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 Los Angeles
Location and Population:
- Los Angeles is the largest city in California and the most populous state in the U.S., with a population of over four million people. The city covers an area of 469 square miles.
Demographics:
- The population of Los Angeles is diverse, with 37.8% of the population being foreign-born. The city values opportunity, imagination, and diversity, and is home to a blend of cultures, beliefs, traditions, languages, and cuisine.
- The median household income is $51,538, with 22% of the population living in poverty. Additionally, 62% of the population are renters.
Key Infrastructure:
- Airports: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the fourth busiest airport in the world and the second in the U.S., servicing over 80.9 million passengers and more than 2.2 million tons of freight and mail in 2016.
- Seaports: The Port of Los Angeles is the largest container port in the western hemisphere, facilitating $272 billion in trade during 2016.
- Utilities: The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is the largest municipal utility in the country, with a 7,880 megawatt electric capacity, serving an average of 438 million gallons of water per day.
Geographic Features:
- Los Angeles is characterized by its blue skies, pristine beaches, and a rich culture of diversity. The city is a global destination known for its vibrant cultural and economic activities.
Local Climate and Water Challenges:
- The region faces challenges related to climate change and aging infrastructure, with vulnerabilities to earthquakes, floods, heatwaves, and fires.
- There is a specific focus on water reliability, with efforts to implement stormwater projects that reduce pollution and capture local water supply, recognizing the long-term impacts of climate change on the region's water reliability.
Energy Production and Natural Resources:
- The city is transitioning to a 100% renewable energy supply. Efforts are ongoing to modernize the power grid infrastructure and integrate clean energy sources, with plans to replace more than 70% of the existing power supply in the next 15 years.
Industries and Economic Drivers:
- The Los Angeles regional GDP is $1 trillion, with significant contributions from tourism (47.3 million visitors in 2016). The city is an economic hub known for its entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation, fostering a world-class cultural and economic environment.
Local Climate:
- The document emphasizes the importance of resilience to climate change impacts, including sea level rise and extreme weather events, with a focus on preparing for the "next Big One," whether it's an earthquake, flood, heatwave, or other disasters.
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 places a strong emphasis on resilience, as seen in its numerous actions and goals aimed at building resilience across various sectors. Key initiatives include integrating resilience principles into government systems, requiring resilience as a guiding principle for land use decisions, and making resilience-building a permanent part of city services. The plan states, "When key resilience values like adaptability, flexibility, and resourcefulness are integrated into a local government’s services and systems, they improve how the city functions" (Chapter 3).
Mitigation:
Mitigation is addressed through efforts such as transitioning to zero-emissions technology at the Port of L.A., transitioning to fossil-fuel-free streets, and modernizing the power grid to expand renewable energy. These actions are aimed at reducing emissions and improving air quality. One of the stated goals is to "transition to zero-emissions technology at the Port of L.A. to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and build disaster resilience" (Chapter 4).
Adaptation:
Adaptation is a significant focus of the plan, with actions such as developing an urban heat vulnerability index, incorporating sea level rise modeling into local plans, and expanding and protecting water sources to reduce dependence on imported water. The plan emphasizes using climate science to develop adaptation strategies consistent with the Paris Climate Agreement, as noted in the goal to "ensure climate resilience and adaptation planning is robust and consistent with the Paris Climate Agreement" (Chapter 4).
