Issue Area

Climate Adaptation

Overview

As carbon dioxide levels continue to climb, the impacts of climate change are worsening rapidly. Record drought and wildfires, stronger storms and unpredictable snowpack, heatwaves and flooding are becoming the norm across the nation. States are witnessing dramatic changes to land cover, fish and wildlife and habitat, water systems, human welfare, agriculture, and outdoor recreation opportunities because of climate change.

There are several types of tools that states can employ for climate adaptation, including: comprehensive plans and approaches to adaptation; regulatory tools such as building codes, growth plans, setbacks, buffers; spending tools such as capital improvements and land acquisition; and tax and market-based strategies. It is critical for states to assess their own climate impacts and to put policies in place to adapt to the changes that are occurring.

NCEL Point of Contact
Ava Gallo

Climate and Energy Program Manager

Contact
Key Facts

Natural adaptation solutions to climate change are often the cheapest, most effective, most socially acceptable and provide the most benefits. These include reforestation, riparian buffers, and healthy soils practices.

EESI

Adaptation is critical for disaster preparation and response. There were 22 climate events exceeding $1 billion in damages in 2020 alone.

NOAA

Protection and creation of large landscapes and wildlife corridors is critical to protect biodiversity in the face of the climate crisis.

IPBES
Current Legislation Resources News and Events Environmental Justice
Viewing All Bills
Filter

Issue

Status

Close
WY WV WI WA VT VA UT TX TN SD SC RI PA OR OK OH NY NV NM NJ NH NE ND NC MT MS MO MN MI ME MD MA LA KY KS IN IL ID IA HI GA FL DE DC CT CO CA AZ AR AL AK
Select a State
3FDBD0CA-FB8F-493F-AF5D-3E4DED843A45

Resources

NCEL Resources

Online Resources

State and Local Adaptation Plans

This resource details what states are doing to prepare for the impacts of climate change impacts.

Go to resource
Adaptation Clearinghouse

This database is maintained by the Georgetown Climate Center and provides information on policies related to climate law and governance, sea-level rise, urban heat and transportation.

Go to resource
The Economic Benefits of Green Infrastructure

EPA created a cost-benefit analysis that demonstrates the benefits of green infrastructure.

Go to resource
Surging Seas Interactive Map

Climate Central has created an interactive map and sea-level rise analysis to offers flooding scenarios for cities and regions across the country based on different carbon reduction scenarios.

Go to resource

Climate Adaptation and Environmental Justice

As climate change intensifies, the impacts are being felt the most by vulnerable and overburdened communities. State policy can ensure climate adaptation measures account for these disparities in climate impacts.

Extreme Weather Disparities

Low-income households and people of color are disproportionately impacted by extreme weather events, which are growing in severity and frequency with climate change.

5 Degrees Hotter

Redlined neighborhoods are less likely to have naturally cooling infrastructure such as trees and parks, and more likely to have paved surfaces, making these neighborhoods an average of 5 degrees hotter in the summer compared to non-redlined neighborhoods.

Extreme Temperature Deaths 40% More Likely

Black and Hispanic individuals in the United States are ~40% more likely to currently live in areas with the highest projected increases in extreme temperature-related deaths.

News and Events

See All

Highlighting Our Successes

Media Contact

For more information please contact NCEL Climate and Energy Manager Ava Gallo

Contact