Climate adaptation and resilience
Drawing upon in-depth knowledge of policy and practice across many sectors, we provide multi-disciplinary teams to deliver viable and robust resilience and adaptation plans
Projects
Climate change adaptation - Managing climate risk across Highlands and Islands airports
Read insightSanta Cruz - City Climate Action Plan
Read case studyUnder2 Coalition: Climate Footprint Project
Read case studyAdapting to climate change for a more resilient future
- Identifying and prioritising climate vulnerabilities, risks, and adaptation options and assessing co-benefits and trade-offs to support countries’ national adaptation plan (NAP) processes.
- Linking NAP processes to NDCs, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the Sendai Framework.
- Developing climate adaptation elements of Long-Term Low Greenhouse Gas Emission Development Strategies (LTS).
- Scoping, feasibility analysis, programme design and cost-benefit analyses.
- Developing costed implementation plans for adaptation actions, associated finance strategies and institutional arrangements.
- Facilitating convergence and coordination of funding.
- Programme reviews.
- Identifying and prioritising climate vulnerabilities, risks, and adaptation options and assessing co-benefits and trade-offs, including for the development of cities’ Climate Action Plans.
- Advising on urban environmental governance, peer-to-peer learning from city networks and smart cities.
- Supporting vertical integration of subnational and national adaptation planning
- Supporting the development of climate adaptation policies and strategies, including through undertaking formal impact assessments.
- Supporting mainstreaming of climate adaptation in legislation, regulation, statutory guidance and standards, national or sectoral policies and strategies, and incentives.
- Supporting the evaluation of climate adaptation policies, strategies and programmes.
- Developing policy, programme and technical monitoring and evaluation frameworks and associated indicators.
- Compiling Adaptation Communications.
Developing international guidance, tools and knowledge products associated with all aspects of climate adaptation planning and the development of policies and practices.
Ricardo’s climate risk and adaptation experts work with businesses to analyse and tackle both physical and transitional risks related to climate change and seize the opportunities net zero offers.
We offer a range of services to help organisations understand their risks and adapt to a changing climate including
- Climate risk and opportunity assessment
- Climate scenario analysis
- ISSB (was TCFD) reporting and disclosure
- Ongoing monitoring of climate risks and issues
- Transition plans
- Adaptation strategy and plan
- Stakeholder engagement and training
Our services
Adaptation planning
We help clients build resilience to climate change, natural capital degradation, and natural disasters through comprehensive adaptation planning. We guide clients through every stage of the adaptation cycle. Our expertise ensures that adaptation strategies protect communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems while balancing diverse stakeholder interests and mitigating future risks.
Economic analysis
We use fit-for-purpose economic tools to identify and analyse the full range of costs, benefits, and trade-offs associated with policy and investment options. Our approach considers all relevant factors, providing a comprehensive understanding of the economic implications of various decisions. Our expertise enables economic analysis to support effective and strategic decision-making.
Policy Analysis and Design
We apply public policy and economic frameworks to create cohesive and effective policies. Our approach involves thorough analysis to understand how various elements interact and influence each other, enabling the development of robust policies that drive desired outcomes. We help clients design policies that are both strategically sound and practically implementable, fostering successful and sustainable results.
Business case development
We empower our clients to develop compelling, defensible business cases that maximise value for money by clearly identifying problems and opportunities. Our tailored approach provides decision-makers with critical information to evaluate options and make informed investment choices. We demonstrate the social, environmental, and financial value of investments, securing stakeholder buy-in and confidence in project outcomes.
Climate adaptation and resilience Resources
A Climate Action Plan for Santa Cruz
Read RQNew extremes: How can global economies cope with a changing climate?
Read RQFree webinar: 5 common mistakes water businesses make between regulatory reviews
Watch videoHow to master the art of climate scenario analysis for business planning
Read articleMeet the experts
Richard Smithers
Technical Director – Climate Adaptation Lead
Andrea Illes
Principal Consultant for Green Finance and EU Climate Adaptation Policy
James Davey
Climate Resilience Lead
Chris Olszak
Director, Australia & New Zealand, Water and Environment