Des Plaines Vulnerability Assessment
Des Plaines Vulnerability Assessment Introduction Climate vulnerability refers to the degree to which a community is exposed to climate change, is sensitive to its impacts, and is able to adapt to those impacts.1 This assessment explores climate- related hazards affecting the City of Des Plaines, as well as the community’s projected future exposure and adaptive capacity. The vulnerabilities identified in this report will be integrated into the Des Plaines Comprehensive Plan, which will identify a wide range of strategies for local implementers. The goal of the grant is to assist communities to incorporate local climate science into community planning. CMAP and the APA thought Des Plaines would benefit by being one of five local pilot communities due to timing in preparing the new Comprehensive Plan. The project partners intend to develop, test, and refine a data-driven framework for climate-smart comprehensive and capital infrastructure plans. An outcome of the project might be the development of long-term options in mitigating natural hazards such as flooding through better land use planning. This assessment was developed in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the American Planning Association (APA), and Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, with the goal of identifying new ways to integrate climate science into the local planning process. The methodology and data sources used to develop this analysis will be compiled by the American Planning Association and integrated into a guidebook for local planners. This report adds to the conversation about climate resilience, an emerging field in city planning. Key Findings Des Plaines’ residential neighborhoods are vulnerable to increased precipitation and flooding.
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