Researchers Unveil Climate Change Action Plan for Columbus

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December 18, 2018

COLUMBUS, Ohio—A task force led by researchers at the Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center (BPCRC) at The Ohio State University has released its final list of 43 recommended actions that can be taken to help central Ohio prepare for climate change.

The finalized Columbus Climate Adaptation Plan will be presented to Columbus City Council and Mayor Andrew Ginther on Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2018.

BPCRC researchers collaborated with more than 75 local stakeholders and technical experts to develop the action plan, which outlines recommendations for adapting to extreme heat, deteriorating air and water quality, flooding, and other changes that are already occurring and likely to intensify with climate change. The report also addresses considerations for emergency preparedness and protecting vulnerable populations.

The recommendations are broken into two categories: necessary and aspirational.

“The ‘necessary’ recommendations are the bare minimum the city should do,” said Jason Cervenec, education and outreach director for BPCRC and chair of the task force. “They are the highest priority actions with the fewest barriers to implementation and the biggest return on investment.”

Read the article.