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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: The plan provided does not include specific details about the physical and economic landscape of the planning jurisdiction, such as geographic features, local climate, energy production, or detailed demographics and economic drivers. However, it does mention that the planning jurisdiction is the Memphis area, which is part of Shelby County. The plan references the Memphis-Shelby County Office of Sustainability and Resilience, indicating that it involves both the City of Memphis and Shelby County.

Please note that the plan does not provide detailed information about population, average income, or specific geographic features like mountains, rivers, or key infrastructure such as airports or seaports. Additionally, there is no specific mention of the local climate in terms of aridity or water challenges, nor detailed descriptions of energy production or natural resources. The document does highlight some initiatives related to energy efficiency and renewable energy but does not specify the region's energy production sources.

For further details on these aspects, additional context or sections of the plan would be necessary.

Question: To what extent does the plan address resilience, mitigation, and adaptation? After providing a brief summary of how it addresses each component, classify the plan as a whole as one of the following: mitigation dedicated, adaptation/resilience dedicated, mitigation only climate action plan, mitigation primary climate action plan, equal mitigation and adaptation climate action plan, or sustainable/green plan.

Answer: Resilience:

The plan addresses resilience through various strategies and projects aimed at improving the community's ability to cope with climate hazards. It highlights existing plans and projects such as the "Shelby County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan" and "Resilient Shelby National Disaster Resilience Competition (NDRC) projects," which use green infrastructure to reduce flooding risks and enhance quality of life (Energy, Existing plans and programs). Moreover, it emphasizes the need for "infrastructure investments, policy updates, and regulatory changes" as part of the "Mid-South Regional Resilience Master Plan" to address community resilience to climate change risks (Energy, Existing plans and programs).

Mitigation:

The plan primarily focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as indicated in the Executive Summary: "Developing a plan to reduce our community’s contributions to climate change not only helps mitigate these negative effects, but also has the potential to positively impact our residents’ quality of life" (Executive Summary). It sets specific emission reduction targets: "reduce greenhouse gas emissions below 2016 levels 15% by 2020, 51% by 2035, and 71% by 2050" (Introduction). Mitigation strategies include improving energy efficiency, increasing the use of renewable energy, and implementing green infrastructure (Energy, Increase Green Infrastructure and Community Resilience).

Adaptation:

Adaptation is addressed by identifying and prioritizing cross-cutting strategies that combine mitigation and adaptation benefits. The plan mentions improving energy efficiency in buildings to reduce vulnerability to extreme heat and cold, and using green infrastructure to manage stormwater and reduce flooding risks (Energy, Priority Action E.8). Furthermore, the plan calls for the development of community/neighborhood-scale demonstration projects to increase local resilience to climate events (Energy, Priority Action Objective Implementation Steps).

Classification:

The plan can be classified as an equal mitigation and adaptation climate action plan. It places a strong emphasis on both reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing the community's resilience and adaptation to climate change risks through a combination of cross-cutting strategies and projects.

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 Memphis area will face and for which it is planning climate policies for resilience, mitigation, and adaptation.

Scenario Description:

  • The Memphis area faces several climate threats such as flooding, extreme heat and drought, and damaging wind. These events are projected to become more frequent and more severe over the next 50 years. The impacts include substantial property damage, compromised public health, environmental degradation, and lost economic activity.

Planning Response:

  • The plan emphasizes the need to reduce the community’s contributions to climate change and highlights the potential benefits of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It aims to improve air quality, cleaner neighborhoods, and better health outcomes.
  • The plan outlines greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets below the baseline year of 2016: 15% by 2020, 51% by 2035, and 71% by 2050, necessitating concerted local action, collaboration, and investment.
  • Adaptation efforts to reduce risks from local climate hazards such as flash and river flooding, extreme heat and cold, drought, and heavy winds are already underway. Projects using green infrastructure are being implemented to reduce flood risks and improve resident quality of life.
  • The plan calls for aligning resilience and adaptation efforts with mitigation strategies to improve community resilience and equity outcomes.

