Climate adaptation involves preparing for the impacts of climate change, which are projected to become more frequent and intense. Implementing adaptation measures can help build climate resilience—the ability to endure these worsening effects, such as flooding, extreme heat, and other climate hazards. State and local governments around the country are working to develop and implement climate adaptation and resilience plans. There are also a number of measures that the private sector can adopt, including households, schools, and businesses, to complement these efforts and prepare for climate hazards. This document groups over 20 possible actions into three categories: (1) Planning Ahead, (2) Preparing Indoor Environments, and (3) Preparing Outdoor Environments. The actions are provided as examples of the types of measures that can be adopted by a wide range of private sector entities (unless otherwise noted).
Given the ELI Center for State and Local Governance's history of work in Nashville, TN, this document spotlights the city and focuses on measures relevant to the five most significant climate hazards as identified by the Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County: flooding, tornadoes, extreme heat, extreme cold/winter weather, and severe thunderstorms.