The built environment

The built environment encompasses the buildings, spaces, places and structures in which we live, work and play. It includes all types of buildings, such as the house you live in, the office, factory, school or shop you work in, and the gym, café or theatre you socialise in. It also includes the connecting spaces between these places, such as transport networks and public parks.

In order to prepare for climate change those who are responsible for planning roads, buildings and public services will need to anticipate the impacts of climate change and increase the resilience of the built environment.

We can expect changes including sea-level rise, increased coastal erosion and changes in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events like severe storms, floods and droughts. The built environment needs to be ready to cope with these changes.