Question: Describe the physical and economic landscape of the jurisdiction as outlined in the plan. Include the name of the planning jurisdiction, its location, population, demographics, and average income. Include major geographic features such as mountains, rivers, deserts, and coastline, as well as any key infrastructure like airports or seaports. Highlight details about the local climate, including any mentions of aridity or water challenges. Additionally, summarize the city’s energy production (oil, gas, renewables) and natural resources, and provide information about industries and economic drivers that are crucial to the region.
Answer: Planning Jurisdiction: Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA
Physical Landscape:
- Chattanooga is located in the confluence of the Cumberland Plateau and Ridge and Valley physiographic regions, which contribute to the stability of terrestrial habitats. These regions help in rainfall runoff retention and filtration, creating wetland habitats and supporting aquatic conditions. (Chattanooga Climate Action Plan42)
- The Tennessee Valley is a notable geographic feature, with scenic views such as from Sunset Rock on Lookout Mountain. (Chattanooga Climate Action Plan4)
Economic Landscape:
- Chattanooga is experiencing growth and is popular as a tourist destination. To meet demands from growth, the city focuses on creating new homes and economic opportunities while balancing natural resource integrity. (Chattanooga Climate Action Plan37)
- The city has seen record low unemployment, job growth, and GDP growth. However, over 30% of Chattanooga's population remains in poverty, and over 40% are economically distressed. Economic disparities are present, attributed to limited access to education, capital, housing, transportation, healthcare, and employment. (Chattanooga Climate Action Plan50)
- Chattanooga is recognized for its innovative fiber optic broadband network that supports accelerated manufacturing, business processes, and remote work opportunities. (Chattanooga Climate Action Plan4)
Energy and Natural Resources:
- Chattanooga's GHG emissions have been reduced by over 25% due to efforts by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), which has reduced its carbon footprint by over 70%, with a non-carbon generation portfolio approaching 60%. (Chattanooga Climate Action Plan4)
- The city participates in TVA’s Green Invest Program to increase the percentage of renewable energy generation, focusing on new solar projects. (Chattanooga Climate Action Plan29)
Local Climate:
- Chattanooga has experienced a rapid increase in volatile and extreme weather events, including tornado outbreaks, droughts, wildfires, and record rainfall years. This has heightened the reality and impact of climate change in the region. (Chattanooga Climate Action Plan4)
Key Industries and Economic Drivers:
- Chattanooga's economy is driven by an abundance of natural resources and the presence of a robust fiber optic network that enables advanced manufacturing and business operations.
- Efforts to develop a green economy focus on training the workforce in energy-efficient construction and maintenance practices, attracting top employers while growing the middle class and reducing poverty. (Chattanooga Climate Action Plan50)
Question: To what extent does the plan address resilience, mitigation, and adaptation? After providing a brief summary of how it addresses each component, classify the plan as a whole as one of the following: mitigation dedicated, adaptation/resilience dedicated, mitigation only climate action plan, mitigation primary climate action plan, equal mitigation and adaptation climate action plan, or sustainable/green plan.
Answer: Resilience:
The plan addresses resilience by incorporating strategies to reduce disparities among socially and economically vulnerable communities and by emphasizing the need for community-wide implementation of the Climate Action Plan in areas of greatest health, income, and other disparities. It includes actions such as establishing community resilience hubs, community-wide emergency response plans, and evacuation routes for at-risk neighborhoods (Chattanooga Climate Action Plan, G1 Quick Reference Table). Additionally, the plan aligns with the Chattanooga Regional Resilience Report to prepare for challenges in the coming decades (Chattanooga Climate Action Plan, History | Major Milestones).
Mitigation:
Mitigation is addressed through the goal of becoming a net zero-carbon community. The plan outlines strategies and tactics specific to municipal operations and facilities to address municipal contributions to greenhouse gas emissions. This includes the development of a 4 megawatt solar array at the Moccasin Bend environmental campus (Chattanooga Climate Action Plan, Plan | Goal: Chattanooga will become a net zero-carbon community).
