“Global
Climate Change” refers to a changing of the earth’s environment as we know
it today due to the scientifically documented warming of the earth.
Increasing levels of greenhouse gas emissions, both naturally occurring and
emissions resulting from the human use of fossil fuels, are causing this
warming.
The
awareness of global climate change and the certainty that it is a reality has
crystallized during the past twelve months. Concerns about reducing and
mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to potential climate change
impacts are now central to the discussion of politicians, business people and
citizens alike in the State of
Planning
has its place in climate change preparedness. While the public sector’s
focus to date has principally centered on action plans that reduce greenhouse
gas emissions, there is also a need for adaptation planning to prepare
communities to respond to the impacts of climate change, some of which will be
caused by greenhouse gases already in the atmosphere.
The
“Climate Change Community Toolbox” was prepared by the Council at the
request of the Miami-Dade County Climate Change Advisory Task Force. It
was made possible through the generous support of the Florida Department of
Community Affairs.
The
Toolbox is designed to help decision-makers understand how to carry out
adaptation planning, how to conduct analyses of specific sectors and issue areas
as the basis for focused response strategies and actions, and presents examples
of adaptation planning options. It is expected that the Toolbox will
assist communities in South Florida and throughout
Specifically
the toolbox consists of three components:
1.
Three plain language and visually interesting fact sheets that summarize the
impacts of climate change on
2.
A sea level rise map atlas that contains maps to aid Miami-Dade County’s
Climate Change Advisory Task Force in understanding the magnitude and geography
of potential sea level rise impacts to the County as well as what future these
impacts may mean for infrastructure and land use planning. The maps allow
viewers to ascertain which areas of Miami-Dade County are generally more
vulnerable to sea level rise than others as well as which areas are likely to
experience substantial coastal wetland loss by 2100.
3.
A compendium of adaptation resources containing the most current and relevant
adaptation processes, strategies, options and examples drawn from national and
international sources.
