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Numerous strategies but limited implementation guidance in US local adaptation plans

Author

Listed:
  • Sierra C. Woodruff

    (Curriculum for the Environment and Ecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Venable Hall)

  • Missy Stults

    (Urban and Regional Planning Program and School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Michigan)

Abstract

Adaptation planning offers a promising approach for identifying and devising solutions to address local climate change impacts. Yet there is little empirical understanding of the content and quality of these plans. We use content analysis to evaluate 44 local adaptation plans in the United States and multivariate regression to examine how plan quality varies across communities. We find that plans draw on multiple data sources to analyse future climate impacts and include a breadth of strategies. Most plans, however, fail to prioritize impacts and strategies or provide detailed implementation processes, raising concerns about whether adaptation plans will translate into on-the-ground reductions in vulnerability. Our analysis also finds that plans authored by the planning department and those that engaged elected officials in the planning process were of higher quality. The results provide important insights for practitioners, policymakers and scientists wanting to improve local climate adaptation planning and action.

Suggested Citation

  • Sierra C. Woodruff & Missy Stults, 2016. "Numerous strategies but limited implementation guidance in US local adaptation plans," Nature Climate Change, Nature, vol. 6(8), pages 796-802, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcli:v:6:y:2016:i:8:d:10.1038_nclimate3012
    DOI: 10.1038/nclimate3012
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