Classification:
Based on the strong emphasis on resilience and adaptation, alongside the inclusion of mitigation efforts, the plan can be classified as an adaptation/resilience dedicated 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 describes a scenario of climate change that the planning jurisdiction will face. The City of Los Angeles anticipates experiencing accelerated sea level rise, with projections of one to two feet over the next 30 years and six feet or more by the end of the century. This increase is expected to impact coastal infrastructure, ports, and beaches, leading to flooding during high tides, increased coastal erosion, potential for landslides, and saltwater contamination of freshwater sources. The plan also highlights that many coastal communities face socioeconomic challenges, with vulnerabilities due to "lower per capita income and linguistic isolation," as well as "older housing stock and the high percentage of renters" in areas like Venice. The plan acknowledges that higher sea levels will exacerbate the severity of climate impacts like severe storms. It mentions that climate change is creating hazards such as "extreme heat, drought, severe weather, and coastal flooding that pose significant environmental, social, and economic risks for cities" and that the City is developing a roadmap for climate action planning consistent with the Paris Climate Agreement to mitigate these hazards and protect residents. (Sections: SHOCKS/STRESSES, GOAL 12: USE CLIMATE SCIENCE TO DEVELOP ADAPTATION STRATEGIES)
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:
Climate Change
- Description: Climate change is presented as a stressor that exacerbates other risks, impacting Los Angeles' ability to sustain and strengthen its resilience. It is described as a shift in weather patterns and temperatures primarily caused by human activities.
- Climate Risks: The risks include increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events that can impact infrastructure and public health.
- Vulnerable Areas/Populations: The general population is vulnerable, particularly those already facing inequities, as climate change can amplify existing stresses.
Air Quality/Pollution
- Description: Air quality and pollution are identified as stressors affecting residents' health and well-being.
- Climate Risks: Poor air quality can lead to health issues, reduced life expectancy, and increased healthcare costs.
- Vulnerable Areas/Populations: Vulnerable populations include those in areas with high pollution levels, often low-income communities.
Urban Heat Island
- Description: The urban heat island effect is the increased heat experienced in urban areas compared to rural surroundings.
- Climate Risks: It leads to higher temperatures, especially during heatwaves, increasing energy demand for cooling and health risks.
- Vulnerable Areas/Populations: Communities with fewer trees and green spaces are more vulnerable to this effect.
Extreme Heat
- Description: Extreme heat refers to unusually high temperatures that can occur more frequently due to climate change.
- Climate Risks: It poses health risks, particularly heat-related illnesses and deaths.
- Vulnerable Areas/Populations: Populations at risk include the elderly, young children, and those with preexisting health conditions.
Drought
- Description: Drought refers to prolonged periods of low rainfall, affecting water supply and agriculture.
- Climate Risks: It threatens water security, agricultural productivity, and increases the risk of wildfires.
- Vulnerable Areas/Populations: Areas dependent on imported water and agricultural regions are particularly vulnerable.
Severe Weather and Flooding
- Description: Severe weather includes storms and heavy rainfall events that can lead to flooding.
- Climate Risks: It can damage infrastructure, displace populations, and disrupt economic activities.
- Vulnerable Areas/Populations: Low-lying areas and neighborhoods near water bodies face higher flood risks.
Sea Level Rise
- Description: Sea level rise is the gradual increase in the level of the world's oceans due to climate change.
- Climate Risks: It increases the risk of coastal flooding, erosion, and saltwater contamination of freshwater sources.
- Vulnerable Areas/Populations: Coastal communities, especially low-income neighborhoods around the Port of Los Angeles, are highly vulnerable.
Extreme Cold
- Description: Extreme cold refers to unusually low temperatures that can occur alongside other climate impacts.
- Climate Risks: It poses risks to health, infrastructure, and can strain energy resources.
- Vulnerable Areas/Populations: Vulnerable populations include the homeless and those without adequate heating resources.
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 plan identifies several resilience options, addressing various climate threats. Below, each option is summarized according to the specific climate threat it addresses, along with details on cost, timeframe, location, and other important attributes:
Urban Heat Vulnerability Index and Mitigation Plan
- Climate Threat: Addresses higher temperatures and more frequent extreme heat.
- Details on Cost, Timeframe, and Location: The development of an Urban Heat Vulnerability Index and Mitigation Plan is a long-term action, specifically aimed at preparing for increased temperatures and extreme heat events. There are no explicit cost details provided in the summary.
- Other Important Attributes: The initiative involves the creation of tools to evaluate heat risk, which may include considerations of socioeconomic factors and infrastructural vulnerabilities. (Appendix B: Summary of Actions by Interest Area)
Neighborhood Retrofit Pilot Program
- Climate Threat: Prepares for higher temperatures.
