Local Policy Scan on Climate Change Adaptation

Now, more than ever, we are acutely aware of such issues as greenhouse gas emissions, ocean acidification, reduced snowpack, sea level rise, and increasing severity of storms, among many others—all directly related to the effects of climate change.

Given that these effects will surely have an impact on public health, it is important to consider both when planning future community development.

ChangeLab Solutions developed this Local Policy Scan on Climate Change Adaptation to provide a snapshot of the current state of community-level activities in North America for addressing the relationship between climate change and public health. Drafted from a selection of literature review, expert interviews, and case studies of eight communities, this report is intended to be used by public health officials, community organizations, county public agencies, and those involved with city planning. Our goal is to identify best practices, common challenges, and keys to success.

This report is tied to our previous climate change report, Involving Public Health in Climate Change Policy: An Action Plan for Public Health, which explores practical tools and policy strategies for public health practitioners to participate in climate change planning activities.