A pioneering study looking at what future climate is likely to be for North East England and how we can adapt to the impacts has won an Award from the Institute of Civil Engineering (ICE).
The North East Climate Change Adaptation Study, which was the first of its kind in the UK, has been awarded the Robert Stephenson Special Award for Sustainability 2009 by the Institute.
The Award recognises outstanding work. The judges said: “We were impressed with this ground breaking study addressing Regional Adaptation to Climate Change. The first of its kind, this study is an outstanding example of the Civil engineer's modern role in serving our community in a sustainable way and draws on specialist input to lead the profession in tackling our greatest current challenge.”
The North East Climate Change Adaptation Study provides a clear picture of the impact of climate change including what changes are likely in the years ahead, what areas will be most affected, and what we need to do now to prepare and adapt.
The Study was spearheaded by The North East Climate Change Partnership, which brings together a range of organisations committed to taking action to tackle the causes and effects of climate change in the region. Those involved with the Adaptation Study included, The Environment Agency, regional development agency One North East, and the Association of North East Councils (ANEC).
Adrian Hilton, Regional Climate Change Coordinator, said: “I am delighted by this recognition of the North East Adaptation Study by the Institute of Civil Engineers. The Study shows the benefits of working in close partnership across the region towards a common aim.”
“Climate Change is a reality and we will all need to adapt to the impacts. Civil Engineers are uniquely placed to ensure that, as a region, we are resilient to a changing climate. They play a fundamental role in creating the infrastructure that our society relies upon - both for our quality of life and our economic performance”.
“This award raises the profile of climate change, the study, the region and the engineering profession and will greatly assist the integration of climate change risks – underpinning our aim of developing the North East of England as a well adapted and resilient region.”
Peter Kerr, Environment Agency’s Local Levy Programme Manager said: “This is an excellent example of partners coming together to work towards tackling climate change at a regional level. With the strong support of our North East Regional Flood Defence Committee, I believe we can now translate this into action on the ground and deliver changes that help to reduce the impacts of climate change.”
Dr Nick Cooper from Royal Haskoning, which was the consultancy organisation appointed to develop the study, said: “We are delighted with this award. It is a real recognition of the hard work that went into this pioneering study. The project success is mainly due to the excellent collaboration of the Partners involved and to the combination of state-of-the art science with the practical 'on-the-ground' knowledge and experience of those involved.”