Developing and implementing an ambitious climate action plan can be a difficult, and often expensive, endeavor for small cities. Identifying possible solutions and mobilizing resources to effectively advance climate solutions can often seem out of reach, and as though the costs outweigh the benefits. However, sometimes there are simple steps that even the most cash-strapped cities can fall back on.
In New England, facilitated by a federal resource developed by the Environmental Protection Agency, cities are now able to network with one another more effectively and easily than ever. Dubbed “Resilience and Adaptation in New England,” or RAINE, the online database connects 100 communities throughout greater New England. The aim of the program is to create a platform where community leaders can connect, learn from the experiences of other cities, and share their successes, and failures.
The program offers mayors an invaluable resource to determine climate action plans that may or may not work in their area. Rather than sinking resources into an ineffective solution, or learning by trial and error, communities can act with an increased confidence that their investments will pay off.
Mayors and elected officials are leading the way on climate action. By collaborating, connecting, and learning from neighboring cities, mayors are able to target their efforts and implement the most effective solutions. These actions lead to healthier communities, cleaner environments, and more attractive neighborhoods for families and residents. Connect with leaders in your area by joining Path to Positive Communities!
New England Communities Addressing Climate Change
By Curt Spalding | EPA | February 2, 2016
Over the past several years I have witnessed New England communities grapple with challenges that are likely indicators of our changing climate. The sea is creeping into parking lots at high tide in low-lying Rhode Island. The Cape Cod National Seashore rebuilds access to beaches as the sea eats away dunes that have loomed for centuries. After Tropical Storm Irene, we saw Vermont communities helping each other and their state recover from the damage.
As more and more communities deal with rising sea levels, increased coastal erosion, seasonal changes, more intense and frequent storms, flooding, heat waves, public health threats, and threats to native species, I am often asked “What advice does EPA have? Who has already begun addressing these problems?”
I’m proud that our office has just launched an online resource to further help New England communities navigate how to respond to climate change. This resource, called RAINE (it stands for “Resilience and Adaptation in New England,”) is full of links, documents and information on how more than 100 New England communities are taking action to adapt to climate change.