Adaptation:
Adaptation is addressed through the development and implementation of resilient and energy-efficient affordable housing plans, and by ensuring that new development standards include sustainable approaches as part of the zoning code update and the city’s development review process (Chattanooga Climate Action Plan, G4 Quick Reference Table). Additionally, the plan emphasizes the importance of building a more sustainable city through smart growth policies, transit-oriented development, and encouraging brownfield and greyfield development (Chattanooga Climate Action Plan, G4 Quick Reference Table).
Classification:
Based on the summary of how the plan addresses resilience, mitigation, and adaptation, the plan can be classified as an equal mitigation and adaptation climate action plan. It incorporates significant elements of both mitigation and adaptation/resilience, aiming to achieve a balance between reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing the city's resilience to climate impacts.
Question: Does the plan describe a scenario of climate change the planning jurisdiction will face and for which it is planning climate policies for resilience, mitigation, and adaptation? If so, please summarize any such scenario.
Answer: Yes, the plan describes a scenario of climate change that Chattanooga is facing. The plan highlights a "rapid increase in volatile and extreme weather events and patterns" since the city produced its first Climate Action Plan in 2009. Specific events mentioned include:
- A historic tornado outbreak in 2011
- Droughts and wildfires in 2017
- Record rainfall years in 2018
- Double the annual average of 90+ degree days and back-to-back 100-degree days in October 2019
- The Easter tornado in 2020
The plan states that "the reality and impact of a shifting climate where the extreme has become the norm is now more than evident" (Background, 1.2 State of Chattanooga’s Climate).
Question: What climate hazards does the plan identify as presenting climate risks for the planning jurisdiction? For each identified climate hazard, summarize the plan’s description of: 1. The climate hazard. 2. The climate risks it poses to the planning jurisdiction. 3. Areas or populations with the most climate vulnerability to the identified climate hazard.Generate a numbered list of every hazard identified in the plan. Make the list as long as necessary to accomodate every single hazard.
Answer: 1. Extreme Weather Events
Description of the Climate Hazard: The plan references a "rapid increase in volatile and extreme weather events and patterns" experienced by the region over the years. This includes historic tornado outbreaks, droughts, wildfires, record rainfall years, and increased occurrences of extremely hot days.
Climate Risks: The shifting climate where extreme weather has become the norm poses risks to essential services, infrastructure, and the overall ability to support the community during such events. The plan emphasizes the increased necessity for the city to provide critical services during frequent and extreme stressor events.
Areas or Populations with the Most Climate Vulnerability: The plan mentions socially and economically vulnerable communities, who may lack resources and infrastructure to effectively respond to and recover from such events. The "two Chattanoogas" narrative highlights racial and income disparities, suggesting that lower-income and minority communities may be more susceptible.
2. Heat Waves and High Temperatures
Description of the Climate Hazard: The plan notes a year in which Chattanooga saw "double the annual average of 90+ degree days and back-to-back 100-degree days in October," indicating increased frequency of heat waves and high temperatures.
Climate Risks: Prolonged high temperatures can lead to health risks, especially for vulnerable populations, and strain energy resources due to increased cooling demands. The plan also highlights potential impacts on public health due to disparities in access to resources like air conditioning.
Areas or Populations with the Most Climate Vulnerability: Vulnerable populations, including those in economically disadvantaged areas and those with pre-existing health conditions, are at higher risk. The plan mentions the disparity in health outcomes, with Black Chattanoogans four times as likely to die from certain health conditions compared to their counterparts.
3. Droughts
Description of the Climate Hazard: The plan refers to "droughts" as part of the extreme weather events impacting the region.
Climate Risks: Droughts can affect water supply, agriculture, and ecosystems. They pose risks to both urban and rural areas by impacting water availability and increasing the risk of wildfires.
Areas or Populations with the Most Climate Vulnerability: Those dependent on agriculture or residing in areas with limited water infrastructure may be more vulnerable to drought impacts. Economically disadvantaged communities may also face greater challenges in accessing alternative water sources during drought conditions.
4. Tornadoes
Description of the Climate Hazard: The plan mentions an "historic tornado outbreak" and the "easter tornado in 2020" as part of the region's extreme weather events.
Climate Risks: Tornadoes pose significant risks to life and property, infrastructure, and can lead to prolonged recovery periods for affected areas.