Citations:

  • "The Memphis area faces several climate threats – such as flooding, extreme heat and drought, and damaging wind - that are projected to become more frequent and more severe over the next 50 years." (Executive Summary)
  • "Adaptation efforts to reduce risks to our community from local climate hazards – flash and river flooding, extreme heat and cold, drought, and heavy winds – are already underway." (Energy Priority Action E.8: Align Climate Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Efforts)

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 Description: The Memphis area faces threats from flooding, which is projected to become more frequent and severe over the next 50 years.
    • Climate Risks: Flooding can lead to substantial impacts on the community, including property damage, compromised public health, environmental degradation, and lost economic activity. Projects are being implemented to use green infrastructure to reduce flood risks.
    • Vulnerable Populations/Areas: Low-income and vulnerable communities are prioritized for mitigation/adaptation investments to reduce flooding risks and improve equity outcomes. The plan highlights areas affected by severe flooding in 2011, such as Big Creek in Millington, the Wolf River in North Memphis and Raleigh, and South Cypress Creek in southwest Memphis.

  2. Extreme Heat and Drought

    • Climate Hazard Description: The area is expected to experience more frequent and severe extreme heat and drought events over the next 50 years.
    • Climate Risks: These events can lead to significant impacts on public health, with risks of illness and injury. There is also the potential for increased energy costs due to higher demand for cooling.
    • Vulnerable Populations/Areas: Vulnerable populations, including low-income communities, are particularly at risk due to their limited ability to adapt to extreme heat. The plan emphasizes improving energy efficiency in low-income housing to reduce vulnerability to extreme heat events.

  3. Damaging Wind

    • Climate Hazard Description: The Memphis area is at risk from damaging wind events, which are projected to become more frequent and severe.
    • Climate Risks: Damaging wind can lead to property damage, power outages, and disruptions to daily life and economic activities.
    • Vulnerable Populations/Areas: The plan does not specify particular populations or areas, but emphasizes the importance of adaptation efforts to reduce risks from local climate hazards, including heavy winds.

  4. Extreme Cold

    • Climate Hazard Description: The area is also expected to face more frequent extreme cold events.
    • Climate Risks: Extreme cold poses risks to public health and can lead to increased energy costs for heating.
    • Vulnerable Populations/Areas: Vulnerable populations, especially those with limited resources to afford heating, are more susceptible to the impacts of extreme cold. The plan suggests improving energy efficiency to help reduce vulnerability to extreme cold events.

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. Green Infrastructure Projects:

    • Climate Threat Addressed: Flooding, extreme heat.
    • Details on Cost, Timeframe, and Location:
      • Part of federally-funded projects aimed to reduce flood risk and improve resident quality of life. Funded by the National Disaster Resilience Competition grant to address impacts from major flooding in 2011. (Background, Priority Action E.8)
      • Specific locations include projects on Big Creek in Millington, the Wolf River in North Memphis and Raleigh, and South Cypress Creek in southwest Memphis. (Existing Plans and Programs)
    • Other Important Attributes:
      • Economic: These projects can lead to new businesses and job creation. (Benefits)
      • Environmental: Can reduce pollution and improve air and water quality. (Benefits)
      • Infrastructural: Use of green infrastructure such as bioswales, floodable parks, rain gardens, tree cover, and green roofs. (Approach)

  2. Mid-South Regional Resilience Master Plan:

    • Climate Threat Addressed: Comprehensive community resilience to climate change risks.
    • Details on Cost, Timeframe, and Location:
      • In-process planning effort focusing on infrastructure investments, policy updates, and regulatory changes. (Existing Plans and Programs)
    • Other Important Attributes:
      • Infrastructural: Focuses on aligning infrastructure investments with resilience objectives. (Existing Plans and Programs)

  3. Afforestation and Reforestation Strategies:

    • Climate Threat Addressed: Erosion control and ecosystem service promotion.
    • Details on Cost, Timeframe, and Location:
      • Specific timeframe and cost not mentioned, but part of the cross-cutting mitigation/adaptation strategies. (Implementation Steps)
    • Other Important Attributes:
      • Environmental: Promotes ecosystem services and improves community access to green spaces. (Implementation Steps)

  4. Community/Neighborhood-Scale Demonstration Projects:

    • Climate Threat Addressed: Flooding and other climate events.
    • Details on Cost, Timeframe, and Location:
      • Specific timeframe and cost not mentioned, but aimed at increasing awareness and local resilience. (Implementation Steps)
    • Other Important Attributes:
      • Educational: Aims to increase awareness and resilience through demonstration projects. (Implementation Steps)

