From Risk to Resilience: Helping Communities Act on Climate Challenges
How can local communities build resilience to climate change when faced with limited time, data, and capacity? The Local Climate Adaptation Tool (LCAT) was created to answer that question —by helping users both understand and act on climate-related risks.
Developed through a co-design process with local stakeholders across the UK and in partnership with Cornwall Council, the tool offers a user-friendly platform to access local future climate projections, and to explore climate hazards, vulnerable populations, and—uniquely—suggested adaptation actions.
In this interview, we spoke with Jess Dicken, one of the leads behind LCAT, about what makes this tool different, what they’ve learned along the way, and why adaptation starts with listening.
Why was LCAT created in the first place? What gap did it aim to fill?
When we started this project, we didn’t set out to build a tool. It was a co-design process from the beginning. We went to professionals at a local level and asked: What are you doing around adaptation? How can we help? The idea of a tool emerged from those conversations. What we found was a clear gap—not just in usable climate data, but also in resources that could support local actors in understanding and acting on that data.
What makes LCAT unique compared to other climate tools out there?
There are other tools that offer climate or hazard data, but very few take the next step and ask: So, what can you actually do about it? That’s where LCAT stands out. Our stakeholders told us that having access to practical adaptation actions was the most important part. It’s not just about showing climate projections; it’s about connecting those projections to real-world risks, impacts, and possible responses.
You mentioned the tool takes users on a journey. Can you explain how it works?
Absolutely. Users can select a local area—say, Nottingham, UK—and view tailored climate projections for things like rainfall, temperature or wind. From there, users are guided through how those changes translate into hazards like heatwaves or flooding, and what those hazards could mean for public health, infrastructure, or communities. At the moment, the tool is designed specifically for UK locations, so all data and guidance are tailored to the UK context.
One of the things we’re most proud of is the systems diagrams which we call “Impact Pathways” in LCAT. These pathways visually map the complex and cascading impacts of climate change—from a single weather event to broader environmental and societal effects. It’s a way to make something complex more understandable, especially for those who don’t come from a climate-science background, especially for people without technical expertise in climate science.
Who is using the tool right now?
It’s already being used by local areas, primarily local authorities or National Health Service (NHS) organisations. It’s open access, but has proven especially useful for the public sector. There’s also growing interest from national policymakers, who have begun referencing it in their work. We’re excited by the range of users, and we hope that continues to grow.
I understand there are learning resources alongside the tool. What is its purpose?
Our users wanted more than a standard user guide—they needed a practical framework for understanding and doing local climate adaptation. So, we co-designed a highly visual guidebook in partnership with Oxfordshire County Council and stakeholders across the UK. It walks people through each step: from assessing climate risks to identifying vulnerable groups and planning adaptation strategies. It includes best-practice principles, simple climate science explanations, and real case studies. The goal was to make it clear, approachable, and directly useful.
If you want to take a look, click here: Learning resource – Introduction to Local Climate Adaptation
Have there been any lessons learned along the way?
One big lesson was about accessibility. We assumed a certain level of comfort with data—graphs, maps, that kind of thing—but some users found them overwhelming. That really pushed us to rethink how we present information: clearer visuals, less jargon, and a more intuitive user experience. It was a good reminder that real people need real clarity and simplicity—and that we have to meet them where they are.
LCAT emphasises vulnerability and justice. Why was that important to include?
Climate impacts aren’t experienced equally. Some people—older adults, people living in deprivation, those with health conditions—are much more vulnerable. We wanted the tool to reflect that. We include explanations of why certain groups are at risk and how users can find relevant data.
From a personal perspective, I hope the tool helps people integrate justice and equity into adaptation planning—not as a nice-to-have, but as something essential.
What does “resilience” mean to you in the context of this work?
Resilience operates at many levels. At a systems level, it’s about making sure things like hospitals or transport can continue functioning during extreme climate-related events, such as floods, heatwaves, or storms. At a human level, it’s about whether people—especially those most vulnerable—have what they need to cope and recover: safe housing, financial security, access to healthcare. It’s not a single thing; it’s the ability to withstand stress and recover in a way that leaves you better prepared for the future.
Finally, what’s one thing you hope readers will take away from LCAT?
That climate adaptation is doable. It’s not something abstract or out of reach. With the right support and the right tools, local communities can take meaningful, inclusive, and evidence-based action. And they can start today.
