A combination of environmental factors exposes Virginia’s coastal dwellers to some of the nation’s most severe climate change-related hazards, yet the state has almost zero plans for adaptation. Could that be about to change?
John Upton details Virginia's climate change risks (e.g., subsiding costal areas, shifting currents, and rising seas) before asking the question of the state is preparing to do in response to these risks. "According to James McGarry, the chief policy analyst at the non-profit Chesapeake Climate Action Network, the answer to that question is pretty much 'Nada.' Despite the severe risks that Virginia faces from a warming climate, McGarry said that the state’s leadership is doing less than the leaders of many other states to address the problems.
Fortunately, however, there have been recent signs of life from the state. "On July 1,Governor Terry McAuliffe reconvened a commission of experts to make recommendations about how the state could address climate change. Coincidentally, a week later, McGarry’s group published a 60-page report that could help guide those efforts."
The report includes 10 recommendations: five for greenhouse gas emission reductions; five for climate change adaptation.
FULL STORY: How to Keep Virginia From Sinking
Senate Bill Would Fund Climate Change Resilience in Coastal Communities
Grant and loan funding, new research, and a competition are some of the ideas included in the Coastal Communities Adaptation Act.
20 States Best and Least Prepared for Climate Change and Extreme Weather
A new study from CNBC ranks US states in order of sustainability and preparedness for climate change and extreme weather. A few might surprise you.
California State Law Calls on Coastal Regions to Create Resiliency Plans
Cities and counties at risk of flooding and erosion from sea level rise can access state funding to implement coastal resiliency plans.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion
The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.
Since Zion's Shuttles Went Electric “The Smog is Gone”
Visitors to Zion National Park can enjoy the canyon via the nation’s first fully electric park shuttle system.
Trump Distributing DOT Safety Funds at 1/10 Rate of Biden
Funds for Safe Streets and other transportation safety and equity programs are being held up by administrative reviews and conflicts with the Trump administration’s priorities.
German Cities Subsidize Taxis for Women Amid Wave of Violence
Free or low-cost taxi rides can help women navigate cities more safely, but critics say the programs don't address the root causes of violence against women.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie