b'1Introduction & Background1.1 Introduction:This Local Authority Adaptation Strategy takes on the role as the primary instrument at local level to: The Earths Climate is changing. While naturalfluctuations in climate are considered normal, Ensure a proper comprehension of the key risks and emerging research and observational records fromvulnerabilities of climate change is attained.across the world show rates of change that are farBring forward the implementation of climate greater than those experienced in recent history. resilient adaptation actions in a planned and Global temperatures have risen and are projected toproactive manner. rise further, bringing changes in weather patterns,Ensure that climate adaptation considerations arerising sea levels as well as increased frequency andmainstreamed into all plans and policies andintensity of extreme weather. Irelands climate is integrated into all operations and functions of thechanging in line with global patterns and theselocal authority. changes are bringing significant and wide ranging economic, environmental and social impacts.This adaptation strategy serves Kildare CountyCouncil in two respects:Climate change is now recognised as a global As a business with an obligation towards challenge with policy responses required in terms ofcustomer service, a focus on effectiveness in both mitigating the causes of climate change and inbusiness, improving efficiencies and maintainingadapting to the now inevitable consequences of ourstaff welfare.changing climate. Action at local level is vitally In the delivery of services and functions acrossimportant to help reduce the risks and impacts of the administrative and geographical area of Countyclimate change across communities.Kildare.This Climate Change Adaptation Strategy is thestart of the process of adaptation planning in KildareCounty Council and is the first step in increasing knowledge and understanding of our changingclimate, growing resilience, and enabling effective responses to the threats posed by climate change. 1.2Purpose of this strategy: This Strategy forms part of the National Adaptation Framework (NAF) which was published in response to the provisions of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015. As the level of government closest to localcommunities and enterprise and as first responders in many emergencies, Kildare County Council are uniquely placed to be a leader in achieving the national objective of becoming a more climateresilient society and economy by 2050, with the capability to tackle the many challenges that climate change can present.7'