Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
aggregates energy data in a secure, easy to use format - within federal
facilities to increase their ability to manage energy consumption, reduce
greenhouse gas emissions, and meet sustainability goals.
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TATES FOR THE
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As we act to curb the greenhouse gas pollution that is driving climate
change, we must also prepare for the impacts that are too late to avoid. Across
America, states, cities, and communities are taking steps to protect themselves
by updating building codes, adjusting the way they manage natural resources,
investing in more resilient infrastructure, and planning for rapid recovery from
damages that nonetheless occur. The federal government has an important role
to play in supporting community-based preparedness and resilience efforts,
establishing policies that promote preparedness, protecting critical
infrastructure and public resources, supporting science and research germane
to preparedness and resilience, and ensuring that federal operations and
facilities continue to protect and serve citizens in a changing climate.
The Obama Administration has been working to strengthen America's
climate resilience since its earliest days. Shortly after coming into office,
President Obama established an Interagency Climate Change Adaptation Task
Force and, in October 2009, the President signed an Executive Order directing
it to recommend ways federal policies and programs can better prepare the
Nation for change. In May 2010, the Task Force hosted the first National
Climate Adaptation Summit, convening local and regional stakeholders and
decision-makers to identify challenges and opportunities for collaborative
action.
In February 2013, federal agencies released Climate Change Adaptation
Plans for the first time, outlining strategies to protect their operations,
missions, and programs from the effects of climate change. The Department of
Transportation, for example, is developing guidance for incorporating climate
change and extreme weather event considerations into coastal highway
projects, and the Department of Homeland Security is evaluating the
challenges of changing conditions in the Arctic and along our Nation's
borders. Agencies have also partnered with communities through targeted
grant and technical-assistance programs—for example, the Environmental
Protection Agency is working with low-lying communities in North Carolina
