The EcoCities Spatial Portal

This tool case shows how to assess the geography of Greater Manchester's vulnerability to climate change. The EcoCities spatial portal was developed within the EcoCities project at The University of Manchester, and drew on previous research undertaken within the INTERREG IVC GRaBS project. EcoCities researchers looked at climate change impacts and modelled local climate change projections to assess Greater Manchester’s vulnerability to climate change. This work was brought together in the spatial portal. This interactive platform displays spatial data and provides information to improve understanding of issues of climate change vulnerability in Greater Manchester. This helps to build the evidence base available to decision makers and other stakeholders when developing climate change adaptation plans and strategies. The portal is for all stakeholders, including community members, to help them visualise vulnerability, exposure and climate hazards within a particular location. So, it will raise awareness, aid decision-making and facilitate community and stakeholder participation in formulating appropriate adaptation responses. Although the portal is based around Greater Manchester, the principles underlying its development are transferable to other locations.