To put adaptation into local planning,
Educate your local officials

Rhode Island training officials to plan for climate changeStrong state and municipal finances are going to be a big advantage in protecting some of us from the costs of climate change. But just as important will be state and local smarts.

Officials who can help protect residents long-term are forward-looking, open to new ideas and, of course, able to clearly see the looming costs from warming. (Are yours? One indicator is the quality of a city’s plans, discussed in my book.)

Rhode Island knows how important it is for public officials to factor the effects of climate change into their decision-making. They’ve just rolled out a state-wide training program “to increase the capacity of municipal decision-makers to make effective choices supporting resilience to the impacts from climate change.”

Yes, the Ocean State may be a special case. Its state capitol grounds and several city halls could be flooded in a bad storm or a century’s sea level rise. What is your state doing to educate your town leaders and planners about the coming costs – and specific protections – from warming? Take a look at these training materials for RI city officials – and maybe send them along to your town council members.