The Local Climate Adaptation Tool (LCAT) brings together complex climate models, adaptation options and health impact evidence to help the user understand the health implications of climate change in their local area. Importantly, LCAT also generates recommendations for appropriate adaptation approaches, based on the best available evidence, to support the health and wellbeing of local people. LCAT is being co-developed with, and for, local authorities and local service providers.

The LCAT was developed by a team from the University of Exeter and Cornwall Council, with input from more than 50 other local authority areas across the UK.

Decision-makers involved in the development include councils, health and emergency services. LCAT was designed to help local organisations increase their adaptation response to local climate change, something a recent government report describes as having ‘failed to keep pace with the worsening reality of climate risk.