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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: Jacksonville, Florida

Location and Population:

  • Jacksonville is the largest city by land area in the continental United States.
  • The city's population has grown to nearly one million people today and is projected to grow to 1.6 million residents by 2070.

Demographics and Economic Landscape:

  • The document does not provide specific demographic details such as age distribution or ethnicity, nor does it provide information on the average income of residents.

Major Geographic Features:

  • Jacksonville leverages the St. Johns River and the Atlantic Ocean as core components of its economy.
  • The city has a diverse industrial business sector and deep-water ports, notably the Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT), which is Florida’s largest container port and one of the country’s largest vehicle-handling ports.

Key Infrastructure:

  • Jacksonville is supported by significant infrastructure including JAXPORT, which facilitates shipping routes to 70 countries, and major rail lines through CSX and NS.

Local Climate and Water Challenges:

  • The document highlights the risk of rising sea levels and increasing storms due to the city's location along the riverfront, which poses a risk to industries located there.
  • There is no specific mention of aridity or water challenges in the text provided.

Energy Production and Natural Resources:

  • There is no detailed information provided about Jacksonville's energy production or specific natural resources in the excerpts provided.

Industries and Economic Drivers:

  • Jacksonville's economy is significantly supported by its industrial waterfront, which includes oil and gas, power generation, and cruise terminals.
  • The city is described as "Florida’s Gateway to Global Commerce" due to its strategic location and infrastructure that supports a broad-ranging economic mix, including cargo types such as containers, automobiles, and bulk and cruise operations.
  • The presence of deep-water ports has historically been an economic advantage for the city, contributing to the transportation and warehousing sectors, which represent 9% of all business establishments in Jacksonville.

Conclusion:

  • Jacksonville's economic landscape is characterized by its robust industrial sector and significant infrastructure supporting global commerce. However, its location also subjects it to climate challenges such as rising sea levels and storms, which are addressed in its resilience planning strategies.

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 emphasizes resilience by outlining strategies to cope with climate hazards and maintain essential functions. It includes actions that focus on "residents, communities, businesses, organizations, and partnerships" to ensure "shared prosperity for Jacksonville’s people and businesses for the long-term" (PEOPLE). The plan also details "Resilience Approaches and Actions that work across multiple sites at a neighborhood, corridor, landscape, or regional scale" to guide "safe and connected development to areas of low flood risk and high resilience potential" (SYSTEMS).

Mitigation:

The plan includes mitigation actions aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. For example, it mentions the development of a Climate Action Plan to "inventory the Jacksonville region’s greenhouse gas emissions, develop priority actions to reduce them, and engage with community stakeholders on continued implementation of climate mitigation actions" (ADAPTATION ACTIONS | PEOPLE RESILIENT JACKSONVILLE). This includes actions like "retrofitting buildings for energy efficiency" to reduce emissions (ADAPTATION ACTIONS | PEOPLE RESILIENT JACKSONVILLE).

Adaptation:

Adaptation is a core component of the plan, with a focus on adjusting systems to the expected climate changes. It includes "45 Actions and 90 Sub-Actions organized by the scales at which the actions are intended to be implemented—Systems, Sites, and People" (ADAPTATION ACTIONS RESILIENT JACKSONVILLE). The plan addresses "multiple shocks and stressors, account for people and systems as well as sites, and are geared toward shaping a resilient future for the city" (RESILIENT JACKSONVILLE).

Classification:

The plan can be classified as an adaptation/resilience dedicated plan. It places a significant emphasis on developing resilience strategies and adaptation actions across various scales while also addressing some aspects of mitigation. However, the primary focus is on building resilience and adapting 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 several scenarios related to climate change that the planning jurisdiction, Jacksonville, will face and for which it is planning climate policies for resilience, mitigation, and adaptation.

Scenario of Future Growth Patterns:

  • Suburban Growth Continuation: If recent development patterns continue, more than 85% of Jacksonville’s population growth over the last 20 years has been in Contemporary Suburbs. This could lead to the expansion of suburbs from approximately 39% of the land area to more than 78%, requiring significant investment in infrastructure and potentially increasing vulnerability to flooding and other climate threats. The plan emphasizes the need for deliberate action to focus expansion away from higher-risk areas. (Scenarios for Citywide Adaptation).

