Cory Rectenwald researched and reported this material.
Chicago. A detailed analysis of climate change’s likely effects on ecosystems, human health and infrastructure. It presents adaptation strategies in building and construction, energy use and attainment, transportation, and industrial waste. Strategies are prioritized according to the likelihood and costs associated with each relevant climate effect.
Massachusetts. This plan presents a portfolio of policies for three sectors: building, electricity supply, and transportation. It is especially noteworthy for a rigorous, well documented projection of green job creation associated with each set of policies.
Michigan. This plan links suggested policies with GHG reduction estimates, and then quantifies the net present value of cost savings or additional costs associated with each policy. Especially useful sections of the plan include Chapter 3 on the energy supply sector, which details several energy extraction and distribution methods that are not limited to “clean energy” initiatives, and Chapter 4 on “market-based policies,” primarily an analysis of the effect that a federal cap-and-trade system would have on GHG emissions and cost savings.
New York City. A Museum of Modern Art exhibition based on this study inspired the NEW Region project. Using a pre-existing set of climate projections, a group of interdisciplinary teams envisions creatively adaptive responses – in building construction, street and infrastructure design, and even regenerated oyster bed resources/barriers – for a number of NYC micro-areas.
Pittsburgh. The city’s plan is largely a collection of roughly 50 existing or proposed policies put forth by its Green Government Task Force (GGTF). The report organizes its proposals by sector – municipal, private business, community, and higher education – and by industry within each sector. A greenhouse gas emissions inventory is presented well and seems relevant due to the city’s proximity to NWPA.
San Diego. “Climate Change Impacts in the San Diego Region by 2050” is not primarily an action plan. It is rather a detailed modeling of the likely (rather severe) effects of climate change on San Diego’s ecosystems, people and economy, composed with the intent to inform the creation of adaptation strategies.
San Francisco. This plan looks at both adaptation and mitigation possibilities. Its methodology is clear and well presented, offering detailed breakdowns of the transportation and energy sectors’ greenhouse gas emissions. It then proposes near-term, feasible adaptation actions with associated GHG emissions reduction estimates for both of those sectors.