The District of Columbia's Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) released its draft climate adaptation plan, Climate Ready DC, for community input. The plan identifies current and future impacts of a changing climate on the District's infrastructure, public facilities, and residents.
“From scorching summer temperatures to higher precipitation and more intense storms, we’re already experiencing the consequences of a changing climate,” said DOEE Director Tommy Wells. “To mitigate the catastrophic effects from acute weather events like the 2012 derecho and address longer-term concerns like sustained high heat advisory days, we must take action immediately. Climate Ready DC is the answer to that charge.”
Based on the best available climate science, Climate Ready DC was developed through consultation with leading experts, including a team of national consultants, 15 District Government agencies, 11 community based organizations, and input from two community meetings.
The plan builds on preliminary findings from two technical reports, the first of which is the Climate Projections & Scenario Development Report, which assessed existing climate change data and explored future climate scenarios across three planning horizons: the 2020s, 2050s and 2080s. The second report completed was a Vulnerability Risk Assessment, which further evaluated the District’s vulnerability to climate change impacts, and the effects those impacts may have on infrastructure, community assets, and our most vulnerable populations.
“The scientific research behind the draft Climate Ready DC plan shows increased storms, flooding, and extreme heat in the District impacting our most vulnerable residents and neighborhoods disproportionately," said Courtney Snowden, Deputy Mayor for Greater Economic Opportunity. "We must ensure all of our citizens are resilient in the face of climate change; your comments on this draft plan will help to make sure we are prioritizing the actions most important to our residents in all 8 Wards.”
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