Project Summary

The City of Oakdale, Minnesota received funding in 2017 to conduct a vulnerability assessment and adaptation planning project. The Population Vulnerability Assessment and Climate Adaptation Framework report includes a review of past and projected climate change impacts, and the identification of community vulnerabilities and adaptation strategies. Climate changes experienced over the last 50 years will are detailed, as well as climate change projections through 2100 for the Midwest region as a whole, the State of Minnesota, and the City of Oakdale. 

Background

Oakdale has experienced increases in average annual temperature, days over 95 degrees, and heavy rain events since 1950. Projections indicate that the city will experience more frequent extreme heat days and heavy rainfall events, and increased drought potential. Risks to the community include extreme weather events, floods, poor air and water quality, and vector-borne and foodborne diseases.

Funding for this project was made possible by a 2017 Environmental Assistance Grant provided by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Project objectives included:

• Increasing awareness of potential climate impacts and population vulnerabilities;
• Increasing inclusion of climate adaptation dialogue within City planning and decision making processes;
• Strengthening adaptive capacity based on the best available information on regional climate change projections and impacts;
• Outlining priority risks, vulnerabilities, and possible near-term actions;
• Laying the foundation for the development of implementation plans that consider available resources and prioritize the most effective actions from a cost and benefit perspective; and
• Preventing or reducing the risks to populations most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

Implementation

The consulting agency, paleBLUEdot LLC, led the project in partnership with the City of Oakdale, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Metropolitan Council, and the City of Minneapolis. The study was conducted throughout 2017 and completed in November 2017. The assessment identifies climate risks and impacts on the population of Oakdale as well as climate change impact multipliers such as urban heat island effects. Vulnerable populations throughout the city were identified and mapped using GIS.

Outcomes and Conclusions

The City of Oakdale will be including the final report's content and recommendations in the City's Comprehensive Plan in 2018. The City may also conduct a detailed climate adaptation implementation planning effort in 2018 or 2019.

Citation

Redmond, T. (2018). A Population Vulnerability Assessment and Climate Adaptation Framework for the City of Oakdale, Minnesota. Ed. Rachel M. Gregg. [Case study on a project of paleBLUEdot LLC.] Retrieved from CAKE: https://www.cakex.org/case-studies/population-vulnerability-assessment-… (Last updated January 2018)

Project Contacts