  5. Exploration of Engineering Designs:

    • Climate Threat Addressed: Flooding and severe weather events.
    • Details on Cost, Timeframe, and Location:
      • Specific details on cost and timeframe not mentioned; focus on alternatives to traditional solutions. (Implementation Steps)
    • Other Important Attributes:
      • Infrastructural: More resilient engineering designs to manage severe weather impacts. (Implementation Steps)

Note: The plan emphasizes the importance of aligning mitigation and adaptation efforts, and these resilience options are part of a broader strategy to reduce climate risks while considering equity, economic, and environmental outcomes.

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, and location. Below is a summary of the identified mitigation options:

1. Green Building Standards (E1)

  • Cost: $216,433,008 (cumulative cost in 2018 dollars)
  • Cost Effectiveness: $57 per tCO2e
  • Timing: No specific timing mentioned for implementation.
  • Attributes:
    • High potential impact on GHG reductions.
    • Aligns with Memphis 3.0 elements such as Land, Connectivity, and Opportunity.

2. Low-Income Housing Energy Efficiency (E2)

  • Cost: $78,035,768 (cumulative cost in 2018 dollars)
  • Cost Effectiveness: $126 per tCO2e
  • Timing: No specific timing mentioned for implementation.
  • Attributes:
    • High potential impact on economic development.
    • Focus on improving equity outcomes.

3. LED Streetlight Retrofit (E4)

  • Cost: -$2,614,337 (cumulative savings in 2018 dollars)
  • Cost Effectiveness: -$14 per tCO2e
  • Timing: No specific timing mentioned for implementation.
  • Attributes:
    • Medium effectiveness in GHG reduction.
    • Medium alignment with Memphis 3.0 elements.

4. Retrofitting Existing Buildings (E5)

  • Cost: -$245,336,527 (cumulative savings in 2018 dollars)
  • Cost Effectiveness: -$275 per tCO2e
  • Timing: No specific timing mentioned for implementation.
  • Attributes:
    • Low effectiveness in GHG reduction.
    • High potential in improving resilience.

5. Grid Decarbonization (E6)

  • Cost: $370,389,930 (cumulative cost in 2018 dollars)
  • Cost Effectiveness: $5 per tCO2e
  • Timing: No specific timing mentioned for implementation.
  • Attributes:
    • Medium effectiveness in GHG reduction.
    • Aligns with Memphis 3.0 elements.

6. Urban Tree Canopy (E7)

  • Cost: $35,127,597 (cumulative cost in 2018 dollars)
  • Cost Effectiveness: $8 per tCO2e
  • Timing: No specific timing mentioned for implementation.
  • Attributes:
    • High environmental benefits.
    • Focus on community access to green spaces.

7. Complete Streets (T.2)

  • Cost: $42,947,890 (cumulative cost in 2018 dollars)
  • Cost Effectiveness: $12 per tCO2e
  • Timing: No specific timing mentioned for implementation.
  • Attributes:
    • High alignment with Memphis 3.0 elements.
    • Medium potential for improving connectivity.

8. Enhancing Public Transit (T.3)

  • Cost: $434,262,717 (cumulative cost in 2018 dollars)
  • Cost Effectiveness: $1,531 per tCO2e
  • Timing: No specific timing mentioned for implementation.
  • Attributes:
    • Medium effectiveness in GHG reduction.
    • High potential impact on connectivity and opportunity.

9. Demand Management (T.4)

  • Cost: -$83,836,344 (cumulative savings in 2018 dollars)
  • Cost Effectiveness: -$9 per tCO2e
  • Timing: No specific timing mentioned for implementation.
  • Attributes:
    • Low effectiveness in GHG reduction.
    • Medium alignment with Memphis 3.0 elements.

10. Electric Vehicles (EVs) (T.5)

  • Cost: $1,608,706,106 (cumulative cost in 2018 dollars)
  • Cost Effectiveness: $46 per tCO2e
  • Timing: No specific timing mentioned for implementation.
  • Attributes:
    • Low effectiveness in GHG reduction.
    • Medium potential for improving connectivity.