- Details on Cost, Timeframe, and Location: The program is a long-term initiative intended to test cooling strategies in neighborhoods. There are no specific cost or location details provided.
- Other Important Attributes: This pilot program aims to explore and implement various cooling strategies within neighborhoods, which may involve infrastructural modifications and community engagement. (Appendix B: Summary of Actions by Interest Area)
Tree Planting in Communities
- Climate Threat: Addresses the urban heat island effect by growing a more equitable tree canopy.
- Details on Cost, Timeframe, and Location: The plan is to plant trees by 2028 in communities with fewer trees. There are no specific cost details provided.
- Other Important Attributes: This initiative focuses on environmental equity and aims to improve urban canopy coverage, which can have positive effects on air quality and community well-being. (Appendix B: Summary of Actions by Interest Area)
Water Source Expansion and Protection
- Climate Threat: Reduces dependence on imported water and strengthens the city's local water supply in the face of potential drought.
- Details on Cost, Timeframe, and Location: This long-term action involves protecting and expanding water sources, especially in critical areas. Specific cost and location details are not provided.
- Other Important Attributes: By increasing local water resilience, this option also considers infrastructural and environmental sustainability. (Appendix B: Summary of Actions by Interest Area)
Flood Risk Management
- Climate Threat: Addresses flood risk through policy, communication, and infrastructure planning.
- Details on Cost, Timeframe, and Location: Proactively managing flood risk is a long-term initiative aiming to adapt infrastructure and policies accordingly. There are no specific cost details provided.
- Other Important Attributes: Includes infrastructural adjustments and improved communication strategies to mitigate flood impacts. (Appendix B: Summary of Actions by Interest Area)
Zero-Emissions Technology Transition at the Port of L.A.
- Climate Threat: Aims to reduce emissions and improve air quality, which in turn builds disaster resilience.
- Details on Cost, Timeframe, and Location: This transition is a long-term action focusing on the Port of L.A. There are no specific cost details provided.
- Other Important Attributes: This initiative aligns with broader climate goals, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality. (Appendix B: Summary of Actions by Interest Area)
Sea Level Rise Modeling in Local Plans
- Climate Threat: Addresses the threat of sea level rise.
- Details on Cost, Timeframe, and Location: Incorporating sea level rise modeling into local plans is a long-term action. Specific cost and location details are not provided.
- Other Important Attributes: This strategy involves updating local plans to reflect future sea level scenarios, which is crucial for coastal infrastructure resilience. (Appendix B: Summary of Actions by Interest Area)
Neighborhood Cooling Center Program
- Climate Threat: Addresses extreme heat conditions.
- Details on Cost, Timeframe, and Location: The expansion of the cooling center program is a long-term initiative. Cost details are not specified.
- Other Important Attributes: This program aims to provide immediate relief during extreme heat events, which is critical for vulnerable populations. (Appendix B: Summary of Actions by Interest Area)
Stormwater Projects
- Climate Threat: Aims to reduce pollution and capture local water supply.
- Details on Cost, Timeframe, and Location: This is a long-term action, though specific cost details are not provided.
- Other Important Attributes: These projects not only enhance water quality but also contribute to local water availability, integrating environmental and infrastructural benefits. (Appendix B: Summary of Actions by Interest Area)
Each resilience option is designed to address specific climate threats, with a focus on long-term sustainability and adaptability, though explicit cost details are generally not provided in the summaries.
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 attributes related to cost, timing, location, and other important aspects:
Transition to Zero-Emissions Technology at the Port of L.A.
- Summary: The plan aims to reduce emissions and improve air quality by transitioning to zero-emissions technology at the Port of Los Angeles.
- Timing: Not specified.
- Location: Port of Los Angeles.
- Other Attributes: This action is also intended to build disaster resilience. (Appendix B: Summary of Actions by Interest Area)
Transition to Fossil-Fuel-Free Streets
- Summary: The City aims to fight air pollution and tackle climate change by transitioning streets to be fossil-fuel-free.
- Timing: Not specified.
- Location: Citywide.
- Other Attributes: This effort supports global climate change mitigation goals. (Appendix B: Summary of Actions by Interest Area)
Develop a Clean Energy and Smart Grid Infrastructure
- Summary: The plan discusses developing clean energy and smart grid infrastructure to ensure reliability against future climate impacts and hazards.
- Timing: Not specified.
- Location: Citywide.
- Other Attributes: The infrastructure is intended to be reliable in the face of future climate impacts. (Appendix B: Summary of Actions by Interest Area)
Expand Combined Solar and Energy Storage Pilots
- Summary: The City plans to expand pilots for combined solar and energy storage.
- Timing: Not specified.
- Location: Not specified.
- Other Attributes: This option supports energy resilience and sustainability. (Appendix B: Summary of Actions by Interest Area)
Expand Electric Fleets, Charging Infrastructure, and Energy Backup
- Summary: This strategy involves expanding electric vehicle fleets, charging infrastructure, and energy backup to reduce emissions.
- Timing: Not specified.
- Location: Citywide.
- Other Attributes: Supports emergency and response services through reduced emissions. (Appendix B: Summary of Actions by Interest Area)
Leverage Flood Mitigation Infrastructure
- Summary: The plan involves using flood infrastructure to enhance local water availability, addressing multiple goals like drought alleviation.
- Timing: Long Term.
- Location: Los Angeles River and City watersheds.
- Other Attributes: Supports flood protection and additional water storage for emergencies. (Appendix B: Summary of Actions by Interest Area)
Implement Stormwater Projects
- Summary: Projects aimed at reducing pollution and capturing local water supply.
- Timing: Not specified.
- Location: Not specified.
- Other Attributes: Supports local water supply and reduces pollution. (Appendix B: Summary of Actions by Interest Area)
The document does not provide specific cost information for these mitigation options but highlights their strategic importance, locations, and intended benefits.
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 specific attributes regarding cost, timeframe, location, and other important characteristics:
Transition to Zero-Emissions Technology at the Port of L.A.
- Timeframe: Not specified.
- Location: Port of Los Angeles.
- Attributes: This initiative aims to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and build disaster resilience. The transition involves adopting zero-emissions technology, which is part of broader efforts to mitigate climate change impacts and improve environmental conditions in and around the port. (Appendix B: Summary of Actions by Interest Area)
Transition to Fossil-Fuel-Free Streets
- Timeframe: Not specified.
- Location: Citywide.
- Attributes: This action is part of the city's strategy to fight air pollution and address the global threat of climate change. It involves transitioning city streets to fossil-fuel-free options, which will help reduce GHG emissions and improve air quality. (Appendix B: Summary of Actions by Interest Area)
Expand Combined Solar and Energy Storage Pilots
- Timeframe: Not specified.
- Location: Citywide.
- Attributes: This initiative aims to enhance the city's clean energy infrastructure. By expanding solar and energy storage pilots, the city seeks to increase the reliability of its energy supply and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. This is part of efforts to build a more sustainable and resilient energy system. (Appendix B: Summary of Actions by Interest Area)
Develop a Clean Energy and Smart Grid Infrastructure
- Timeframe: Not specified.
- Location: Citywide.
- Attributes: The goal is to create a reliable energy infrastructure that can withstand future climate impacts and hazards. This involves integrating clean energy sources and smart grid technologies to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions. (Appendix B: Summary of Actions by Interest Area)
Implement Stormwater Projects that Reduce Pollution and Capture Local Water Supply
- Timeframe: Not specified.
- Location: Citywide.
- Attributes: These projects aim to manage stormwater more effectively by reducing pollution and enhancing local water supply. This contributes to environmental sustainability and resilience against climate impacts such as flooding and water scarcity. (Appendix B: Summary of Actions by Interest Area)
Leverage Airport Modernization at Los Angeles World Airports
- Timeframe: Not specified.
- Location: Los Angeles World Airports.
