Integrating Climate Change into the Emergency Management Context Nancy J. Gassman, Ph.D. Sustainability Manager City of Fort Lauderdale Governor’s Hurricane Conference, Orlando, May 16, 2014

Overview Governor’s Hurricane Conference, Orlando, May 16, 2014 Regional Context for Climate and Emergency Management City of Fort Lauderdale A Vision for Community Resilience Vulnerabilities Emergency Response Needs NOW Building Climate Resilience into Operations

Sun-Sentinel Changing Temperatures Getty Images Extreme Weather Will Greenlee, Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers Sea Level Rise

The Compact State and Federal Climate Policy Collaboration Technical Planning Tools Regional Climate Change Action Plan Annual Summits

Planning for Sea Level Rise

Vulnerability to Sea Level Rise Stormwater Drainage Impacts Saltwater/ Tidal Impacts Inundation Mapping Regional digital elevation model 1, 2, and 3 foot scenarios Common way to express potential risk

110 Actions Sustainable Communities & Transportation Planning Water Supply, Management & Infrastructure Natural Systems Agriculture Energy & Fuel Risk Reduction & Emergency Management Risk Reduction & Emergency Management Public Outreach Public Policy Regional Climate Change Action Plan

GOAL: Provide a more resilient natural and built physical environment in light of climate change. Perform infrastructure vulnerability assessment and economic impact Improve adaptation response for at-risk communities Incorporate climate into LMS Identify impacts to transportation assets Implement and enforce building codes Risk Reduction & Emergency Management

Vision Statement

Storm Surge >50 years since last major storm surge Sea level rise will increase impacts ↑ rainfall associated with storm will cause more flooding

One Foot Sea Level Rise Scenario Major Impacts 2040 – 2070 * Parks and historical sites * Select local roads * Natural areas * Low-lying tidal areas

Major Impacts 2060 – 2115 * Local streets * Low lying communities * Low lying areas in golf courses and parks * Marine facilities Two Foot Sea Level Rise Scenario

*Airports *Bridges *City Arterial Roads *City Hall *City Parks *Community Re- development Areas (CRA) *County Parks *Evacuation Routes *Fire Rescue Stations *Hospitals *Law Enforcement Assets *Schools *WTP/WWTP *Wave *Regional Activity Centers (RAC) Fort Lauderdale Vulnerability Assessment Photo Credit: Paul Krashefski (Broward County)

* Eight total routes affected * Affected evacuation routes leading away from the beach: * Oakland Park Blvd. * Las Olas Blvd. * A1A Evacuation Routes Two Foot Sea Level Rise

* Access issues within 1000ft. Radius * Access issues beginning with 2ft. SLR * Fire Rescue 54 * Fire Rescue 13

Impacts of Higher Temperatures On the public ↑ incident of heat exhaustion at events On Firefighters and EMTs Greater need for hydration On Operations, Training, Budgets Higher HVAC costs

Impacts of Extreme Weather On the public ↑ incidences of flooding in homes On Firefighters and EMTs Access issues with road flooding On Operations, Training, Budgets Need for different equipment

Impacts of High Tides and Sea Level On the public Driving hazards with flooded roads On Firefighters and EMTs More water based rescues On Operations, Training, Budgets ↑ vehicle maintenance from driving thru saltwater

Building Resilience at Every Scale of Government.. 50-year 7-County Prosperity Plan 2 Regional Planning Councils Four Counties Regional Climate Action Plan Local Mitigation Strategy Climate Change Action Plan Land Use Plan County level City level Sustainability Action PlanSustainability Action Plan Community Investment PlanCommunity Investment Plan Comprehensive PlanComprehensive Plan

Conclusions Florida is vulnerable and experiencing climate impacts now. Climate change impacts are creating emergency situations Local and regional planning now can address risks and reduce future vulnerability. Working at every level of government is necessary to build regional climate resilience.