The climate adaptation strategy for transport includes actions to set long term strategic direction for adapting the transport sector to the impacts of climate change.
To set long-term strategic direction for adapting the transport sector, we will:
To enable transport operators to mainstream climate adaptation, we are:
To strengthen the evidence base that underpins decision making, we are:
Focusing on distinct parts of the transport sector, we are taking practical action:
See the full list of actions section for more information.
In 2024, DfT consulted on a draft strategy titled Fit for a changing climate? Adapting the UK’s transport system. This is DfT’s flagship policy under the third National Adaptation Programme (NAP3). DfT published a summary of consultation responses – the strategy described here is the government’s response to the 2024 consultation.
A total of 125 responses were received during the consultation period. There was broad support for the strategy with requests from respondents centred around funding, guidance and regulation.
These themes were:
Many respondents said the introduction of regulation to aid reporting on adaptation action would be welcomed. However, respondents also highlighted that if this were to be developed, impacts on the daily operations of businesses should be considered.
This document sets out the actions that DfT and the transport sector are taking, or planning to take, to ensure the transport system is prepared for the impacts of our changing climate.
Definitions
‘Transport system’ includes everything involved in transporting people and goods.
The ‘transport network’ refers to the specific physical infrastructure and routes that connect different locations, enabling the movement of people and goods.
The transport network is the ‘what’ – the physical infrastructure, while the transport system provides the ‘how’ – the processes and methods used to utilise that infrastructure.
Adaptation is a devolved matter. Provisions made under the Climate Change Act 2008 applies to all of the UK, but Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales are required under the act to have their own plans for climate adaptation. Transport operators and regulators have different regional boundaries and DfT’s responsibility varies by mode of transport.
For example, DfT has no responsibility for roads outside of England, as roads are a devolved matter. However, aviation policy is largely a reserved matter, while planning and surface access policies are devolved.
As well as viewing transport as a system, freight and supply chains are considered in – but are not the focus of – this strategy. Therefore, the remit of this strategy will vary depending on the lens of the reader.
Contact: dftadaptationteam@dft.gov.uk for more information.
Even as the climate changes, when extreme weather and associated impacts are experienced, our transport system continues to operate, wherever possible. People can travel with confidence and goods reach their destination on time, enabling the economy to grow.
This requires a network that is flexible, responsive, reliable and operates safely. To achieve this, transport operators understand and manage the immediate and long-term climate-related risks and vulnerabilities of the transport system.
To ensure we can achieve this vision, we need to enhance our understanding of climate impacts through robust evidence. This will allow the sector to mainstream adaptation into their processes, governance and decision making and empower a systems-based approach to addressing climate risks.
Government is setting the direction, inspired by adaptation leadership in Network Rail and National Highways and in local areas, but success depends on a comprehensive approach. We need:
By working together, we can move the dial from reactive response to proactive adaptation, to help protect our economy and our communities to ensure the reliability of the UK transport system in the years ahead.
Early investment in climate adaptation can help reduce costs from weather-related damage and disruption and induce wider growth benefits. These include:
There is some uncertainty regarding how, where and when weather impacts from climate change will occur and, therefore, the risks posed to our transport system.
However, even if acute extreme weather events or the chronic long-term shift in weather do not occur to the projected level of severity, investing in climate adaptation can promote wider benefits regardless. These include:
inducing local economic growth by increased confidence to invest in an area through reduced risk of damage and disruption from weather events
generating social and environmental co-benefits, such as through nature-based adaptation solutions, which enhance biodiversity, improve air quality and help to achieve our net zero goal
A study delivered as part of the third Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA3) (PDF) found that, across multiple sectors, adaptation measures can deliver a strong return on the investment – in the order of £2 to £10 of benefits per £1 of investment, depending on the scheme.
The Office for Budget Responsibility estimated that physical damage from climate change could lower GDP by 3.2% to 7.8% by 2074 (central estimate compared to a ‘no climate change’ scenario).
In addition to impacts on GDP, extreme weather also incurs direct costs for transport operators. Between 2006 and 2021, weather-related incidents cost Network Rail over £1 billion in compensation payments (PDF). The 2013 to 2014 winter floods caused significant disruption to the Strategic Road Network, with costs estimated to be £180 million (PDF).
The risk of damage and disruption from climate change to transport is expected to grow. The Environment Agency’s flood risk assessment shows that as of 2024, 38% of roads and 37% of railways in England are at risk of flooding. By 2050, this is projected to increase to 46% for road and 54% for rail.
Read the full strategy below.
Source: UK Government: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/climate-adaptation-strategy-for-transport
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