Getting Started

Abstract

Getting started can be the most challenging step of any new planning process. Although climate action planning includes many of the traditional steps in a comprehensive planning process, it presents a set of challenges distinct from other types of plan development. The climate action plan (CAP) requires not only identification of GHG emissions sources and reduction strategies, but also a quantification of their magnitude and a forecast of future change. If the plan addresses climate adaptation, it should include a local vulnerability assessment. Plan development requires technical expertise and detailed data from a variety of sources not usually drawn upon for other types of local plans, which places an added informational and organizational burden on planning efforts.