Areas or Populations with the Most Climate Vulnerability: Vulnerable populations living in poorly constructed housing or without access to adequate storm shelters are at heightened risk. The plan implies that socially and economically disadvantaged communities may be more susceptible to the impacts of such events.
5. Wildfires
Description of the Climate Hazard: The plan includes "wildfires" as one of the extreme weather events the region has experienced.
Climate Risks: Wildfires can lead to loss of life, property, and natural resources. They pose significant health risks due to smoke inhalation and can severely impact air quality.
Areas or Populations with the Most Climate Vulnerability: Communities located near forested or undeveloped areas may be more susceptible to wildfires. Additionally, those with limited resources for evacuation or rebuilding are more vulnerable. The plan highlights the importance of addressing disparities in resilience efforts, indicating that economically disadvantaged populations may face greater risks.
Question: What resilience options are identified in the plan? For each option, summarize: 1. The specific climate threat it addresses; 2. Details on cost, timeframe, and location, including any references found in tables, charts, or images that might contain this data; 3. Other important attributes, such as economic, environmental, or infrastructural considerations.
Answer: The Chattanooga Climate Action Plan outlines several resilience options to address various climate threats. Below is a summary of the identified resilience options, including the specific climate threats they address, and other relevant details:
Resilience Options
Regional Resilience Planning Effort
- Specific Climate Threat Addressed: This effort is aimed at assessing and addressing the region's risks associated with increasing climate change and other hazards, such as seismic and pandemic threats. (City of Chattanooga Regional Resilience Report - in 2020, the city embarked on a “Regional Resilience” planning effort...)
- Cost, Timeframe, and Location: The plan does not provide specific details on cost, timeframe, or location for this option.
- Other Important Attributes: The resilience report identifies numerous strategies to ensure essential functions can withstand stressor events, emphasizing the importance of coordinated support for surrounding communities. (The resilience report identifies a large number of strategies to ensure essential functions can withstand the impacts of these stressor events.)
Community Resilience & Response Plans for At-risk Populations
- Specific Climate Threat Addressed: This option is designed to address vulnerabilities of at-risk populations to climate-related hazards. (Develop and implement Community Resilience & Response Plans for at-risk populations...)
- Cost, Timeframe, and Location: Specific details on cost, timeframe, and location are not provided.
- Other Important Attributes: The plan includes establishing Community Resilience Hubs, emergency response plans, evacuation routes, and public water stations in critical areas. These efforts aim to ensure safety and continuation of necessary services. (establish Community Resilience Hubs in publicly accessible facilities... establish community-wide emergency response and communication plans...)
Implementation of Chattanooga Regional Resilience Report
- Specific Climate Threat Addressed: This implementation is focused on preparing for challenges related to frequent, extreme, and concurrent stressor events. (This Climate Action Plan includes implementation of the Chattanooga Regional Resilience Report to the greatest extent practicable...)
- Cost, Timeframe, and Location: The plan does not specify cost, timeframe, or location for this implementation.
- Other Important Attributes: The strategic capital commitments identified aim to prepare for future challenges and ensure essential services and infrastructure resilience. (strategic capital commitments can prepare for the challenges of the coming decades.)
Overall, the resilience options in the plan emphasize building the capacity of communities and infrastructure to withstand and adapt to climate-related stresses and hazards. However, specific details regarding cost, timeframe, and location are generally not provided in the excerpts from the plan.
Question: What mitigation options does the plan identify? For each identified mitigation option, summarize the information provided in the plan regarding cost, timing, location, and other important attributes.
Answer: Mitigation Options Identified in the Plan:
Transition to USDOE’s Better Climate Challenge
- Summary: The City plans to transition from the Better Buildings program to the USDOE’s Better Climate Challenge, requiring a commitment to reduce GHG emissions by 50% within 10 years.
- Attributes: This involves a time commitment of 10 years.
- Citation: Chattanooga Climate Action Plan, History | Major Milestones
4 Megawatt Solar Array at the Moccasin Bend Environmental Campus
- Summary: A 4 megawatt solar array is planned for the regional wastewater treatment plant.
- Attributes: This project is a part of the primary strategies to achieve the net zero carbon goal.
