Keene, NH Climate Resilient Communities Pilot Program
Type: Program
Status: Adopted on 11/15/07
Source File: http://www.ci.keene.nh.us/planning/climatekeene.htm
Description:
As the frequency and intensity of the changing climate becomes part of the planning reality for local governments, adaptation strategies are imperative. In response to this demand, ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability has developed a five milestone process for increasing resiliency that complements the mitigation-focused Cities for Climate Protection Campaign. This new program offers tools to assess community vulnerability and create a climate action plan to improve long-term preparedness for climate impacts.
With the City Council’s approval of a Climate Adaptation Action Plan, the City of Keene has become one of the first cities in the country to actively and comprehensively address the potential impacts associated with climate change. The plan was unanimously approved by the City Council on November 15 and was introduced to a gathering of local governments from the Northeast committed to climate protection on November 29, 2007. ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability assisted Keene in developing the plan and hosted the regional event.
From more frequent and severe flooding, to changes in annual snowfall amount, to the infestation of non-native plan and animal species, to the increase in total number of high heat index days and more numerous poor air quality days, Keene has come to recognize that these changes are ultimately impacting the community’s built, natural and social environments.
The Climate Adaptation Action Plan will aid Keene’s progress in enhancing its resiliency to the impacts associated with climate change as well as with its overall climate change planning efforts.
Adapting to Climate Change: Planning a Climate Resilient Community (PDF)
Climate Adaptation Action Plan Summary Report (PDF)