Alison Gardner

Alison Gardner is a consultant in the Climate Action Planning and Transparency team at Ricardo. Alison has a breadth and depth of knowledge, and refined research skills, across climate science, modelling, impacts and adaptation. She has technical expertise and skills in climate modelling/use of climate projections data and vast experience in climate vulnerability and risk assessments (VRAs), to identify impacts, the need for adaptation and suitable adaptation options. Alison is well versed in writing sectoral, sub-national and national adaptation plans, as well as implementation planning, and possesses strong communication skills that contribute to effective stakeholder engagement.   

Currently, Alison is focused on climate adaptation, leading the climate modelling and hazards analysis work conducted by her team, primarily in projects involving climate VRAs and national adaptation planning. Her work includes climate impact assessments for the UK, Qatar and Malta. This involves collecting and analysing data from climate models to assess the magnitude and frequency of climate hazards across the project locations, as well as effective stakeholder workshops to gain validation and input from key stakeholders on the VRA findings, both online and in person. Alison has improved efficiencies in the climate impact assessment process through robust and methodical data analysis, and co-authored a DIY manual for conducting a climate risk assessment, for the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change, which is now widely used by regions and local authorities across the EU to aid in conducting a comprehensive VRA. Under the same programme, Alison provides technical guidance for subnational adaptation planning throughout Europe.