- Citation: Chattanooga Climate Action Plan, Plan | Goal: Chattanooga will become a net zero-carbon community
Energy-Efficiency and Host-Site Solar Feasibility Assessment
- Summary: This project involves conducting an energy-efficiency assessment and determining the feasibility of solar installations at City facilities.
- Attributes: The plan emphasizes the importance of using external partners for this assessment, and it is linked with forthcoming federal funding opportunities.
- Citation: Chattanooga Climate Action Plan, Goal: Chattanooga will become a net zero-carbon community | Plan
Participating in TVA Green Invest Program
- Summary: The City will explore participation in the TVA Green Invest Program to increase renewable energy generation.
- Attributes: This project involves collaboration with TVA and other entities to build renewable energy projects.
- Citation: Chattanooga Climate Action Plan, Goal: Chattanooga will become a net zero-carbon community | Plan
GHG Inventory
- Summary: Conducting a GHG inventory is identified as a crucial first step for implementing the Climate Action Plan.
- Attributes: The plan includes conducting a GHG inventory every two years, incorporating findings into a global recognized reporting framework.
- Citation: Chattanooga Climate Action Plan, Plan | Goal: Chattanooga will become a net zero-carbon community
Commercial Vehicles and Rail
- Summary: The plan includes strategies to encourage EV adoption, reduce vehicle trips, and increase rail yard operational resilience.
- Attributes: These actions are aimed at reducing emissions from transportation.
- Citation: Chattanooga Climate Action Plan, Plan | Goal: Chattanooga will become a net zero-carbon community
Decarbonize Community-Scale Power Distribution and Supply
- Summary: This involves identifying opportunities for distributed energy resources, encouraging solar installation, and participating in TVA Green Invest.
- Attributes: The plan focuses on increasing renewable energy usage within the community.
- Citation: Chattanooga Climate Action Plan, Plan | Goal: Chattanooga will become a net zero-carbon community
Energy Efficiency Projects in City Buildings
- Summary: The plan emphasizes energy efficiency projects including solar panel installation and reducing diesel fleet size.
- Attributes: These projects are ongoing and part of the City's efforts to align with the Climate Action Plan goals.
- Citation: Chattanooga Climate Action Plan, Next Steps
Maximize Host-Site Solar Capacity at City Facilities
- Summary: Conducting feasibility studies and implementing solar installations at City facilities.
- Attributes: It involves exploring partnerships and implementing photovoltaic solar installations.
- Citation: Chattanooga Climate Action Plan, Goal: Chattanooga will become a net zero-carbon community
Water Use Assessment
- Summary: Addressing the energy-water nexus by assessing water use and related energy consumption and establishing reduction goals.
- Attributes: The plan emphasizes operating within a regional framework for water resource management.
- Citation: Chattanooga Climate Action Plan, Goal: Chattanooga will become a net zero-carbon community | Plan
The plan provides a comprehensive approach to reducing carbon footprints through various strategies focusing on energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainable practices across different sectors.
Question: What mitigation options does the plan identify? For each identified mitigation option, summarize the information provided in the plan regarding cost, timeframe, location, and other important attributes.
Answer: The plan identifies several mitigation options to address climate change. Below is a summary of the identified mitigation options along with their attributes:
1. Transition to USDOE’s Better Climate Challenge
- Cost/Timeframe/Location/Attributes:
- The plan mentions a commitment to reduce GHG emissions by 50% within 10 years as part of transitioning to the USDOE’s Better Climate Challenge. However, specific cost, timeframe, and location details are not provided.
- "The City plans to transition from the Better Buildings program to the USDOE’s Better Climate Challenge, which will require a commitment to reduce GHG emissions by 50% within 10 years." (History | Major Milestones)
2. Net Zero-Carbon Community Goal
- Cost/Timeframe/Location/Attributes:
- This goal requires a whole-of-government and community effort with strategies specific to municipal operations and facilities.
- The timeframe is to achieve a net zero-carbon municipal footprint by 2040.
- "Chattanooga will become a net zero-carbon community... Accomplishing these challenging but imperative goals will require a whole-of-government, as well as whole-of-community effort." (Plan | Goal: Chattanooga will become a net zero-carbon community)
3. GHG Inventory
- Cost/Timeframe/Location/Attributes:
- A GHG inventory is essential to define carbon sources and identify impactful ways to reduce emissions.
