An ageing population and a changing climate: The case of coastal communities in the UK

Abstract

A changing climate and an ageing population are two challenges that Europe will face in the next few decades. The elderly are potentially more vulnerable to climate change impacts such as heat-waves and flooding. This paper summarises the findings of two recent research projects that examined potential climate impacts and adaptation for coastal communities in the UK. The first study (Zsamboky et al., 2011) explored the vulnerability to climate change of disadvantaged coastal communities in the UK. The second study (Fernández-Bilbao et al., 2009) aimed to identify barriers and opportunities for involving coastal communities in planning for climate change adaptation. Both studies showed particularly low levels of awareness of climate change amongst the elderly. This may impact on their ability to adapt and increase their vulnerability. Future communication of climate change needs to take into account barriers to awareness and action. The findings are also relevant to non-coastal urban environments.