Featured Article: State and Local Governments Prepare for Climate Change

By Frances L. Edwards

Frances L. Edwards, PhD, is the deputy director for the National Transportation Security Center of Excellence at the Mineta Transportation Institute, San Jose State University in California, and director of the director of public administration program.

Her article “State and Local Governments Prepare for Climate Change” discusses how global warming could affect state and local government. Edwards gives examples of how these levels of government are preparing for climate change, which include:

• San Jose’s Green Vision

• LED street lights

• tree planting

• LEED certification

• California’s initiatives

• California Solar Initiative (CSI)

• solar power generation

• fuel cell technology

• alternative transportation strategies

• Denver’s Climate Action Plan

• water conservation

• Pew Center urgings for further adaptation

• pre-disaster mitigation

• natural cycle or carbon.

Excerpt Taken Directly From “State and Local Governments Prepare for Climate Change”

“While debating the cause of climate change can be divisive and politically volatile, a review of observed climate-related events within the community and a strategy for lessening future loss of life and infrastructure provide a firm basis for adaptation planning, funding, and implementation. The observed effects of climate change must be dealt with, regardless of their cause, whether part of a natural cycle or due to greenhouse gas emissions.”

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