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: City of Lincoln, Lancaster County, Nebraska
Location: The City of Lincoln is located in Lancaster County, Nebraska.
Population and Demographics:
- The plan mentions that by 2050, older residents will make up 15% of the population in Lancaster County.
- Lincoln's population includes "10% of Lincoln households include adults 65 years or older living alone and 7% of Lincoln’s population are under 5 years old."
- The demographic section highlights that "Lincoln’s 14.2% poverty rate" contributes to vulnerability.
Major Geographic Features:
- The document does not specify major geographic features like mountains, rivers, deserts, or coastlines.
Key Infrastructure:
- There is no mention of specific infrastructure like airports or seaports.
Local Climate:
- The plan describes a climate with challenges such as "extreme heat events," "flooding," and the risk of "drought" due to "increasingly hotter and drier conditions."
- Concerns are raised about Lincoln’s "susceptibility to flooding, particularly along the leveed portion of Salt Creek."
Water Challenges:
- A significant risk highlighted is Lincoln's "Single Water Source," which is vulnerable to extreme weather.
Energy Production and Natural Resources:
- The plan notes a reliance on fossil fuels: "54% of the electricity delivered to Lincoln customers comes from coal."
- It encourages the growth of sustainable energy sectors, including "wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, battery storage."
Industries and Economic Drivers:
- There is an emphasis on developing a "climate-smart workforce" with training programs for "solar and wind technicians, building energy efficiency technicians, electricians, sustainable food producers, EV technicians, biofuel developers."
- The plan also encourages local food production and the growth of local businesses to "create a stronger, localized economy that creates jobs, retains local dollars and improves social cohesion and quality of life."
Economic Landscape:
- Economic factors such as "an aging population, increasing job automation," and "climate migration" are noted as influencing Lincoln’s economic development.
- The economic section stresses the importance of aligning "economic development with the opportunities and risks of the future Lincoln climate," to ensure resilience and a thriving economy.
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 considers resilience as a significant component and attempts to ensure the proper functioning of the whole system in the face of multiple hazards and ongoing disruptions. It emphasizes an intersectional approach to climate resilience, addressing socio-economic, health, and systemic vulnerabilities of Lincoln. As stated, "This plan attempts to take an intersectional approach to climate resilience, looking at the ways in which climate risks will intersect with Lincoln’s socio-economic, health and systemic vulnerabilities, and also at the ways in which solutions can have co-benefits across sectors" (Introduction 25).
Mitigation:
The plan includes strategies to reduce emissions significantly, aiming for a net reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050. It incorporates measures such as increasing energy efficiency, generating more electricity from renewable energy, and switching to electric vehicles. As mentioned, "Lincoln will reduce net greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2050 (relative to 2011 levels)" (Introduction 30).
Adaptation:
Adaptation is addressed by aiming to increase Lincoln's resilience to climate hazards. The plan recognizes the need for ongoing adaptation to changing environmental conditions and the importance of building resilience across various sectors. The strategic vision states, "Lincoln will be resilient to the climate hazards it will face" (Introduction 30).
Classification:
Based on the emphasis on reducing emissions, increasing resilience, and the integration of adaptation strategies, the plan can be classified as an equal mitigation and adaptation climate action plan.
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 does describe a scenario of climate change that the planning jurisdiction, Lincoln, will face and for which it is planning climate policies for resilience, mitigation, and adaptation.
Climate Change Scenario:
Projected Impacts: "Nebraska will see warmer, drier summers, wetter springs, more extreme rain events, more frequent drought, more frequent and more intense floods, potential economic instability from impacts to the state’s agricultural sector, and a range of climate-related health impacts, including heat-related illnesses, respiratory illnesses and increased insect-borne diseases." (Introduction)
Climate-Related Risks: "Flooding, drought, extreme heat, and public health problems are some of the most significant climate-related risks Lincoln faces in coming decades and that the potential local impacts of these risks will affect everyone." (Introduction)
Economic and Infrastructure Impacts: "More frequent and intense extreme weather and climate-related events, as well as changes in average climate conditions, are expected to continue to damage infrastructure, ecosystems, and social systems that provide essential benefits to communities. Future climate change is expected to further disrupt many areas of life, exacerbating existing challenges to prosperity posed by aging and deteriorating infrastructure, stressed ecosystems, and economic inequality." (Introduction)
These scenarios highlight the potential risks and impacts that Lincoln may face due to climate change, guiding the development of resilience, mitigation, and adaptation strategies within the plan.
