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

Climate change disrupts the food supply chain by reducing crop yields, harming livestock, and increasing extreme weather events like droughts and floods. These changes affect food production, delay transportation, and raise prices, especially in regions that rely on imports or have limited resources to adapt.

Boosting local food production is one of the most effective ways to protect the food supply from climate change. Local systems reduce reliance on long, vulnerable supply chains, cut transport emissions, and ensure fresher, more reliable access to food. Supporting community farms, urban agriculture, and regional markets builds resilience and strengthens food security.

Allotments are also available in our area for people who would like gardening space to grow their own food and connect with others through sustainable practices.

The Good to Grow campaign aims to help you grow your own food and support local growers.

Buy Fairtrade to help improve social and environmental standards in developing countries.

Flooding

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

Report any local flooding incidents as soon as you can.