Adapting to Climate Change: A Handbook for Local Governments in North Carolina

Sierra C. Woodruff, Anna K. Schwab, Dylan Sandler
Posted on: 8/16/2013 - Updated on: 2/13/2019

Posted by

Rachel Gregg

Published

Abstract

The Coastal Hazards Center at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH) has developed a handbook to help local governments in North Carolina adapt to climate change. The handbook demonstrates the need for local action and explains the options that are open to local governments.

Climate change is and will continue to impact every community in North Carolina, the United States and indeed the world. In North Carolina climate change is expected to increase extreme heat, increase the frequency and severity of drought, raise sea levels, increase the intensity of hurricanes, and increase heavy precipitation.

If no action is taken these changes may cause a decline in public health, economic loss, and environmental damage. Fortunately, there are many tools at the disposal of local governments to address these impacts; many are already in use. The handbook emphasizes these opportunities and provides guidance to retool existing policy and programs to address climate change.