Pathways2Resilience

We have been selected as one of 62 regions across Europe to receive funding and support through a major programme run by the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change.

The programme, Pathways2Resilience, will help us develop a clear plan to adapt to climate change.

We join Greater London and Greater Manchester, which have taken part in the programme since 2023. The other UK regions selected to join in this latest group are Plymouth City Council and Belfast City Council.

Pathways2Resilience (P2R) is a major EU programme running from 2023 to 2027. It helps regions and communities make long-term changes so they are better prepared for climate change. The programme is part of the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change, which aims to help 100 regions become climate-resilient by 2030.

The challenge

Kent faces several water challenges. These include water shortages, surface water and river flooding, and rising sea levels. The risks are made worse by Kent’s large and growing population, long coastline, areas of social deprivation and location in the south-east of the UK.

Recent water supply problems across Kent were caused by technical faults and severe weather. They have shown wider problems with how water is managed and supplied across the region. Kent is classed as an area of serious water stress and may not have enough water to meet demand by 2050. Around 80,000 homes are also at risk of surface water flooding. Unless we change how we use water and manage it when it reaches the ground, these problems are likely to have several linked effects.

Project activities

Over 18 months, the P2R programme will provide funding, expert advice and other support. This will help us develop an ambitious and practical water resilience strategy, a detailed action plan and a long-term investment plan.

The project closely supports our Climate Change Adaptation Plan and Environment Plan. It also supports the Department for Environment.

Find out more about P2R on the European programme website.