Communities across the United States—regardless of region—face significant water-related vulnerabilities because of climate change. Coastal cities such as New York, Miami, and San Francisco anticipate serious challenges from sea level rise. Southwestern cities such as Phoenix face water shortages. Midwest cities such as Chicago and St. Louis expect more intense storms and floods. Even Homer, Alaska, with a population of less than 6,000, is not immune to the impacts of climate change. NRDC urges cities to prepare for these challenges by taking action at the local level to increase a community’s resilience to the water-related impacts of climate change.

This report compiles findings from climate researchers about local, water-related climate changes and impacts to major cities across the United States. While there may be some uncertainty as to the rate of warming or sea level rise, there is no uncertainty that these changes are taking place, and that they are taking place in our backyards. Fortunately, many measures exist to help communities prepare, and this report documents efforts cities are taking to become more resilient. Indeed, many cities highlighted in this report are leading the way, although more can and should be done, particularly in places that have not yet begun the process of identifying their own water-related vulnerabilities. This report is intended to highlight the importance of understanding vulnerabilities facing cities as well as the importance of preparing for change.