- Attributes: The modernization efforts are intended to increase resilience and reduce emissions. This involves incorporating sustainable practices and technologies into airport operations, contributing to broader climate mitigation goals. (Appendix B: Summary of Actions by Interest Area)
The plan emphasizes the integration of sustainability and resilience principles across various sectors to effectively mitigate the impacts of climate change and reduce emissions.
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 as follows:
Develop an Urban Heat Vulnerability Index and Mitigation Plan
- Climate Threat: Higher temperatures and more frequent extreme heat.
- Attributes:
- Timeframe: Not specified in detail.
- Other Important Attributes: The plan is to prepare for higher temperatures and more frequent extreme heat. (Appendix B: Summary of Actions by Interest Area)
Neighborhood Retrofit Pilot Program
- Climate Threat: Higher temperatures.
- Attributes:
- Timeframe: Not specified in detail.
- Other Important Attributes: This pilot program will test cooling strategies that prepare for higher temperatures. (Appendix B: Summary of Actions by Interest Area)
Plant Trees in Communities with Fewer Trees
- Climate Threat: None directly specified, but implies addressing urban heat and providing equitable tree canopy cover.
- Attributes:
- Timeframe: By 2028.
- Location: Communities with fewer trees.
- Other Important Attributes: Aims to grow a more equitable tree canopy. (Appendix B: Summary of Actions by Interest Area)
Expand and Protect Water Sources
- Climate Threat: Dependence on imported water.
- Attributes:
- Timeframe: Not specified in detail.
- Other Important Attributes: Aims to strengthen the city's local water supply. (Appendix B: Summary of Actions by Interest Area)
Proactively Address Flood Risk
- Climate Threat: Flood risk.
- Attributes:
- Timeframe: Not specified in detail.
- Other Important Attributes: Involves policy, communication, and infrastructure planning to address flood risk. (Appendix B: Summary of Actions by Interest Area)
Incorporate Sea Level Rise Modeling into Local Plans
- Climate Threat: Sea level rise.
- Attributes:
- Timeframe: Not specified in detail.
- Other Important Attributes: Incorporating leading science, modeling, and policy guidance into planning efforts in neighborhoods impacted by projected sea level rise. (Appendix A: Summary of Actions by Chapter)
Identify Strategies to Reduce Pollution in the Los Angeles River System
- Climate Threat: Pollution.
- Attributes:
- Timeframe: Not specified in detail.
- Other Important Attributes: Reducing pollution in the Los Angeles River system is part of climate and emergency preparedness efforts. (Appendix B: Summary of Actions by Interest Area)
Expand Climate and Emergency Preparedness Throughout the Local Food System
- Climate Threat: Not specified directly, but implies threats to food systems due to climate change.
- Attributes:
- Timeframe: Not specified in detail.
- Other Important Attributes: Part of a broader strategy to integrate climate and emergency preparedness. (Appendix B: Summary of Actions by Interest Area)
Develop a Strategy to Sustain the Region’s Biodiversity and Tree Health
- Climate Threat: Long-term ecological resilience.
- Attributes:
- Timeframe: Not specified in detail.
- Other Important Attributes: Aims to support long-term ecological resilience. (Appendix B: Summary of Actions by Interest Area)
These adaptation options reflect the planning jurisdiction's effort to address various climate threats through strategic initiatives, though the document does not always specify detailed information regarding cost or location.
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 by addressing specific climate threats and targeting vulnerable populations or areas. Here are the policies:
1. Urban Heat Vulnerability Index and Mitigation Plan
- Climate Threat: "Higher temperatures and more frequent extreme heat" (Appendix B: Summary of Actions by Interest Area, Goal 6).
- Vulnerable Populations/Areas: The plan aims to "engage with the public health community to incorporate a method for identifying populations most at risk of heat-related health problems" (Resilient Los Angeles, Goal 6).
2. Neighborhood Retrofit Pilot Program
- Climate Threat: "Higher temperatures" (Appendix B: Summary of Actions by Interest Area, Goal 6).
