Dorset, Eco & Environment | Posted on April 2nd, 2026 | return to news

Dorset panel sets out climate change initiatives

Following the Citizens’ Climate Panel, which met last year, a report has been published outlining the way forward.

Dorset residents have come up with some firm ideas to help the county prepare for climate change.

Last autumn, Dorset Council brought together a cross-section of 20 residents to form a Citizens’ Climate Panel, and now a report has been published.

Over four full-day workshops, facilitated by charity Involve, the group learned from climate experts, shared personal experiences, and co-designed proposals to help Dorset face increasingly extreme weather.

The report’s publication follows one of Dorset’s wettest winters on record, with repeated flooding damaging homes, disrupting transport and affecting businesses across the county.

Cllr Nick Ireland, leader of Dorset Council and Cabinet member for climate, said: “This winter’s unprecedented rainfall shows exactly why Dorset must prepare now for more extreme weather.
“The Citizens’ Panel has given us a grounded, community-led view of what people need, expect and want from us. Their ideas will directly shape a practical plan that protects residents, services and our natural environment.”

Panel member and university student Kiran said: “I think being able to take part in this has enabled me to potentially have some control over what Dorset is going to look like in the future.”

Kiran went on to say he learned a lot during the panel, especially around sustainable farming. “It gives me hope,” he added.

Mum-of-three Emily said: “I feel we all have quite a large impact on climate, so I want to do my part in reducing our impact, and the panel looked really interesting – and I thought my views might actually be listened to.

“However small your voice might be, it’s good to be heard.”

The panel’s recommendations include a shared vision for a fair, resilient and nature-positive Dorset; priority areas for action to reduce climate risks and support community preparedness; and guiding principles to help ensure future decisions are open, fair and evidence-based.

These resident-led recommendations will inform a new Dorset Climate Resilience and Adaptation Strategy, to be developed with partners over the coming year.

This strategy will set out how Dorset can prepare for heavier rainfall, increased flooding, hotter summers and wider climate impacts – while keeping people safe, supporting local services, and strengthening the economy and natural environment.

Alongside the Citizens’ Climate Panel, Dorset Council will engage with farmers, emergency services, community groups, voluntary organisations, infrastructure providers and many others across the county.

Residents can read the full Citizens’ Panel report, hear directly from panel members and follow updates on the developing Climate Resilience and Adaptation Strategy at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/dorset-citizens-climate-panel.