Chapter 2
Integrated and Resilient Planning
The Earth's climate is dynamic and has shifted over time. However, changes in the global climate have accelerated over the past 50 years due to human activities. Underserved and low-income communities are disproportionately impacted by the effects of climate change, as well as other environmental burdens, including air pollution. Various federal and state regulations have been adopted to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, improve environmental justice and social equity, and help communities plan for and adapt to anticipated changes in our climate. Beyond regulation, developers and decisionmakers can build future equity and resilience through informed and holistic project planning.
This chapter discusses the changing climate, its impacts on society and public health, federal and state planning efforts to address the problem, and how equity and resilience can be improved.