Simple Steps to Climate Resilience

With average global temperature climbing at record rates and scientists speculating that average US temperatures could be 3 to 9 degrees higher by the end of the century, climate resilience has become a concern for researchers, planners, academics, and authorities.

Although large-scale coordinated efforts to diminish the warming trajectory will take time, investment, and leadership, there are several low-tech initiatives that individuals and groups can implement in their own communities to prepare for rising temperatures, notes Benfield.

His list includes:

1. Bringing more vegetation into neighborhoods
2. Planting city-scaled community gardens
3. Using drought-resistant landscaping
4. Using light-colored roofing and pavement
5. Getting serious about sea level rise and storm surges
6. Saving older buildings
7. When building new, following "original green" practices
8. Keeping the regional footprint small and well-connected
9. Updating zoning and building codes to facilitate resilience