  • Urban Core Focus: An alternative scenario considers focusing growth in the urban core, which currently has a population density between about 2,000 (Downtown) and 3,000 people per square mile (Historic Walkable Neighborhoods). By accommodating half of the projected growth (approximately 340,000 people), the population density could increase by 6.5 times, preserving more undeveloped land and reducing suburban sprawl. This would require revitalizing underutilized spaces such as vacant properties and parking lots. (Scenarios for Citywide Adaptation).

Climate Change Impacts:

  • The plan emphasizes that the Earth’s climate is changing faster than at any point in modern history, with significant impacts anticipated from rising sea levels and increased extreme weather events due to temperature increases. The need for substantial and sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions is highlighted to limit temperature increases and mitigate these impacts. (Evolving Challenges Require New Approaches).

Risks and Vulnerabilities:

  • A geographic assessment was conducted to understand risks and vulnerabilities from climate threats such as flooding, heat, high winds, and wildfires, especially how these overlap with social stressors like poverty and food insecurity. (Evolving Challenges Require New Approaches).

Climate Actions:

  • The strategy includes developing a Climate Action Plan that aligns Jacksonville’s resilience goals with actions to promote sustainability, addressing large-scale contributors to climate change, such as greenhouse gas emissions. (Adaptation Actions | People).

These scenarios and assessments are part of Jacksonville's strategic approach to guide future growth and resilience efforts comprehensively, addressing both immediate and long-term climate challenges.

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. Sea Level Rise

  • Description: The plan identifies sea level rise as a significant factor contributing to climate risks in Jacksonville.
  • Climate Risks: It leads to chronic flooding, coastal erosion, and saltwater intrusion, impacting infrastructure, ecosystems, and water quality.
  • Vulnerable Areas/Populations: Coastal communities and infrastructure near the shoreline are particularly vulnerable.

2. Flooding

  • Description: Flooding is highlighted as both an acute shock and a chronic stressor, exacerbated by sea level rise and increased rainfall intensity.
  • Climate Risks: It poses risks to homes, infrastructure, services, and commercial properties by causing damage and disruption.
  • Vulnerable Areas/Populations: Areas with high-frequency flooding intersections and those within floodplain extents are most vulnerable.

3. Extreme Heat

  • Description: The urban heat island effect and rising temperatures contribute to extreme heat events.
  • Climate Risks: Extreme heat can impact public health, increase energy demand, and stress infrastructure.
  • Vulnerable Areas/Populations: Populations without reliable access to cooling and those in densely built environments are more vulnerable.

4. High Winds

  • Description: High winds are associated with severe storms and hurricanes, impacting the region.
  • Climate Risks: They can cause damage to buildings, infrastructure, and vegetation.
  • Vulnerable Areas/Populations: Structures not built to withstand high winds and areas with aging infrastructure are at greater risk.

5. Wildfires

  • Description: Wildfires are recognized as a potential threat influenced by changing climate conditions.
  • Climate Risks: They pose risks to property, health, and ecosystems by causing destruction and air quality issues.
  • Vulnerable Areas/Populations: Areas with significant vegetation and those adjacent to wildland areas are more susceptible.

6. Coastal Erosion

  • Description: Coastal erosion is a chronic stressor exacerbated by sea level rise and storm surges.
  • Climate Risks: It threatens coastal properties, infrastructure, and ecosystems by altering shorelines.
  • Vulnerable Areas/Populations: Coastal properties and natural habitats along the shoreline are particularly vulnerable.

7. Saltwater Intrusion

  • Description: Saltwater intrusion affects freshwater resources due to rising sea levels and decreased groundwater levels.
  • Climate Risks: It poses risks to water quality and availability for consumption and agriculture.
  • Vulnerable Areas/Populations: Areas relying on groundwater sources near the coast are most at risk.