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. Flooding
- Climate Hazard: Lincoln’s susceptibility to flooding, particularly along the leveed portion of Salt Creek, is highlighted as a significant climate risk.
- Climate Risks: Flooding poses risks of hazardous driving conditions, respiratory illnesses from mold, and potential exposure to toxic substances. Serious flooding can also lead to sanitary sewer backups and electrification risks.
- Vulnerable Areas/Populations: Approximately 23% of Lancaster County’s population lives within the floodplain, with nearly 6,000 people in Lincoln being vulnerable to flooding impacts. Economic vulnerability is also noted for those living in floodplains, and low-income renters without flood insurance are at particular risk.
2. Drought
- Climate Hazard: Increasingly hotter and drier conditions are projected, leading to a higher incidence of drought.
- Climate Risks: Drought can lead to economic instability and stress on crops and livestock.
- Vulnerable Areas/Populations: The plan does not specify particular vulnerable populations for drought, but it implies that agricultural sectors could face significant stress.
3. Single Water Source
- Climate Hazard: Lincoln’s reliance on a single water source that is vulnerable to extreme weather.
- Climate Risks: The vulnerability of a single water source poses critical risks to the city’s water security.
- Vulnerable Areas/Populations: The entire city is at risk due to reliance on a single water source.
4. Public Health Risks
- Climate Hazard: Extreme heat, storms, wildfires, floods, fewer freezing temperatures, and psychological stress.
- Climate Risks: These impacts can lead to serious health issues, including heat-related illnesses and vector-borne diseases.
- Vulnerable Areas/Populations: Vulnerable groups include the elderly, infants, non-English speakers, outdoor workers, low-income households, and individuals with chronic medical conditions.
5. Disproportionate Impacts on Vulnerable Populations
- Climate Hazard: Vulnerable populations face greater risks from climate change.
- Climate Risks: Economic, social, and physical vulnerabilities amplify the impacts of climate change.
- Vulnerable Areas/Populations: Specific vulnerable groups include non-English speakers, residents living in poverty, elderly residents, and those living in flood-prone areas.
6. Financial and Workforce Resources Not Aligned with Climate Risks
- Climate Hazard: Misalignment of economic and workforce resources with climate risks.
- Climate Risks: Businesses and workforce may suffer from lack of preparedness for climate challenges and opportunities.
- Vulnerable Areas/Populations: Low-wage workers and businesses unprepared for climate-smart industries are at risk.
7. City Policies Not Aligned with Climate Risks
- Climate Hazard: Outdated city policies that do not consider current climate realities.
- Climate Risks: Ineffectiveness in addressing projected climate hazards and opportunities.
- Vulnerable Areas/Populations: The plan suggests that all city residents are potentially affected by misaligned policies.
8. Auto-Reliant Transportation System
- Climate Hazard: Heavy reliance on combustion engine vehicles.
- Climate Risks: Challenges in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector.
- Vulnerable Areas/Populations: The entire city is affected due to reliance on auto transport.
9. Reliance on Fossil Fuels
- Climate Hazard: Dependence on fossil fuels for energy.
- Climate Risks: Difficulty in achieving significant emission reductions and transitioning to renewable energy.
- Vulnerable Areas/Populations: The whole community is implicated in the reliance on fossil fuels for daily life.
10. External Control Over Food Supplies
- Climate Hazard: Dependence on external food sources.
- Climate Risks: Vulnerability to disruptions in food supply chains.
- Vulnerable Areas/Populations: Residents reliant on the local grocery stores that stock limited supplies.
11. Vulnerable Natural Resources
- Climate Hazard: Range of potential impacts from climate change on natural resources.
- Climate Risks: Stress on ecosystems and natural habitats.
- Vulnerable Areas/Populations: The plan does not specify particular populations, suggesting broad ecological vulnerability.
