3.0 Applying a Framework

03 Critical Evaluation Framework

3.0 Applying the Framework

The introductory section of this report allowed us to gain an understanding of what climate resilience is and how it relates to each dimension of sustainability. The analysis of four existing, accredited resilience frameworks , has highlighted a series of targets and indicators which have been selected as integral components of a climate resilient city. Similar targets and indicators have been merged to create a concise framework. The indicators have been categorised into their most relevant dimensions. The climate resilience critical evaluation framework (CREF) for the purpose of this report, will be used to assess the city of Manchester’s current roadmaps for building their climate resilience. Both qualitative and quantitative data provided in the city’s roadmaps will be used to score each of the indicators and providing a measurement of their current roadmaps success.

Qualitative Data “Assesses the adequacy of the mechanism and processes in place to achieve the outcome articulated by the indicators (RCI, 2022)”. Descriptive findings are subjective and therefore not always accurate however they can consider a city’s targets when assessing their success.

Quantitative Data - “Identifies quantitative metrics that can be used by cities as proxies for past and current performance in relation to the indicators (RCI, 2022)”. Numerical findings provide raw data however they do not account for new plans and initiatives. The CREF framework is based around building resilience across four dimensions. Although governance is not explicitly stated as a dimension for sustainable development by the UN in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the importance of governance has been highlighted in the analysis of the four existing frameworks and evidenced within the research. It is critical for policy making and sustainable disaster planning and response management. “Urban vulnerability to disasters can be either further exacerbated or alleviated by different forms of local land use management and response capacities, pointing to the significant role of local governments in sustainable disaster planning and management (Holt, 2014, p.39)”. The increased frequency of natural disasters due to climate change and the effects they have on the most vulnerable members of societies has been identified as a critical challenge for building climate resilience in our cities.

The CREF frameworks scoring system uses numbers 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 to assess the success of the selected roadmaps performance against each of CREF’s indicators. 1- Poor / Not mentioned 3 - Substandard / Indirectly addressed 5 - Mediocre / Partially addressed 7 - Adequate / Addressed Directly 10 - Good / High level ambition or evidence of actions taken

The maximum score that can be achieved is 240. A minimum score of 192 (80%) would suggest the roadmap successfully addresses the key aspects of building climate resilience.