b'ForewordClimate change has come to Climate change is notthe forefront of political and something happening in the societal discussion in recentfuture, it is taking place right times. It poses a serious threatnow. It is impacting on an to humanity and our international stage but also on environment. The County issociety, both nationally and in already experiencing climateCounty Kildare. This is resulting risks including power outages, flooding, heat wavesin an increased demand on the councils operations to and drought conditions. Climate change will increaseprovide services and requires change in how we plan these risks going forward which will havefor future extreme events. Planning for the effects of considerable impacts on communities, businessesclimate change is required now. and on the Local Authoritys ability to continue providing services to its customers.As the host of the Eastern & Midlands Climate Action Regional Office, Kildare County Council is the lead for Local government has a key role to play in buildingcoordinating the work of 17 Local Authorities inclimate resilience in our communities through preparing their adaptation strategies and is alsoworking with existing networks such as the Publicfocusing on identifying job and business opportunities Participation Network, Local Community Developmentthat may arise. This role fits well with its corporateCommittees, Tidy Towns and the Chamber of objective of seeking to be an innovative andCommerce. In addition, the role of the Strategic Policyprogressive county, which is host to a range of modern Committees and the Corporate Policy Group provides industries such as Intel, Kerry Group and Pfizer.a unique opportunity to help shape this councilsresponse to the challenges and opportunities of I welcome this Climate Change Adaptation Strategy climate change. as the first step in building the foundations required to enhance resilience to climate hazards. This strategy Along with reducing climate risks within its own provides a fundamental tool for local authorities tocouncil operations this Climate Adaptation Strategy isaddress such challenges and for developingalso a solid initial step in helping to reduce innovative and sustainable solutions that address vulnerabilities and build adaptive capacity amongadaptation and enhanced resilience to a changing the citizenry. We need to ensure our communities andclimate. It aims to provide benefits at a relatively businesses are supported in adapting to the impactsreduced cost when compared to the more common of climate change. reactive approach. I wish to express appreciation to everyone who has contributed to the preparation of this strategy.Suzanne Doyle Peter CareyCathaoirleach Chief ExecutiveKildare County Council Kildare County Council1'