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
Salt Creek Levee Breach and Overtop Scenario Analysis
- Climate Threat Addressed: Flooding risk from levee breaches or overtopping during extreme precipitation events.
- Details on Cost, Timeframe, and Location: Timeframe is short-term (next 0-10 years). It involves collaboration between Lincoln-Lancaster County Emergency Management Office, Urban Development Department, Stormwater management experts, and neighborhood leaders (Action Areas for Making Lincoln a Climate-Resilient City).
- Other Important Attributes: Development of a comprehensive communication plan for affected residents.
Floodplain Management and Protection
- Climate Threat Addressed: Increased flood risk due to climate change projections leading to higher precipitation and streamflow.
- Details on Cost, Timeframe, and Location: Timeframe includes short-term (next 0-10 years) and medium-term (next 10-20 years) strategies. Includes amending the Drainage Criteria Manual, updating floodplain maps, and preserving floodplain lands (Action Areas for Making Lincoln a Climate-Resilient City).
- Other Important Attributes: Engagement with landowners and business owners about flood risk, preserving open spaces, and codifying green infrastructure design principles.
Green Infrastructure Implementation
- Climate Threat Addressed: Stormwater runoff and associated flooding.
- Details on Cost, Timeframe, and Location: Short-term strategy focusing on rain gardens, bioswales, and permeable pavement (Action Areas for Making Lincoln a Climate-Resilient City).
- Other Important Attributes: Environmental benefit of reducing stormwater flows to sewer systems, enhancing urban green spaces.
Water Supply Resilience
- Climate Threat Addressed: Ensuring a safe and secure water supply amid climate variability.
- Details on Cost, Timeframe, and Location: Short-term strategy to prioritize a second water source for Lincoln (Action Areas for Making Lincoln a Climate-Resilient City).
- Other Important Attributes: Involves the Water Supply Task Force to analyze scenarios and funding requirements.
Flood Risk Management
- Climate Threat Addressed: Flooding, particularly in flood-prone areas.
- Details on Cost, Timeframe, and Location: Short-term strategies include participation in the Community Rating System program, implementing cluster subdivision regulations, and overlay zoning (Action Areas for Making Lincoln a Climate-Resilient City).
- Other Important Attributes: Includes creation of voluntary buyout programs and companion programs for sustainable housing outside floodplains.
Development of a Climate Resilience Task Force
- Climate Threat Addressed: Overall climate resilience and vulnerability.
- Details on Cost, Timeframe, and Location: Short-term strategy for appointing a diverse group to guide the implementation of the Climate Action Plan (Action Areas for Making Lincoln a Climate-Resilient City).
- Other Important Attributes: Cross-sector involvement to leverage expertise, relationships, and resources to advance resilience capacity.
These resilience options collectively aim to address various climate threats, including flooding and water supply issues, while promoting sustainable practices and community engagement to ensure Lincoln’s resilience against climate impacts.
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 which are summarized below:
Transition to Renewable Energy for Municipal Operations:
- Description: Create a plan to power all municipal operations with 100% renewable energy by 2035, including options like rooftop solar, ground-mounted solar, geothermal, virtual net-metering, power purchase agreements, and purchasing renewable energy credits.
- Timing: By 2035.
- Attributes: Includes the analysis of rooftop solar potential and implementing energy conservation measures. ("Action Areas for Making Lincoln a Climate-Resilient City")
Zero Energy Buildings for New Municipal Construction:
- Description: Create policies for new construction and significant renovations of municipal facilities to be zero energy buildings, meaning energy required is supplied by onsite renewable energy.
- Attributes: Involves deep energy retrofits on all existing municipal buildings. ("Action Areas for Making Lincoln a Climate-Resilient City")
Energy Efficient Practices in Municipal Government:
- Description: Policies to require energy-efficient practices including inventory of technology assets, reducing individual printers, utilizing network settings to power down computers, reducing paper use, switching to LED lighting, etc.
- Attributes: Includes disclosing energy use and benchmarking using the EPA’s Energy Star Portfolio Manager. ("Action Areas for Making Lincoln a Climate-Resilient City")
Green Concrete in City Contracts:
- Description: Explore the use of "green concrete" in city contracts, which involves CO2 injection making the concrete stronger and sequestering carbon.