8. Groundwater Threats

  • Description: Groundwater threats arise from contamination and depletion influenced by climate change.
  • Climate Risks: They affect water supply reliability and quality for residential and agricultural use.
  • Vulnerable Areas/Populations: Communities dependent on groundwater resources are particularly vulnerable.

9. Drought

  • Description: Drought conditions are expected to become more frequent and severe with climate change.
  • Climate Risks: They impact water availability, agriculture, and natural ecosystems.
  • Vulnerable Areas/Populations: Agricultural areas and regions with limited water resources are most affected.

10. Urban Heat Island Effect

  • Description: The urban heat island effect results from increased temperatures in urban areas due to human activities.
  • Climate Risks: It exacerbates heat-related health issues and increases energy demand for cooling.
  • Vulnerable Areas/Populations: Urban populations, especially those with limited access to cooling, face heightened 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: Resilience Options Identified in the Plan:

  1. Incorporate resilience considerations into future land use planning.

    • Climate Threat Addressed: Flooding, Sea Level Rise, Chronic Flooding, Housing Instability
    • Cost, Timeframe, and Location:
      • Implementation Timeframe: Immediate (2025) to Long-Term (2050)
      • Relative Cost: From $ (10,000s) to $$$$ (10,000,000s)
    • Other Attributes:
      • This option includes guiding growth to areas of lower risk and well-connected infrastructure, promoting infill development to reduce urban sprawl, and protecting ecologically and recreationally valuable open spaces. It aims to avoid increasing homes and facilities in flood-prone areas, thus reducing potential flood damages. (Resilience Priorities & Actions: Spring–Summer 2023)

  2. Manage publicly owned bulkhead heights in accordance with best available flood data.

    • Climate Threat Addressed: Flooding, Sea Level Rise
    • Cost, Timeframe, and Location:
      • Implementation Timeframe: Medium-Term
      • Relative Cost: $$$$
    • Other Attributes: This action involves setting height standards for privately owned bulkheads and evaluating feasibility for additional publicly funded shoreline protection. (Protect 16.2, 16.3)

  3. Identify shorelines where natural and nature-based solutions can provide long-lasting ecosystem service benefits.

    • Climate Threat Addressed: Shoreline Erosion, Coastal Hazards
    • Cost, Timeframe, and Location:
      • Implementation Timeframe: Long-Term
      • Relative Cost: $$$$
    • Other Attributes: Actions include conducting research to identify suitable waterfront edges, addressing shoreline erosion in coastal parks, and exploring hybrid gray-green infrastructure. Expected benefits include flood risk management, ecosystem health improvement, and cost reduction in shoreline maintenance. (Protect 17.1, 17.2)

  4. Improve digital security of critical assets and infrastructure from cyberattacks.

    • Climate Threat Addressed: Cyber Threats
    • Cost, Timeframe, and Location:
      • Implementation Timeframe: Short-Term
      • Relative Cost: $$
    • Other Attributes: Enhancing digital security to protect critical infrastructure and ensure resilience against cyber threats. (Protect 18)

  5. Strengthen emergency response and evacuation plans.

    • Climate Threat Addressed: Hurricanes, Extreme Heat, Freeze Events
    • Cost, Timeframe, and Location:
      • Implementation Timeframe: Immediate
      • Relative Cost: $
    • Other Attributes: Routine refinement of evacuation zones based on data, identifying high-frequency flooding intersections for automated alerts, and creating plans for extreme weather events. (Prepare 19.1, 19.2, 19.3)

  6. Expand retrofit programs for residential and commercial buildings to improve energy performance, storm fortification, cooling, and stormwater detention.

    • Climate Threat Addressed: Storms, Energy Efficiency
    • Cost, Timeframe, and Location:
      • Implementation Timeframe: Medium-Term
      • Relative Cost: $$$
    • Other Attributes: Leverage federal funding for awareness on floodproofing and energy upgrades, partner with building owners for larger-scale retrofits like green roofs, and explore stormwater pond retrofits. (Accommodate 21.1, 21.2, 21.3, 21.4)

  7. Implement resilient standards and codes for existing and new construction.

    • Climate Threat Addressed: High Winds, Flooding
    • Cost, Timeframe, and Location:
      • Implementation Timeframe: Medium-Term
      • Relative Cost: $$
    • Other Attributes: Identifying and promoting standards to improve building resilience, increasing compliance with Florida Building Code standards, and developing design standards for flood accommodation. (Accommodate 22.1, 22.2, 22.3)

  8. Coordinate with local educational institutions to offer specialized training for jobs that are needed to meet resilience goals.