- It will be updated every two years.
- "The City will undertake a new GHG Inventory, with recurring updates every two years." (Plan | Goal: Chattanooga will become a net zero-carbon community)
4. Energy-Efficiency and Host-Site Solar Feasibility Assessment
- Cost/Timeframe/Location/Attributes:
- Energy efficiency is emphasized as a cost-effective way to reduce emissions.
- A feasibility study will identify impactful energy efficiency projects and solar installations.
- "Energy-efficiency remains the most cost-effective way to reduce carbon emissions... The City will conduct an energy-efficiency assessment to inventory the existing condition of facilities and identify which energy-efficiency projects will be most impactful." (Plan | Goal: Chattanooga will become a net zero-carbon community)
5. TVA Green Invest Program
- Cost/Timeframe/Location/Attributes:
- This involves increasing renewable energy generation through participation in TVA’s Green Invest Program.
- Includes a feasibility study to determine the scale of carbon offset and location of new projects.
- "The percentage of renewable energy generation can be increased by participating in TVA’s Green Invest Program... The City will convene a public- and private-sector group with TVA to determine the feasibility and potential scope of a Green Invest contract." (Plan | Goal: Chattanooga will become a net zero-carbon community)
6. Water Use Assessment
- Cost/Timeframe/Location/Attributes:
- Establishes a baseline of water consumption and correlating energy and GHG emissions with a plan to reduce water intensity.
- "It is therefore essential that the City establish a baseline of portfolio-wide water consumption, determine the correlating energy consumption and GHG emissions, and establish a plan to meet an appropriate water-intensity reduction goal across all operations." (Plan | Goal: Chattanooga will become a net zero-carbon community)
The plan outlines these mitigation options but does not provide detailed information regarding specific costs or exact locations for each option.
Question: What adaptation options does the plan identify? For each identified adaptation option, summarize: 1. The climate threat it is addressing. 2. Information provided in the plan regarding cost, timeframe, location, and other important attributes.
Answer: Adaptation Options Identified in the Chattanooga Climate Action Plan:
Community Resilience & Response Plans for At-Risk Populations
- Climate Threat Addressed: The plan aims to address vulnerabilities and disparities among socially and economically vulnerable communities, which are often more susceptible to climate impacts like extreme weather events.
- Details:
- Cost, Timeframe, Location: Specific information regarding cost, timeframe, and location is not detailed in the plan.
- Attributes:
- Establishing Community Resilience Hubs in publicly accessible facilities.
- Developing community-wide emergency response and communication plans.
- Establishing evacuation routes for at-risk neighborhoods and population centers.
- Installing public water fountain/bottle refill stations in key areas such as heat islands, parks, and unshaded streets (Chattanooga Climate Action Plan, Goal: Chattanooga will reduce disparities among socially and economically vulnerable communities).
Energy-Efficient and Resilient Affordable Housing Plans
- Climate Threat Addressed: This option addresses housing instability and the increased energy costs that can result from extreme weather events.
- Details:
- Cost, Timeframe, Location: Specific information regarding cost, timeframe, and location is not detailed in the plan.
- Attributes:
- Establishing a housing directory and annual report to provide insights into quality, quantity, and affordability.
- Siting and designing affordable housing developments within resilient, interconnected communities.
- Implementing programs to ensure affordable housing developments remain in perpetuity (Chattanooga Climate Action Plan, Goal: Chattanooga will reduce disparities among socially and economically vulnerable communities).
Chattanooga Regional Resilience Report Implementation
- Climate Threat Addressed: The report assesses risks associated with increasing climate change and other hazards, such as seismic and pandemic-driven threats.
- Details:
- Cost, Timeframe, Location: The plan mentions strategic capital commitments but does not provide specific details regarding cost, timeframe, and location.
- Attributes:
- The report identifies strategies to ensure essential functions can withstand the impacts of stressor events.
- Implementation is included in the Climate Action Plan to prepare for the challenges of the coming decades (Chattanooga Climate Action Plan, City of Chattanooga Regional Resilience Report).