- Vulnerable Populations/Areas: The program focuses on "community empowerment tools" and "community action and behavior changes" to support vulnerable neighborhoods (Resilient Los Angeles, Goal 6).
3. Tree Planting to Grow an Equitable Tree Canopy
- Climate Threat: "Increasing heat" and "poor air quality" (Resilient Los Angeles, Goal 6).
- Vulnerable Populations/Areas: The policy targets "communities with low tree canopy cover" which also tend to be "burdened by poor air quality, higher risk of heat- and pollution-related health risks, and lower average household incomes" (Resilient Los Angeles, Goal 6).
These policies aim to mitigate climate threats such as extreme heat and air pollution, focusing on communities that are most vulnerable to these impacts due to socioeconomic and environmental factors.
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 can be identified:
1. Transition to Zero-Emissions Technology at the Port of L.A.
Climate Threat Addressed:
- Air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from the Port of Los Angeles.
Resilience, Mitigation, or Adaptation Option:
- "Leverage clean air investments and energy innovation at the Port of L.A. to improve air quality, achieve significant emission reductions, and address energy vulnerabilities." (Section 74)
Why It May Cause Inadvertent Maladaptation:
- Transitioning to zero-emissions technology could inadvertently increase reliance on specific technologies or fuel sources that have their own environmental or social impacts if not managed properly. For instance, the production and disposal of electric vehicle batteries may lead to other environmental issues, such as mining impacts or waste disposal challenges.
2. Incorporate Sea Level Rise Modeling into Local Plans
Climate Threat Addressed:
- Projected sea level rise and its impacts on coastal areas.
Resilience, Mitigation, or Adaptation Option:
- "The City will work with stakeholders and regional partners to incorporate leading science, modeling, and policy guidance into planning efforts in neighborhoods impacted by projected sea level rise." (Section 76)
Why It May Cause Inadvertent Maladaptation:
- If the modeling and subsequent policies disproportionately prioritize certain areas over others, it could lead to inequities in resource allocation and protection efforts. This may result in some communities being more vulnerable to sea level rise due to lack of adequate planning and investment.
3. Develop an Urban Heat Vulnerability Index and Mitigation Plan
Climate Threat Addressed:
- Higher temperatures and more frequent extreme heat events.
Resilience, Mitigation, or Adaptation Option:
- "Develop a framework for prioritizing neighborhoods, engaging stakeholders, creating policies, identifying funding sources, and recommending budgets in support of changes that will lead to a heat-resilient Los Angeles." (Section 32)
Why It May Cause Inadvertent Maladaptation:
- Focusing on urban heat vulnerability might lead to the unintended neglect of other climate threats if resources are not balanced. Additionally, certain cooling strategies, like increased air conditioning, could increase energy consumption and emissions unless powered by renewable sources.
4. Develop and Launch a Neighborhood Retrofit Pilot Program
Climate Threat Addressed:
- Higher temperatures and preparation for extreme heat.
Resilience, Mitigation, or Adaptation Option:
- "A neighborhood retrofit pilot program to test heat-adaptation strategies will inform future citywide implementation efforts—including increased vegetation cover, reflectivity, and community empowerment tools." (Section 33)
Why It May Cause Inadvertent Maladaptation:
- If vegetation cover is increased without careful selection of plant species, it could lead to increased water usage, exacerbating water scarcity issues during drought conditions. Additionally, reflective surfaces might have unintended consequences like increasing glare or impacting local microclimates negatively.
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 several metrics and targets for measuring the success of adaptation, resilience, and mitigation options:
Adaptation and Resilience Metrics:
Urban Heat Vulnerability:
- Develop an "Urban Heat Vulnerability Index and Mitigation Plan" to prepare for higher temperatures and more frequent extreme heat (Appendix B: Summary of Actions by Interest Area).
Water Source Expansion:
- "Expand and protect water sources to reduce dependence on imported water and strengthen the city’s local water supply" (Appendix B: Summary of Actions by Interest Area).
