Introduction
The real formulation of the plan takes place here, through development of a draft structure, action plan and monitoring framework. Building on the risk register, these steps provide the adaptation element of your climate action plan. Step 3 is about drafting all these items in alignment, as far as possible, with the mitigation planning being undertaken through Net Zero NI. This must then be validated by heads of services involved and adopted through the means required by your organisation in Step 4.
It is likely the case that in further review periods and iterations of the plan, actions will become more site-specific and detailed, while the level of internal capacity and understanding is further developed. Completion of this adaptation planning cycle is just the first step in a continuous process of improvement and review for your organisation over the decades to come.
Aims
Analyse priority risks and opportunities, and develop a draft action plan with targets and indicators
Objectives
Co-design Vision, Aims and Themes for your adaptation plan
Draft priority actions which can address priority risks
Draft indicators, targets (where possible) and a monitoring framework which will define success
Consider how all of the above aligns with your Net Zero plan
After Step 2 you should now have a list of current and future impacts, as well as a list of relevant existing activities already in place. The next step is to develop the following drafts:
1.Vision, Aims and Themes, and
2. Action plan and Monitoring.
This is also the time to think about your ambition as an organisation. Setting a plan for four or five years ahead at such a crucial time means that these plans need to be monitored and developed by the entire organisation, even if they are coordinated and reported by one individual or team.
Developing Your Plan
Public Body Reporting
A centralised resource designed to support public bodies in fulfilling their climate change reporting obligations under the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 which are set by The Climate Change (Reporting Bodies) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024 (‘the Public Body Reporting Regulations’)
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Governance and Stakeholder Engagement
This document provides guidance on establishing the workshops that are required to complete step three, as well as further engagement tips for developing draft sections of your plan, along with a note on the importance of mapping governance.
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The two drafts you must create are:
1. Vision, Aims and Themes
Develop a plan structure, ideally linked with your Mitigation plan (i.e. developing a structure for a joint adaptation/mitigation climate action plan)
2. Action Plan and Monitoring Framework
Develop the adaptation actions for your draft climate action plan, along with a monitoring framework. Consider how the Actions, Vision and Themes link back to the Risk Register, considering to what extent the plan addresses the identified risks for the organisation.
Vision, Aims and Themes
Action Plan and Monitoring Framework Guide
Examples of Adaptation Actions
The following documents will provide you with additional information regarding this step which can assist in setting your ambition and improving your understanding.
Adaptation Support Tool
Local Climate Adaptation Tool
Climate Adaptation News & Resources
Building Resilience through Adaptation at the Local Level
Funding and Financing Guide
EU Missions Adaptation to Climate Change
Climate Ready Clyde
Step Three Complete
Ensure you have a draft plan with ambitious aims and actions which meet the Risk Register and lays out clear organisational priorities for the years ahead. This must include strong governance, and clear outcomes which can hold the organisation to a high level of ambition.