- Attributes: Aimed at reducing emissions in City-contracted projects. ("Action Areas for Making Lincoln a Climate-Resilient City")
Commercial Energy Efficiency:
- Description: Require commercial buildings to be energy efficient by adopting the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and future updates.
- Attributes: Includes creating incentives for net zero energy buildings. ("Action Areas for Making Lincoln a Climate-Resilient City")
Transition to All-Electric Systems:
- Description: Transition from natural gas to all-electric heating and cooking systems, requiring new homes to have all-electric HVAC systems.
- Attributes: Encourages low-carbon behaviors among Lincoln residents. ("Action Areas for Making Lincoln a Climate-Resilient City")
The plan does not provide specific cost details, but it discusses the timing for implementation as part of short-term (S), medium-term (M), or long-term (L) goals. The location is primarily focused on municipal operations and city contracts within Lincoln.
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. Below is a summary of each option along with any available information regarding cost, timeframe, location, and other important attributes:
Transition to Renewable Energy
- Summary: Create a plan to power all municipal operations with 100% renewable energy by 2035, including options such as rooftop solar, ground-mounted solar, geothermal, and purchasing renewable energy credits.
- Timeframe: By 2035.
- Attributes: Involves an analysis of rooftop solar potential and the implementation of energy conservation measures. (Action Areas for Making Lincoln a Climate-Resilient City)
Energy Efficiency in Municipal Buildings
- Summary: Perform deep energy retrofits on all existing municipal buildings to make them ultra-efficient and net-zero energy ready.
- Timeframe: Medium-term (next 10-20 years).
- Attributes: Includes energy-efficient practices such as switching to LED lighting and reducing paper use. (Action Areas for Making Lincoln a Climate-Resilient City)
Green Concrete in City Contracts
- Summary: Explore the use of "green concrete" which sequesters carbon by being injected with CO2.
- Attributes: Aims to make stronger concrete and sequester carbon. (Action Areas for Making Lincoln a Climate-Resilient City)
Transportation Infrastructure
- Summary: Develop a commuter bus service using emissions-free electric buses between Lincoln and Omaha.
- Timeframe: Short-term (next 0-10 years).
- Attributes: Part of transit-oriented development policies. (Action Areas for Making Lincoln a Climate-Resilient City)
Electric Heating and Cooking Systems
- Summary: Create incentives for adopting all-electric heating and cooking systems.
- Timeframe: Short-term (next 0-10 years).
- Attributes: Includes requirements for new homes to have all-electric HVAC systems. (Action Areas for Making Lincoln a Climate-Resilient City)
Commercial Sector Energy Efficiency
- Summary: Require commercial buildings to be energy efficient, adopting provisions of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).
- Timeframe: Adopt provisions in the short-term (next 0-10 years), with future updates in the medium-term (next 10-20 years).
- Attributes: Includes incentives for net zero energy buildings and weatherization of properties. (Action Areas for Making Lincoln a Climate-Resilient City)
Reduction of CO2 Emissions from Vehicles
- Summary: Require new homes and apartments to be EV-ready.
- Timeframe: Medium-term (next 10-20 years).
- Attributes: Encourages low-carbon behaviors among residents. (Action Areas for Making Lincoln a Climate-Resilient City)
The plan does not provide specific cost information for these options. Each option is aimed at reducing emissions and promoting sustainable practices as part of Lincoln's climate action efforts.
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: Based on the content provided, the plan identifies several adaptation options:
Integrate Climate Change Data into Emergency Management Plans
- Climate Threat: Flooding, extreme temperature events.
- Attributes:
- Integrate most recent climate change data and associated risks into emergency management plans.
- Update floodplain maps and identify vulnerabilities related to Salt Creek levees.
- Include prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery strategies in local emergency operations plans.
- Timeframe: Short-Term (next 0-10 years).
Evaluate and Implement Heat Response Plans
- Climate Threat: Extreme heat events.
- Attributes:
- Assess the necessity for a specific heat response plan in emergency operations.