    • Climate Threat Addressed: Economic Vulnerability
    • Cost, Timeframe, and Location:
      • Implementation Timeframe: Short-Term
      • Relative Cost: $$
    • Other Attributes: Encourages small business formation in resilience work and supports job creation in resilience sectors. (Thrive 36.2)

  9. Establish an Office of Resilience to facilitate the ongoing implementation of Resilient Jacksonville.

    • Climate Threat Addressed: General Climate Adaptation
    • Cost, Timeframe, and Location:
      • Implementation Timeframe: Immediate
      • Relative Cost: $
    • Other Attributes: Facilitates collaboration within city government and with external partners, using best available science and data to inform decisions. (Collaborate 40.1, 40.2)

  10. Support regional resilience efforts.

    • Climate Threat Addressed: Regional Climate Vulnerabilities
    • Cost, Timeframe, and Location:
      • Implementation Timeframe: Immediate
      • Relative Cost: $
    • Other Attributes: Involves working with regional councils and leveraging federal data and resources for resilience investments. (Collaborate 44, 45.1, 45.2)

These resilience options are part of a comprehensive strategy to address climate threats in Jacksonville and aim to enhance the city's resilience through diverse approaches, from infrastructure upgrades to policy changes and community engagement.

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: The plan identifies several mitigation options, each with specific details regarding cost, timing, location, and attributes:

  1. Retrofit Programs for Residential and Commercial Buildings

    • Summary: "Expand retrofit programs for residential and commercial buildings to improve building energy performance, storm fortification, cooling, and stormwater detention."
    • Cost: $$$ (1,000,000s)
    • Timing: Medium-Term (2035)
    • Location: Not explicitly mentioned
    • Attributes: Includes leveraging federal funding to improve community awareness, partnering with building owners for larger-scale retrofits, and exploring retrofits for stormwater ponds. (Accommodate 21)

  2. Resilient Standards and Codes for Construction

    • Summary: "Implement resilient standards and codes for existing and new construction."
    • Cost: $$ (100,000s)
    • Timing: Medium-Term (2035)
    • Location: Not explicitly mentioned
    • Attributes: Focus on identifying and promoting standards to improve building resilience to high winds, increasing compliance with Florida Building Code standards, and developing design standards for riverfront properties. (Accommodate 22)

  3. Green Infrastructure Program

    • Summary: "Develop a green infrastructure program across Jacksonville based on the best available stormwater science and data."
    • Cost: $$ (100,000s)
    • Timing: Medium-Term (2035)
    • Location: Jacksonville
    • Attributes: This program aims to incorporate green infrastructure features into city planning and design. (Transform 9)

  4. Tree Canopy Expansion

    • Summary: "Expand Jacksonville’s tree canopy."
    • Cost: $$ (100,000s)
    • Timing: Medium-Term (2035)
    • Location: Jacksonville
    • Attributes: Focus on planting climate-adaptive trees, developing an Urban Forest Management Plan, and engaging neighborhoods in tree canopy management. (Transform 10)

  5. Public Works Design Standards

    • Summary: "Update public works design standards to account for climate change impacts and support resilient infrastructure development."
    • Cost: $$ (100,000s)
    • Timing: Immediate (2025)
    • Location: Not explicitly mentioned
    • Attributes: Aligns infrastructure specifications and incorporates green infrastructure into drainage specifications. (Transform 5)

These options reflect a comprehensive approach to mitigation by enhancing building resilience, promoting green infrastructure, and updating standards to accommodate anticipated climate impacts.