Flood Risk:
- "Proactively address flood risk through policy, communication, and infrastructure planning" (Appendix B: Summary of Actions by Interest Area).
Mitigation Metrics:
Emission Reductions:
- Transition to zero-emissions technology at the Port of L.A. with targets to reduce emissions "45% below 1990 levels by 2025 and 80% by 2050" (GOAL 12: USE CLIMATE SCIENCE TO DEVELOP ADAPTATION STRATEGIES).
- The San Pedro Bay Ports' Clean Air Action Plan Update targets reducing greenhouse gases from port-related sources to "40% below 1990 levels by 2030 and 80% below 1990 levels by 2050" (Resilient Los Angeles).
Fossil-Fuel-Free Streets:
- Commit to the C40 Fossil-Fuel-Free Streets Declaration to purchase "only zero-emissions buses by 2025" and eliminate emissions in one major area by 2030 (Pioneering and Collaborative Partner).
Renewable Energy:
- Modernize the power grid to expand renewable energy to "65% of our power source by 2036" (Resilient Los Angeles).
Equity and Inclusion Metrics:
- Equity Indicators:
- Develop new citywide equity indicators to inform and measure inclusive investments and policy-making, with metrics potentially spanning housing, justice, services, education, health, and the economy (Prepared and Responsive City).
Concrete Goals and Targets:
Tree Canopy:
- "Plant trees in communities with fewer trees to grow a more equitable tree canopy by 2028" (Appendix B: Summary of Actions by Interest Area).
Climate Preparedness:
- "Expand climate and emergency preparedness throughout our local food system" (Appendix B: Summary of Actions by Interest Area).
The plan does not specify exact units for measuring these outcomes, such as tons of CO2 or index values, but it does provide specific goals and timelines for some initiatives, as outlined above.
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 | Los Angeles |
| Population | 4,040,904 (2020) |
| Threats Identified | - Earthquake - Fire - Landslides - Cybercrime and Terrorism - Riot/Civil Unrest - Public Health Emergencies - Chemical Emergencies - Tsunami - Inequity - Lack of Affordable Housing - Crime and Violence - Disparities in Employment - Disparities in Health - Disparities in Access to Open Space - Disparities in Access to Transit - Food Insecurity - Climate Change - Air Quality/Pollution - Urban Heat Island - Extreme Heat - Drought - Severe Weather and Flooding - Sea Level Rise - Extreme Cold - Aging Infrastructure - Infrastructure or Building Failure |
| Measures Identified | - Develop an Urban Heat Vulnerability Index and Mitigation Plan - Develop and Launch a Neighborhood Retrofit Pilot Program - Plant Trees to Grow a More Equitable Tree Canopy by 2028 - Expand and Protect Water Sources - Prioritize Key Neighborhoods for Stormwater Capture - Proactively Address Flood Risk - Transition to Zero-Emissions Technology at the Port of L.A. - Transition to Fossil-Fuel-Free Streets - Incorporate Sea Level Rise Modeling into Local Plans - Develop a Strategy to Sustain Biodiversity and Tree Health - Integrate New and Emerging Science into Policy - Launch a Coordinated Preparedness Campaign - Expand Workforce Preparedness Training - Increase Preparedness Resources in Vulnerable Communities - Teach Cyberattack Protection - Grow Partnerships for Critical Services - Increase Access to Emergency Preparedness and Mitigation Resources for Businesses - Expand Access to Trauma Resources - Grow Support for Animals After Shocks - Expand Access to Financial Literacy and Security Resources - Establish a Capital Project Pipeline for Living Wage Jobs - Collaborate on Investment Targeting with Anchor Institutions - Expand Partnerships for Reintegration and Reentry of Previously Incarcerated Individuals - Double the Pace of Affordable Housing Production - Promote and Expand Housing for Vulnerable Populations - Launch a Neighborhood Microgrants Program - Expand Access to City Services for Vulnerable Communities - Continue and Expand the Los Angeles Justice Fund - Increase Participation in City and State Programs for Safer Housing - Launch an Earthquake Early Warning System |