Protecting Health and Equity in the Face of Climate Change
Local Climate Adaptation
How communities are coming together to take action.
No matter where we live, we all feel the impacts of climate change.
But based on geography, local history and dynamics, planning capacity, and available resources, each community experiences those harms differently. Some communities feel the brunt of climate change sooner and stronger than others. Where one region experiences record-setting heat, others see devastating floods, wildfires, or are more exposed to more air pollution. And all of these experiences threaten health and wellbeing.
But across the U.S., there are successful efforts underway at the local level to protect health and adapt to the changing climate with a focus on supporting those at the greatest risk. In places like Columbia, S.C., Dearborn, Mich., East Point, Ga., and Isle De Jean Charles off the coast of Louisiana, local elected officials and community leaders partner together to find solutions that work for their unique circumstances. We can all learn from their innovative, collaborative, community-focused work.
These stories offer moments of hope that, despite climate change threatening the health and wellbeing of people and communities, it is possible to take action locally and build a healthier, safer future for everyone: a future where health is no longer a privilege, but a right.
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