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, each with associated costs, timeframes, and attributes:

  1. Expand Retrofit Programs for Residential and Commercial Buildings

    • Description: Improve building energy performance, storm fortification, cooling, and stormwater detention.
    • Cost: $$$ (1,000,000s)
    • Timeframe: Medium-Term (2035)
    • Location: Applicable to residential and commercial buildings.
    • Attributes: Involves expanding existing programs, leveraging federal funding, partnering with building owners for larger-scale retrofits like green roofs and shading, and exploring stormwater pond retrofits. (Accommodate 21)

  2. Implement Resilient Standards and Codes for Existing and New Construction

    • Description: Improve building and roof resilience to high winds and increase compliance with Florida Building Code standards.
    • Cost: $$ (100,000s)
    • Timeframe: Medium-Term (2035)
    • Location: Applicable to riverfront properties and general construction.
    • Attributes: Involves identifying and promoting standards for resilience and developing design standards and guidelines to accommodate flooding. (Accommodate 22)

  3. Increase and Safeguard the Supply of Affordable Housing in Low-Risk and Well-Connected Neighborhoods

    • Description: Expand property acquisitions and affordable housing development in low-risk areas.
    • Cost: $$$ (1,000,000s)
    • Timeframe: Short-Term (2030)
    • Location: Low-risk and well-connected neighborhoods.
    • Attributes: Focus on securing heirs’ property rights to safeguard affordable housing. (Grow Resiliently 4)

  4. Update Public Works Design Standards to Account for Climate Change Impacts

    • Description: Align infrastructure specifications and incorporate green infrastructure features into drainage specifications.
    • Cost: $$ (100,000s)
    • Timeframe: Immediate (2025)
    • Location: City of Jacksonville street designs.
    • Attributes: Includes updating infrastructure specifications and the review process for resilient infrastructure development. (Transform 5)

  5. Develop a Green Infrastructure Program Across Jacksonville

    • Description: Based on best available stormwater science and data.
    • Cost: $$ (100,000s)
    • Timeframe: Medium-Term (2035)
    • Location: Jacksonville
    • Attributes: Involves resilience and public works departments and parks in the development and implementation. (Transform 9)

These options are aimed at reducing the city's greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing resilience to climate impacts through strategic planning and infrastructure improvements.

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: The plan identifies several adaptation options to address various climate threats. Below are summaries of each option including the climate threat it addresses and relevant details:

1. Retrofit Vulnerable Buildings and Built Environment

  • Climate Threat Addressed:

    • Heat and Water Management

  • Details:

    • Actions Include: Expanding retrofit programs for residential and commercial buildings to improve energy performance, storm fortification, cooling, and stormwater detention.
    • Implementation Timeframe: Immediate (2025) to Long-Term (2050).
    • Relative Cost: $ (10,000s) to $$$$ (10,000,000s).
    • Location: Parcel level adaptations to sites vulnerable to heat and water issues.

Source: ADAPTATION ACTIONS | SYSTEMS RESILIENT JACKSONVILLE

2. Resilient Standards and Codes

  • Climate Threat Addressed:

    • New and Existing Construction Resilience

  • Details:

    • Actions Include: Implementing resilient standards and codes.
    • Implementation Timeframe: Immediate (2025) to Long-Term (2050).
    • Relative Cost: $ (10,000s) to $$$$ (10,000,000s).
    • Location: Applicable to both existing and new construction across Jacksonville.

Source: ADAPTATION ACTIONS | SYSTEMS RESILIENT JACKSONVILLE

3. Maximize Resilience of City-Owned Buildings

  • Climate Threat Addressed:

    • Asset Vulnerability

  • Details:

    • Actions Include: Strategic investments to maximize resilience.
    • Implementation Timeframe: Immediate (2025) to Long-Term (2050).
    • Relative Cost: $ (10,000s) to $$$$ (10,000,000s).
    • Location: City-owned buildings and assets.

