The nexus of sustainability and climate resilience planning: Embedding climate resilience policies in local governments

Abstract

A local government’s approach to climate action planning varies based on the type of municipal leadership, financial resources available for resilience planning, and a community-level commitment to addressing the threats of climate change. Two cities in Michigan deployed climate change plans in their operations and at a community scale. While using different approaches, the intended outcomes of climate change plans in those cities are similar. The article reviews programs and policies to implementing climate resilience measures and how cities in Michigan approach climate change, either indirectly, by specific targets embedded in sustainability planning, or directly, through funding climate action planning in a city’s operations. The key outcomes related to climate change action and resilience planning are transparency, accountability, measurements, reporting requirements, annual review, and progress report-related adjustments. The article reviews various approaches to implementing climate resilience measures and how cities approach climate change through specific targets embedded in sustainability planning or directly through funding climate action planning. The concepts of integrating resilience planning into sustainability plans are reviewed in part to provide a better appreciation of policies that lead to practical outcomes in resilience planning. Moreover, the review will provide insight as to how various types of governments may provide for continuity in planning in response to changes in elected and appointed leadership.