Kent's changing climate

Kent’s climate is changing and it is important that we adapt as a county to minimise the impact of the effects.

We continue to lead projects to help protect us against climate change, and prepare our county for the future.

Climate change risk and impact assessment (CCRIA)

In 2019 we produced, with Medway Council, a comprehensive Climate Change Risk and Impact Assessment specific to the Kent.

It describes the changes Kent might face, and the potential risks to Kent’s society, economy and environment.

The CCRIA is intended to inform policy and decision-makers of the key climate risks that will have the greatest impact on Kent’s society, economy and environment.

Find out more about the Climate Change Risk and Impact Assessment.

Severe Weather Monitoring System (SWIMS)

SWIMS collects data about how services provided by Kent partners are affected during severe weather.

Access or read more about SWIMS.

Kent spatial risk assessment for water

The Kent spatial risk assessment for Kent’s water systems assesses the medium to long-term risks to Kent’s water systems resulting from the combined impacts of climate change, land use change and population change.

View the interactive map.

The interactive map of the Spatial Risk Assessment for Kent’s Water Systems is not accessible to people who use screen readers. However, you can visit our accessible alternative from the links below.

The resulting analysis is presented as a series of GIS maps and examines how and where these risks could be mitigated using a variety of nature-based solutions.

Kent spatial risk assessment for water: Report (volume 1) (PDF, 18.4 MB)

Kent spatial risk assessment for water: Mapbook (volume 2):

Rainwater Harvesting Calculator

In Kent, we have some of the highest concentrations of protected soft fruit production under polytunnels in the UK and the water required by these crops is considerable and increasing. During the growing season, polytunnels can concentrate extreme rainfall leading to flooding and soil erosion, as well as the loss of valuable water.

The Rainwater Harvesting Calculator helps farmers quantify the financial and water saving benefits of using rainwater harvesting systems on their farms. It is linked to Met Office data for all of Kent’s postcode zones and allows farmers to input farm specific data (such as crop type, area under production and polytunnel fitting schedules) to support better management of their water resources and make best use of available water throughout the year.

Use the Rainwater Harvesting Calculator.

Climate adaptation projects

With local, national and international partners we support a range of projects to help the county adapt to the global climate emergency.

Our previous projects include:

  • Making Margate a cooler, greener place -  a programme of work in Margate to reduce the risk of flooding and the impact of increasing summer temperatures
  • Adaptation Catalyst - a tool to help decision makers plan and justify local action to adapt to our changing climate
  • H20: Source2Sea European Union funding - to promote the use of natural flood and drought management strategies in Kent.
  • STAR2Cs - supporting local authorities in managing climate adaptation projects.
  • Cool Towns EU funding - helping urban areas minimise the heat-related effects of climate change.
  • Triple A funding - promoting the development and use of low-carbon technologies by homeowners.
  • C5a EU funding - aims to deliver a whole system approach to water and flood risk management in response to climate change.