Community Engagement and Partnerships
- Climate Threat Addressed: The plan recognizes that broad community involvement is necessary to tackle climate adaptation challenges.
- Details:
- Cost, Timeframe, Location: Not specified.
- Attributes:
- Convening a Chattanooga Climate, Sustainability, and Resilience (CSR) Committee to address ongoing challenges and marshal collective efforts.
- Establishing CSR Focus Groups tailored to address unique community needs and available skill sets (Chattanooga Climate Action Plan, Partnerships & Collaboration).
Question: What climate policies does the plan identify to advance climate justice? For each climate policy, summarize: 1. The climate threat it is addressing. 2. Areas or populations with the most climate vulnerability to the identified climate hazard.
Answer: The plan identifies several climate policies aimed at advancing climate justice:
Equitable Implementation of the Climate Action Plan
- Climate Threat Addressed: The overarching goal is to reduce disparities exacerbated by climate change, such as increased utility costs due to more hot days and cold nights, displacement due to extreme weather, and poor air quality worsening health outcomes.
- Vulnerable Areas/Populations: The plan specifically focuses on socially and economically vulnerable communities, acknowledging disparities based on race and income, as highlighted in the statement: "There are disparities that separate the lived experiences of Chattanoogans based on race and income" (Plan, Goal 3.1).
Community Resilience & Response Plans for At-risk Populations
- Climate Threat Addressed: This policy addresses the need for safety, communication, and continuation of necessary services during extreme climate events.
- Vulnerable Areas/Populations: The plan aims to develop plans for at-risk neighborhoods, with specific actions such as establishing evacuation routes and public water stations in key areas like "heat islands, parks, unshaded streets and sidewalks" (Plan, Strategy 1.3).
Resilient and Energy-efficient Affordable Housing Plans
- Climate Threat Addressed: This policy targets the affordability and energy efficiency of housing, which is critical as housing prices rise faster than incomes, leaving more residents "housing-burdened."
- Vulnerable Areas/Populations: The focus is on developing and maintaining affordable housing within resilient communities, aiming to "reduce disparities among socially and economically vulnerable communities" (Plan, Strategy 1.4).
Process for Continual and Sustained Public Input and Engagement
- Climate Threat Addressed: This policy seeks to address the lack of public engagement and input in climate-related planning, which can lead to policies that do not adequately reflect the needs of vulnerable populations.
- Vulnerable Areas/Populations: It emphasizes public input particularly from those communities most affected by climate change, as stated: "Their voices will shape the implementation of this plan so that the impacts are felt most directly by them" (Plan, Goal 3.1).
These policies collectively aim to ensure that the burdens and benefits of climate action are equitably shared, with a focus on those most vulnerable to climate impacts.
Question: Identify any potential unforeseen maladaptive climate policies. For each identified climate policy, summarize: 1. The climate threat it is addressing. 2. The resilience, mitigation, or adaptation option that the climate policy proposes. 3. Why it may cause inadvertent maladaption.
Answer: Based strictly on the content provided in the Chattanooga Climate Action Plan, there are no explicit mentions of potential unforeseen maladaptive climate policies. However, one could infer potential maladaptive aspects based on the general strategies and actions proposed:
Policy: Development of Affordable Housing in Resilient Communities
- Climate Threat Addressed: The policy aims to address housing affordability and resilience in the face of climate impacts such as extreme weather events.
- Proposed Option: "Site and design affordable housing developments within resilient, interconnected communities" (Goal 1.4.2).
- Potential Maladaptation: If these developments increase urban density without adequate infrastructure or if they are located in areas that are vulnerable to climate impacts (e.g., flood zones), this could inadvertently increase vulnerability rather than resilience.
Policy: Transit Oriented Development (TOD)
- Climate Threat Addressed: Emissions from transportation and urban sprawl.
- Proposed Option: "Establish Transit Oriented Development (TODs) in appropriate locations" (Goal 4.2.2).
- Potential Maladaptation: Without proper assessment and planning, TODs might lead to increased land values and displacement of low-income residents, undermining social equity goals and potentially increasing vulnerability for economically disadvantaged communities.
Policy: Climate Resilience Hubs
- Climate Threat Addressed: Increased frequency of extreme weather events and the need for emergency response and communication.
