshops with residents and professional and institutional stakeholders. The best solutions are those that reduce the climate risk within the context of local adaptive capacity. Solutions are effective, acceptable and feasible given the type of suburb; its location; microclimate; housing type; the climate risk it faces; the socio-economic composition of its residents and their attitudes; resources; and governance conditions. It is essential to consider both the totality of the suburban environment and the combined effects of mitigation and adaptation measures. However, the biggest challenge is implementation which entails a better understanding of the problem by a range of stakeholders, a more supportive policy context, more resources, and clearer responsibilities. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Oct 1, 2013
Journal Building Research and Information
Print ISSN 0961-3218
Electronic ISSN 1466-4321
Publisher Taylor & Francis (Routledge)
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 41
Issue 5
Pages 517-531
DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/09613218.2013.808893
Keywords adaptation, built environment, climate change, neighbourhood, overheating, planning policy, retrofit, suburbs
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/940793
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09613218.2013.808893