- Prioritize vulnerable populations in emergency management plans.
- Consider expanding cooling centers during extreme heat/cold days.
- Timeframe: Short-Term (next 0-10 years).
Enhance Public Health Plans for Climate-Related Health Risks
- Climate Threat: Climate-related health risks like vector-borne illnesses.
- Attributes:
- Continue disease-outbreak management planning.
- Timeframe: Short-Term (next 0-10 years).
Flood Risk Management through Structural Efforts
- Climate Threat: Flooding.
- Attributes:
- Develop strategies like rain gardens, bioswales, and permeable pavement to reduce stormwater runoff.
- Update floodplain maps and enhance outreach and education about flood risks.
- Preserve floodplain lands as open or recreational spaces.
- Timeframe: Short-Term and Medium-Term (next 0-20 years).
Codify Green Infrastructure Design Principles
- Climate Threat: Stormwater management and flooding.
- Attributes:
- Incorporate green infrastructure design principles in new development projects.
- Includes measures like permeable pavements and stormwater harvesting.
- Timeframe: Short-Term (next 0-10 years).
The plan provides a roadmap and recommendations, but specific cost details and exact locations are not provided in the provided excerpts. The adaptation options are generally framed as recommendations for further discussion, prioritization, and analysis.
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. Below are the summarized details:
Environmental Justice Initiatives
Climate Threat Addressed: The plan seeks to address the systemic disparities exacerbated by climate change, highlighting the disproportionate environmental consequences faced by marginalized communities. This includes the layered dynamics of race, ethnicity, and socio-economic factors that affect vulnerability.
Areas/Populations with Vulnerability: Vulnerable populations mentioned include:
- Residents of color who have been disproportionately impacted, as illustrated by health disparities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Economically disadvantaged groups.
- Non-English speaking communities.
- Elderly residents and youth living alone or in poverty.
- People living in the floodplain and those exposed to heat-related illnesses.
Citation: "Environmental justice (EJ) is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies." (Understanding the interconnectedness of factors)
Emergency Management and Participatory Processes
Climate Threat Addressed: The plan encompasses threats like flooding, extreme heat events, and failures of critical infrastructure such as dams.
Areas/Populations with Vulnerability: The plan emphasizes:
- Prioritizing vulnerable populations in emergency management plans.
- Engaging with non-English speaking people, residents living in poverty, and elderly residents through participatory decision-making processes.
Citation: "Ensure vulnerable populations are prioritized in emergency management plans." (Action Areas for Making Lincoln a Climate-Resilient City)
Public Health and Community Engagement
Climate Threat Addressed: The plan focuses on health risks related to climate change, such as heat-related illnesses, respiratory issues, and increased vector-borne diseases.
Areas/Populations with Vulnerability: The focus is on:
- Low-income communities of color facing disproportionate impacts.
- Neighborhoods with historic discrimination that are more susceptible to climate hazards.
Citation: "Engaging underserved populations is critical to ensuring Lincoln’s climate resilience progress is equitable." (Engaging underserved populations)
These policies collectively aim to address climate justice by focusing on the most vulnerable populations and ensuring inclusive, equitable approaches to climate resilience.
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 content provided from the climate plans for Lincoln, here are potential unforeseen maladaptive climate policies:
Policy: Auto-Reliant Transportation System
Climate Threat Addressed: This policy addresses the threat of greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector, particularly from combustion engine vehicles.
Resilience, Mitigation, or Adaptation Option: The policy aims to reduce emissions by encouraging the transition to electric vehicles and promoting active commuting.
Potential Maladaptation: While transitioning to electric vehicles can reduce emissions, it may inadvertently lead to increased reliance on personal vehicles, which could exacerbate urban sprawl and congestion. Electric vehicles still require significant resources for battery production and charging infrastructure, potentially straining local resources if not managed properly. This could also lead to social inequality if electric vehicle adoption is only accessible to higher-income residents, leaving others reliant on less sustainable transportation options.
Policy: Transition from Natural Gas to All-Electric Systems
Climate Threat Addressed: This policy aims to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels, which are a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions.