Source: ADAPTATION ACTIONS | SYSTEMS RESILIENT JACKSONVILLE

4. Invest in Existing Parks

  • Climate Threat Addressed:

    • Stormwater Management and Urban Heat

  • Details:

    • Actions Include: Increasing stormwater management capacity and reducing urban heat.
    • Implementation Timeframe: Immediate (2025) to Long-Term (2050).
    • Relative Cost: $ (10,000s) to $$$$ (10,000,000s).
    • Location: Existing parks throughout Jacksonville.

Source: ADAPTATION ACTIONS | SYSTEMS RESILIENT JACKSONVILLE

5. Repurpose Vacant Land

  • Climate Threat Addressed:

    • Resilience Goals Support

  • Details:

    • Actions Include: Repurposing vacant land for uses that best support resilience goals.
    • Implementation Timeframe: Immediate (2025) to Long-Term (2050).
    • Relative Cost: $ (10,000s) to $$$$ (10,000,000s).
    • Location: Vacant lands within Jacksonville.

Source: ADAPTATION ACTIONS | SYSTEMS RESILIENT JACKSONVILLE

6. Retrofit Parking Lots and Impervious Surfaces

  • Climate Threat Addressed:

    • Urban Heat and Stormwater Management

  • Details:

    • Actions Include: Reducing urban heat and increasing stormwater infiltration and storage.
    • Implementation Timeframe: Immediate (2025) to Long-Term (2050).
    • Relative Cost: $ (10,000s) to $$$$ (10,000,000s).
    • Location: Parking lots and impervious surfaces in the city.

Source: ADAPTATION ACTIONS | SYSTEMS RESILIENT JACKSONVILLE

7. Urban Forest Management

  • Climate Threat Addressed:

    • Urban Heat and Ecosystem Value

  • Details:

    • Actions Include: Developing an Urban Forest Management Plan and planting climate-adaptive trees.
    • Implementation Timeframe: Not explicitly detailed.
    • Relative Cost: Not explicitly detailed.
    • Location: City parks, public lands, and rights of way.

Source: ADAPTATION ACTIONS RESILIENT JACKSONVILLE

Each adaptation option is crafted to address specific climate threats and is accompanied by considerations for cost, timeframe, and scope, ensuring a comprehensive approach to Jacksonville's climate resilience.

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 the following climate policies to advance climate justice:

  1. Cooling Strategies and Urban Heat Islands

    • Climate Threat Addressed: Extreme heat and urban heat islands.
    • Vulnerable Areas/Populations: The plan states that "lower-income communities and communities of color are disproportionately exposed to urban heat islands" due to historic discriminatory housing practices such as redlining. These communities "are more likely to live in areas with fewer trees and more pavement than Whiter and wealthier communities" (Urban Heat Islands & Equity).

  2. Equitable Cooling Investments

    • Climate Threat Addressed: Extreme heat.
    • Vulnerable Areas/Populations: The plan highlights that as Jacksonville works to advance cooling strategies, an "equitable approach that prioritizes investments in historically marginalized communities can begin to reduce these disparities in urban heat islands" (Urban Heat Islands & Equity).

  3. JaxReady Alert System Expansion

    • Climate Threat Addressed: Extreme heat.
    • Vulnerable Areas/Populations: The plan targets populations "identified as vulnerable to heat such as older adults, young children, people who work or play sports outside, and lower income households" by expanding the JaxReady alert system to provide information during extreme heat events (Strengthen the citywide response to extreme heat and other public health emergencies).

These policies focus on addressing the disproportionate impacts of climate threats on vulnerable communities and aim to provide more equitable climate resilience solutions.

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 on the provided document, the following potential unforeseen maladaptive climate policies have been identified:

  1. Urban Tree Planting and Maintenance

    • Climate Threat Addressed: Urban Heat Island Effect and Stormwater Management.

    • Resilience, Mitigation, or Adaptation Option Proposed: "Plant more climate-adaptive trees to increase shade and ecosystem value" and develop an "Urban Forest Management Plan" to ensure long-term community benefits (Adaptation Actions | Systems).

    • Potential Maladaptation: While planting climate-adaptive trees is beneficial, the selection of inappropriate species or monocultures could lead to increased vulnerability if they are not resilient to all projected climate conditions, such as high winds or saltwater flooding. Additionally, without proper maintenance and diversity, the urban forest could suffer from pest infestations or diseases, reducing its effectiveness in providing resilience against urban heat and stormwater management.

