Philadelphia and New Orleans are two of America’s great cities. While their differences may seem greater than their similarities, both cities are on the frontlines of climate change.
New Orleans and Philadelphia, and countless other cities across the nation, are faced with the consequences of rising sea levels, more severe weather events, and the health and wellness consequences that are exacerbated by a changing climate. But community and local leaders are springing into action, no longer waiting for elected officials at the state and federal level.
In New Orleans, leaders are implementing bold new plans to mitigate the effects of flooding. These include maintaining undeveloped green spaces, ponds and lagoons that can absorb water during heavy rains and hurricane season. In Philadelphia, residents are working with city leaders to build rain gardens, tree trenches and green roofs.
While the threats have commonalities, effective solutions to climate consequences come in many forms. Philadelphia and New Orleans illustrate how mayors and local community leaders must work to identify the solutions for their city. Find out more about solutions that will work best in your city by visiting Path to Positive Communities!
Adapting To A More Extreme Climate, Coastal Cities Get Creative
By Tegan Wendland & Susan Phillips | NPR | April 13, 2016
Coastal cities across the globe are looking for ways to protect themselves from sea level rise and extreme weather. In the U.S., there is no set funding stream to help — leaving each city to figure out solutions for itself.
New Orleans and Philadelphia are two cities that face very similar challenges of flooding from rising tides. But they've chosen to pay for the solutions in very different ways.
New Orleans: Post-Disaster Payments And Grants Pave Future
"One of the biggest challenges of the next several decades is going to be water — either too much of it or not enough," says Jeff Hebert, chief resilience officer in New Orleans.
In New Orleans, the problem is too much water. Hebert's job is to help the city prepare for disasters like hurricanes and rising sea levels.
