Birmingham
United Kingdom
Birmingham is projected to face significant climate hazards in the future, particularly frequent heavy precipitation events. This change is likely to increase the risk of urban flooding and overwhelm existing drainage systems, potentially causing extensive waterlogging and infrastructure damage. The economic implications could be severe, as local businesses may suffer disruptions due to extreme weather events. Furthermore, frequent heavy precipitation can pose public health risks and increase pressure on municipal resources. As the climate continues to shift, it becomes crucial for Birmingham to monitor these changes closely to mitigate negative influences on both the environment and the community. The city has yet to document technology-enabled climate resilience solutions, leaving it vulnerable to the projected impacts of climate change. Continuous assessment of these hazards is vital to safeguard Birmingham's infrastructure and enhance its adaptive capacity as challenges increase in severity and frequency.
Hazard Outlook
How will Birmingham's projected climate hazards compare to other cities under a 3.0°C future warming scenario?
Heavy Rainfall Days
With 11 days of heavy rainfall expected, Birmingham ranks among the highest of all cities for extreme precipitation events.
Longest Heatwave
Birmingham may experience heatwaves lasting up to 4 days, near the median of other cities.
Elevation
At 169 m elevation, Birmingham faces moderate risk from coastal flooding and sea level rise.
Maximum Temperature
Birmingham's projected maximum temperature of 7.2°C is lower than most cities globally under a 3.0°C warming scenario.
Maximum Rainfall
Birmingham's projected maximum rainfall of 6 mm is lower than most cities globally.
Exposure Summary
Adaptation Priorities
Birmingham faces high exposure to heavy rain. These areas may warrant priority attention in adaptation planning.
Data source: Climate projections from the IPCC AR6 scenario analysis. See our methodology for details on how we process and interpret this data.
Deployed Solutions
Deployed climate adaptation technologies identified in Birmingham.
No solutions have been documented for Birmingham.
This is an archived snapshot of the database.
Recommended Solutions
Proven solutions from similar cities that could help diversify Birmingham's resilience portfolio
Integrated Metropolitan Meteorological Monitoring Network
89%The Lisbon Metropolitan Area established an integrated meteorological monitoring network in early 2022, consisting of 18 weather stations distributed across each of its 18 municipalities.
Untitled Solution
86%The Greater Manchester Combined Authority developed Mapping Greater Manchester, a series of open data maps designed to support an open and inclusive approach to sustainable and resilient development across the city-region.
Heat Risk Story Map and Vulnerability Index
86%Manchester developed a heat mapping tool to enhance understanding of the city's exposure and vulnerability to heat over time.
Local Climate Adaptation Tool (LCAT) for Evidence-Based Decision Support
86%The Local Climate Adaptation Tool (LCAT) is a UK-based national evidence-based resource designed to support local decision-makers, including public sector institutions, to take climate adaptation action.
Citizen Science Mobile Heat Mapping with Vehicle-Mounted Sensors
84%With the help of the Museum of Science, volunteers attached temperature sensors to their cars and bikes to collect data in Boston, Cambridge and Brookline.
Integrated 1D-2D Hydraulic Modeling for Urban Drainage Systems
89%Mathematical modelling of wastewater and stormwater systems was undertaken with SWMM (1D) and Basement (2D), mostly in the downtown area (drainage catchments J&L).
Digital Surface Flood Warning System with Multi-Sensor Network
86%Manchester City Council has committed to investing in remote monitoring systems at known flooding sites to enable a more effective response.
Watershed-Specific Downscaled Climate Projection Modeling
85%Seattle's water utilities collaborated with federal and academic research institutions to develop downscaled climate projections specifically tailored to the watersheds supplying the city's water.