  2. Fortification of Critical Infrastructure

    • Climate Threat Addressed: Flooding, High Winds, and Extreme Heat.

    • Resilience, Mitigation, or Adaptation Option Proposed: "Fortify City-owned assets, such as evacuation roads and bridges" to ensure continuity of operations (Adaptation Actions | Sites).

    • Potential Maladaptation: Fortifying infrastructure can be expensive and might prioritize hardening over other adaptive measures like relocation or redesign. This could lead to increased vulnerability if the fortified infrastructure fails under extreme conditions, or if resources are diverted from more flexible or sustainable solutions that could provide broader resilience benefits.

  3. Infill Development in Low-Risk Areas

    • Climate Threat Addressed: Flood Risks.

    • Resilience, Mitigation, or Adaptation Option Proposed: "Facilitate strategic infill development in areas of low flood risk" to encourage development that is resilient to increasing climate impacts (Adaptation Actions | Systems).

    • Potential Maladaptation: Encouraging development in low-risk areas without considering future climate projections could inadvertently increase vulnerability if those areas become riskier due to changing climate patterns. Additionally, increased density might strain existing infrastructure or ecosystems, potentially exacerbating other climate-related issues such as heat or water scarcity.

These policies are well-intentioned but require careful implementation and ongoing assessment to avoid unintended consequences that might increase climate vulnerability.

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 plan outlines various adaptation, resilience, and mitigation options but does not specify detailed metrics, units, or concrete goals and targets for all options. However, some specific targets and strategies are mentioned:

  • Vision Zero Action Plan: The goal is to eliminate all traffic fatalities and serious injuries among all roadway users by 2035. This involves developing a Vision Zero Action Plan with short- and long-term performance targets. Specific metrics or units are not detailed. (ADAPTATION ACTIONS | PEOPLE RESILIENT JACKSONVILLE)

  • Climate Action Plan: The plan will inventory the Jacksonville region’s greenhouse gas emissions and develop priority actions to reduce them. However, specific reduction targets, metrics, or units are not provided. (ADAPTATION ACTIONS | PEOPLE RESILIENT JACKSONVILLE)

  • Urban Forest Management Plan: Focuses on the strategic management of the urban forest to increase benefits like air quality improvement and stormwater absorption. While the plan describes the benefits of trees, it does not specify measurable targets or metrics for these improvements. (ADAPTATION ACTIONS | SYSTEMS RESILIENT JACKSONVILLE)

  • Resilience and Growth: The plan mentions guiding growth to low-risk areas to avoid increasing potential flood damages, but it does not provide specific metrics or targets for flood risk reduction. (ADAPTATION ACTIONS | SYSTEMS RESILIENT JACKSONVILLE)

Overall, the document emphasizes planning and strategic development of actions but lacks detailed metrics or specific numerical objectives for measuring success or failure in adaptation, resilience, and mitigation efforts.

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** | Jacksonville                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |
| **Population**    | "The city’s population has grown to over ten times what it was a century ago to nearly one million people today. If trends continue, Jacksonville will grow to 1.6 million residents by 2070." *(Executive Summary)*                                            |
| **Threats Identified** | - Flooding  - Heat  - High Winds  - Wildfires  - Sea Level Rise  - Chronic Flooding  - Coastal Erosion  - Saltwater Intrusion  - Groundwater Threats  - Urban Heat Island Effect  - Drought  - Aging Infrastructure  *(Evolving Challenges)* |
| **Measures Identified** | - "Guide safe and connected new development to areas of low risk to flooding." - "Redesigning how infrastructure such as roads, trails, utilities, waterways, open spaces, and tree canopies are designed, constructed, and maintained." - "Conserving and enhancing the use of valuable open space and discouraging development in areas of high flood risk." - "Fortifying critical city systems against future climate threats." - "Improving the response of city systems during emergencies." *(Executive Summary, Adaptation Actions)* |