The Center for Clean Air Policy (CCAP) recently released two new reports on improving community resilience and economic prosperity by incorporating climate change adaptation best practices into city planning strategies. The reports, The Value of Green Infrastructure for Urban Climate Adaptation and Lessons Learned on Local Climate Adaptation from the Urban Leaders Adaptation Initiative, include examples of local government adaptation planning and discuss the multiple benefits of using green infrastructure.
The Value of Green Infrastructure for Urban Climate Adaptation provides information on the costs and benefits of green infrastructure practices, such as eco-roofs, green alleys, and urban forestry. The report provides examples of a variety of approaches as well as the benefits to urban communities, such as improvements in land value, quality of life, public health, hazard mitigation, and regulatory compliance. The report also examines how local governments can use managerial, institutional, and market-based approaches to reduce climate risks and maintain resilience.
Lessons Learned on Local Climate Adaptation from the Urban Leaders Adaptation Initiative summarizes the main findings of CCAP’s Urban Leaders Adaptation Initiative. This partnership with local government leaders served to empower local communities to develop and implement climate-resilient strategies. The report concludes that effective approaches include comprehensive planning, using “no-regrets” strategies, and “mainstreaming” adaptation efforts into existing policies. In addition, the report finds that examining and communicating the multiple benefits of adaptation strategies can be especially useful for developing public support for initiatives.
The Value of Green Infrastructure for Urban Climate Adaptation is now available. Lessons Learned on Local Climate Adaptation from the Urban Leaders Adaptation Initiative is also available to read online.