We’ve been working hard to protect Portsmouth from the worst effects of climate change. More work will have to continue to ensure Portsmouth has a liveable future for everyone.
Reduce the urban heat island
Climate change means that across the UK our summers are getting warmer, and we are likely to experience severe heatwaves more often. In urban areas, like Portsmouth, heat is felt more because man-made surfaces like concrete hold on to the heat more easily than vegetated areas.
Through our new Greening Strategy, we will be focussing on enhancing nature in the city that helps us adapt to climate change by protecting us from flooding, storing carbon, and keep us cool in heat waves.
Protect us from sea level rise
The impacts of sea level rise on our low-lying city would be severe. That’s why we’re reinforcing our sea defences now, before there’s costly damage to our homes, businesses, and infrastructure.
Currently, nearly 13 km of sea defences are being upgraded around North Portsea and Southsea which will protect over 12,000 homes and 1,200 businesses. These efforts have been internationally showcased by the UNFCCC High Level Champions for climate change resilience.
Watch a YouTube video on Innovative Flood Management and Placemaking.
Improve drainage
Climate change means that our winters are becoming wetter, and it’s also more likely that we’ll experience episodes of extreme heavy rainfall in summer. This is why we need to get better about managing water.
Much of Portsmouth’s wastewater network was constructed during the Victorian era and combines rainwater with household wastewater in the same pipes. During periods of heavy rain, this can lead to our drainage systems becoming overwhelmed and causing floods. Therefore, when there’s a substantial amount of rainfall, we must work to reduce and slow down the flow of water entering the drains.
One way we can do this is by allowing more water to drain into our soils and planting more vegetation. Plants not only absorb some of the water, but they also help the soil keep hold of the water, and their leaves slow down the water before it reaches the ground.
Across the city:
- We are replacing paved areas in flood-prone locations and creating rain gardens, allowing rainwater to absorb into soil instead of entering the drains.
- We are installing sustainable drainage features, including rain gardens and swales, in 10 schools, with funding from the Department of Education and Southern Water
- We offer a Community Grant for sustainable drainage systems, delivered in partnership with Southern Water, where community groups can apply for up to £2,000 to install planters.
You can also take action at home, at school, or in your workplace. Replacing artificial grass, concrete or paving with planting and natural drainage features can help manage rainwater, support wildlife, provide homegrown food, store carbon and keep spaces cooler in summer.
Installing a water butt is another simple way to make a difference. Water butts collect rainwater from your roof, which you can then reuse for gardening during dry periods. Second-hand water butts are often available at our Waste Recycling Centre shops.