Climate change is a “wicked problem” in a complex society. It has wide-ranging impacts on infrastructure, public health, economies, and the demand for emergency services. Adapting to it requires significant financial investment, strategic planning, and collaboration among governments, communities, and other stakeholders. Failure to adequately address climate change can lead to escalating costs, increased vulnerabilities, and diminished quality of life.
The magnitude and scope of climate change response necessitate partnerships across local, state, and federal governments. This report focuses on local-level climate-change impact and options that local governments can leverage to create a wide range of possibilities for collaboratively addressing the issue.