Are U.S. Cities Prepared for the Effects of Climate Change?

GRAPHIC 1

Adaptation vs. Mitigation

Adaptation seeks to lower the risks posed by the consequences of climatic changes.

Mitigation refers to efforts to reduce or prevent emission of greenhouse gases.

GRAPHIC 2

Climate Change Preparedness

CityPopulationPolitical LeaningMajor Disaster Declartions Through 2013Level of Public Concern
Portland
603,000
Democrat
29
Very high
Boston
630,000
Democrat
29
Medium
Los Angeles
3.8 million
Democrat
79
High
Raleigh
423,000
Conservative Democrat
43
Low-Medium
Tucson
524,000
Conservative Democrat
23
Low-Medium
Tampa
347,000
Republican
67
Low

GRAPHIC 3

Interviewees by Sector

25% nongovernmental organizations

23% city government

18% county or regional government

18% academia

13% state government

3% private sector

Source

Carlson, K. & McCormick, S. (2015). “American adaptation: Social factors affecting new developments to address climate change.” Global Environmental Change, 35, 360-367. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959378015300522