- Proposed Option: "Establish Community Resilience Hubs in publicly accessible facilities" (Goal 1.3.1).
- Potential Maladaptation: If these hubs are not equitably distributed or accessible to the most vulnerable communities, they may not effectively serve the populations most in need during climate events, potentially exacerbating existing inequalities.
These inferences are based on the strategies and actions outlined in the plan and the potential for maladaptation arises from implementation challenges that are not explicitly addressed in the document.
Question: In what ways does the plan measure the success or failure of each adaptation, resilience, and mitigation option? List any specific metrics used, such as reductions in CO2 emissions, improvements in air quality, or other quantifiable impacts. Identify the exact units (e.g., tons, percentages, index values) mentioned in the plan for tracking these outcomes. Additionally, outline any concrete goals or targets set for each option, including deadlines or specific numerical objectives.
Answer: The Chattanooga Climate Action Plan outlines several methods and metrics to measure the success of adaptation, resilience, and mitigation options:
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory:
- The plan stresses the importance of conducting a GHG inventory every two years to establish a baseline, measure, and report on progress towards a net zero-carbon municipal footprint by 2040. This inventory will define the sources of carbon emissions, including from electricity, gas utility use, transportation, landfill decomposition, and wastewater treatment. It will also establish benchmarks for ongoing reporting of progress towards carbon reduction goals. The GHG inventory is a priority project and is crucial for tracking reductions in carbon emissions (Chattanooga Climate Action Plan, Ongoing Reporting & Updating the Plan).
Energy Efficiency:
- The plan includes strategies to maximize energy efficiency of all city-owned and operated facilities. Specific actions include investing in facility and energy management teams, conducting energy efficiency studies, and implementing energy efficiency retrofits. These efforts are aimed at reducing GHG emissions and improving energy efficiency but do not specify quantitative metrics in terms of units or percentages (Chattanooga Climate Action Plan, Plan).
Solar Capacity and Energy Projects:
- The plan outlines efforts to maximize host-site solar capacity at city facilities and complete energy-efficiency projects at the Moccasin Bend Environmental Campus. This includes conducting feasibility studies for solar installations and implementing photovoltaic solar installations. However, specific numerical objectives or units are not mentioned (Chattanooga Climate Action Plan, Plan).
Water Use Intensity Reduction:
- Establishing water use intensity reduction goals and implementation plans is included as a strategy, with actions like completing a baseline assessment of water use and determining energy and carbon intensity. The plan aims to develop infrastructure improvements to meet these goals, although specific metrics or units are not provided (Chattanooga Climate Action Plan, Plan).
Annual Reporting and Key Performance Metrics:
- The plan emphasizes the establishment of key performance metrics and annual reporting of GHG inventories and waste audits. These metrics will be reported on the city’s website to ensure transparency and inform future versions of the plan. However, the specific metrics, units, or targets are not detailed in the provided sections (Chattanooga Climate Action Plan, Ongoing Reporting & Updating the Plan).
Overall, while the plan sets out various strategies and actions for adaptation, resilience, and mitigation, specific metrics with exact units for tracking outcomes are not provided in the sections reviewed. The emphasis is on conducting inventories and assessments to establish baselines and track progress towards broader goals such as achieving a net zero-carbon community by 2040.
Question: Generate a table that summarizes the following features from the document: Location/City Name, Population, Threats Identified, Measures Identified
Answer:
| Feature | Description |
|-------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| **Location/City Name** | Chattanooga |
| **Population** | The plan mentions that between 2008 and 2018, Chattanooga’s population grew by over 14%. However, the current population figure is not specified in the document. |
| **Threats Identified** | - Volatile and extreme weather events like tornadoes, droughts, wildfires, and record rainfall (Background)<br>- Health disparities among communities (Goal: Reduce disparities among socially and economically vulnerable communities) |
| **Measures Identified** | - Transition to the USDOE’s Better Climate Challenge to reduce GHG emissions by 50% within 10 years (Major Milestones)<br>- Establish Community Resilience & Response Plans for at-risk populations (Goal: Reduce disparities among socially and economically vulnerable communities)<br>- Establish a tree canopy plan and biodiversity initiatives (Plan: Preserve and improve natural resources integrity) |