Preparing for Climate Change: A Guidebook for Local, Regional, and State Governments

The purpose of Preparing for Climate Change: A Guidebook for Local, Regional, and State Governments is to help you as a decision-maker in a local, regional, or state government prepare for climate change by recommending a detailed, easy-to-understand process for climate change
preparedness based on familiar resources and tools. The content of this guidebook was developed from reviews of scientific literature, the Climate Impacts Group’s experience working with U.S. Pacific Northwest decision-makers on preparing for climate change, and King County, Washington’s experience developing and implementing a climate change preparedness plan. ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability has also provided guidance based on its Climate Resilient Communities Program, its Five Milestones process for climate change adaptation, and its extensive experience with local and regional governments.

This guidebook is for you if your primary area of concern includes the following:

  • ensuring safe and reliable public services
  • ensuring environmental quality or compliance
  • economic development
  • land use planning and zoning
  • fiscal responsibility and risk management
  • capital investments
  • emergency response
  • water resources management
  • public health
  • coastal zone management
  • port management
  • ecosystem management
  • transportation infrastructure
  • simply making sure that your community is planning for climate change