Seventeenth International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic & Social Sustainability

Abstract

This paper explores increasing weather-threats facing coastal cities due to global climate change, including hurricanes, floods, heat waves, and wildfires. Discussion of these threats includes their adverse impacts on built and natural systems as well as human health and local economies. After discussion of these weather threats, the study explores cases of the response and resiliency measures being undertaken by the cities of New York, Miami, and San Francisco to prepare for weather disasters. Such case studies include the laws, policies, and infrastructure which have been developed by these urban communities as well as the financing tools necessary to enact such resiliency measures. The paper concludes by providing guidance and recommendations for policy-shapers seeking to develop urban resiliency measures in the face of long-term effects and short-term emergencies created by climate and weather extremes. Public input from policy-shapers in the fields of emergency response and land development are welcome.