What is BS 8631:2021 about?
BS 8631 provides a systematic guide for using adaptation pathways as a tool for creating or improving a plan for adaptation to climate change.
It sets out a 9-step process for developing and applying adaptation pathways and includes guidance on each step, decision-making within the steps and continuous learning across the approach.
Why should you use BS 8631:2021?
The adaptation pathways approach in BS 8631 can:
- Create a decision-making process that is flexible, strategic and well organised across a given timeline
- Support organisations’ climate adaptation decision-making
- Help to identify what decisions need to be made immediately and what decisions can be made in the future
- Be used within a broader planning process or as a stand-alone adaptation planning tool
- Create long-term plans and make decisions within the uncertainty and risks of a changing climate
The standard provides a logical approach and shows with case studies how such approaches have been used in practice.
Adaptation pathways are already widely used nationally and internationally and BS 8631 seeks to harmonise terminology and methodology.