Dimensions - Summer 2010 - 4

Knowledge

Incorporating Climate Change Adaptation Concepts into the Hazard Mitigation Planning Process
Recently published scientific studies have verified a gradual shift in the earth’s climate over the last century. They conclude that extreme weather events will become even more commonplace as early as this decade.i Governments and other entities are beginning to discuss how to adapt to the effects of climate change and focus on solutions that are cost-effective and mutually beneficial for humans and the environment. Dimensions speaks with Seamus Mooney, Frederick County, Maryland, and Carrie Speranza, CFM, Dewberry, on how weather extremes affect all sectors of a community and what steps organizations can take. How can organizations preemptively mitigate effects of these extremes?
Speranza: The challenge of implementing climate change adaptation measures lies in understanding what hazards may be exacerbated by climate change, which sectors of the population and infrastructure are most vulnerable, and what steps can be taken to manage risks. We recently addressed this issue with Frederick County; they are one of the first in the country to incorporate climate change adaptation concepts into a hazard mitigation plan.

How do you incorporate adaptation planning into a standard hazard mitigation plan?
Speranza: Hazard mitigation planning starts with establishing a community profile; so we began by researching and compiling data on all sectors of the county, including geography and climate, population, fiscal capabilities, and critical infrastructure. Mooney: Dewberry also went through a hazard identification exercise and asked county representatives to rank hazards by potential impact to the county. Speranza: Through this process and follow-on analysis, we were able to determine which sectors and hazards are most likely to be exacerbated by climate change.

Why include adaptation in hazard mitigation planning and what about funding?
Mooney: When Dewberry first suggested that we include climate change in our mitigation plan I was a little skeptical, but as we reviewed reports developed for the State of Maryland and the National Capital Region it became increasingly apparent that it should be included. This not only makes our mitigation program more comprehensive, it may also help other county divisions and agencies secure grant funding for environmental sustainability. Speranza: By using the established hazard mitigation planning process and pre-existing federal grant mechanisms, jurisdictions have the needed resources to build disaster-resistant communities of the future. For more information, please contact Carrie Speranza, CFM, Emergency Management Specialist, Dewberry, 703.849.0367 or Seamus Mooney, Director, Frederick County Department of Emergency Preparedness, 301.600.1746.
i

Final Report, Synthesis an Assessment Product 3.3: Weather and Climate Extremes in a Changing Climate Regions of Focus: North America, Hawaii, Caribbean, and U.S. Pacific Islands. U.S. Climate Change Science Program. 2008.

2010 Dimensions ® | Summer | 4

Dimensions - Summer 2010

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