Resilience, Mitigation, or Adaptation Option: The strategy involves creating incentives for homeowners to adopt all-electric heating and cooking systems and requiring new homes to be built with all-electric HVAC systems.
Potential Maladaptation: Transitioning to all-electric systems could lead to increased demand on the electrical grid, potentially causing reliability issues if the infrastructure is not updated to handle the increased load. There may also be unintended economic impacts on residents who cannot afford to switch to electric systems or who face higher energy costs, thereby increasing energy vulnerability for low-income households.
Policy: Infill Basements at Risk of Flooding
Climate Threat Addressed: This policy addresses the threat of flooding, particularly in areas identified as floodplains.
Resilience, Mitigation, or Adaptation Option: The policy considers a voluntary, incentives-based approach to infilling basements in flood-prone areas to minimize flood damage.
Potential Maladaptation: While infilling basements can prevent flood damage, it may inadvertently reduce the usable space in homes and thus lead to decreased property values. Additionally, it may not address the root causes of flooding and could give residents a false sense of security, potentially leading to less investment in other necessary flood mitigation measures.
These potential maladaptations highlight the importance of comprehensive planning that considers long-term impacts and equity in climate policy implementation.
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: Metrics for Measuring Success:
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sequestration:
- The plan sets a goal to "reduce emissions and increase sequestration to meet the goal of an 80% net reduction in emissions by 2050, relative to 2011 levels" (Implementation and Monitoring).
- The amount of greenhouse gases emitted and sequestered are key indicators. Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department reports greenhouse gas emissions every three years, and a carbon sink inventory is suggested for tracking sequestration.
Public Engagement:
- Public engagement on the Climate Action Plan is identified as an indicator to be monitored. It emphasizes engaging communities, especially those with high levels of poverty and poor health status, and communities of color, to ensure their needs and vulnerabilities are addressed (Implementation and Monitoring).
Municipal Operations:
- A plan to "power all municipal operations with 100% renewable energy by 2035" is mentioned, which would likely involve tracking the percentage of renewable energy use in municipal operations (Action Areas for Making Lincoln a Climate-Resilient City).
Transition to Electric Vehicles:
- The pace of the transition to electric vehicles is listed as a metric to be measured. No specific units or numerical objectives are provided, but it is a focus for monitoring progress (Implementation and Monitoring).
City-Wide Composting Program:
- The plan mentions monitoring the pace at which a city-wide composting program could be implemented. This would likely involve tracking participation rates or volume of composted material (Implementation and Monitoring).
Energy Efficiency:
- The plan suggests performing "deep energy retrofits on all existing municipal buildings" and tracking energy use, likely using metrics such as energy consumption per square foot or energy savings in percentage terms (Action Areas for Making Lincoln a Climate-Resilient City).
Concrete Goals or Targets:
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction:
- "Lincoln will reduce net greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2050 (relative to 2011 levels)" (Strategic Vision).
Renewable Energy for Municipal Operations:
- The goal is to achieve "100% renewable energy by 2035" for municipal operations (Action Areas for Making Lincoln a Climate-Resilient City).
These metrics and goals provide a framework for assessing the success of the plan's strategies in terms of both adaptation 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** | **Details** |
|---------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| **Location/City Name** | Lincoln, Nebraska |
| **Population** | By 2050, the number of Nebraskans aged 65+ will more than double, making up 15% of the population in Lancaster County. Lincoln residents come from all over the world, with a significant number of immigrants from Iraq, Vietnam, Mexico, Burma, and Sudan. |
| **Threats Identified** | - Flooding and reliance on a single water source. <br> - Public health risks including extreme heat and storms. <br> - Disproportionate impacts on vulnerable populations. <br> - Financial and workforce resources not aligned with climate risks. <br> - Auto-reliant transportation system and fossil fuel dependence. <br> - External control over food supplies and vulnerable natural resources. |
| **Measures Identified** | - Develop and implement strategies to reduce heat effects and health risks. <br> - Enhance air monitoring and public notification systems. <br> - Develop public health heat response plans. <br> - Engage residents in building resilience and co-creating solutions. <br> - Divest from fossil fuel investments and conduct financial reviews. <br> - Educate and engage residents on the Air Quality Index (AQI). |