11. Organic Waste Diversion (W.1)

  • Cost: $8,775,676 (cumulative cost in 2018 dollars)
  • Cost Effectiveness: $11 per tCO2e
  • Timing: No specific timing mentioned for implementation.
  • Attributes:
    • Medium effectiveness in GHG reduction.
    • Medium alignment with Memphis 3.0 elements.

12. Waste Reduction Program (W.2)

  • Cost: $234,357,677 (cumulative cost in 2018 dollars)
  • Cost Effectiveness: $200 per tCO2e
  • Timing: No specific timing mentioned for implementation.
  • Attributes:
    • Medium effectiveness in GHG reduction.
    • Medium alignment with Memphis 3.0 elements.

13. Methane Recovery (W.6)

  • Cost: $9,966,242 (cumulative cost in 2018 dollars)
  • Cost Effectiveness: $0.30 per tCO2e
  • Timing: No specific timing mentioned for implementation.
  • Attributes:
    • Low effectiveness in GHG reduction.
    • Low potential for improving resilience.

Note: "NQ" stands for "Not quantified", indicating that certain attributes or impacts of some actions were not clearly identified in terms of GHG emissions 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 varying details regarding cost, timeframe, location, and other attributes. Here is a summary of the identified options:

  1. Green Building Standards

    • Cost: $216,433,008 (Cumulative 2018 Dollars)
    • Timeframe: Cumulative impact by 2050
    • Location: Not specified
    • Attributes: High GHG Reduction; Medium Effectiveness
    • Citation: Energy Section

  2. Low-Income Housing Energy Efficiency

    • Cost: $78,035,768 (Cumulative 2018 Dollars)
    • Timeframe: Cumulative impact by 2050
    • Location: Not specified
    • Attributes: High GHG Reduction; High Effectiveness
    • Citation: Energy Section

  3. LED Streetlight Retrofit

    • Cost: -$2,614,337 (Cumulative 2018 Dollars)
    • Timeframe: Cumulative impact by 2035
    • Location: Not specified
    • Attributes: Medium GHG Reduction; Medium Effectiveness
    • Citation: Energy Section

  4. Retrofitting Existing Buildings

    • Cost: -$245,336,527 (Cumulative 2018 Dollars)
    • Timeframe: Cumulative impact by 2035
    • Location: Not specified
    • Attributes: Low GHG Reduction; High Effectiveness
    • Citation: Energy Section

  5. Grid Decarbonization

    • Cost: $370,389,930 (Cumulative 2018 Dollars)
    • Timeframe: Cumulative impact by 2050
    • Location: Not specified
    • Attributes: Medium GHG Reduction; Medium Effectiveness
    • Citation: Energy Section

  6. Urban Tree Canopy

    • Cost: $35,127,597 (Cumulative 2018 Dollars)
    • Timeframe: Cumulative impact by 2050
    • Location: Countywide coverage
    • Attributes: High GHG Reduction; Low Effectiveness
    • Citation: Energy Section

  7. Low-Carbon Land Use

    • Cost: Overlapping with other actions
    • Timeframe: Not specified
    • Location: Not specified
    • Attributes: High GHG Reduction; Medium Effectiveness
    • Citation: Energy Section

  8. Complete Streets

    • Cost: $42,947,890 (Cumulative 2018 Dollars)
    • Timeframe: Cumulative impact by 2050
    • Location: Not specified
    • Attributes: High GHG Reduction; Medium Effectiveness
    • Citation: Energy Section

  9. Enhancing Public Transit

    • Cost: $434,262,717 (Cumulative 2018 Dollars)
    • Timeframe: Cumulative impact by 2050
    • Location: Not specified
    • Attributes: Medium GHG Reduction; High Effectiveness
    • Citation: Energy Section

  10. Demand Management

    • Cost: -$83,836,344 (Cumulative 2018 Dollars)
    • Timeframe: Cumulative impact by 2050
    • Location: Not specified
    • Attributes: Low GHG Reduction; Medium Effectiveness
    • Citation: Energy Section

  11. Electric Vehicles (EVs)

    • Cost: $1,608,706,106 (Cumulative 2018 Dollars)
    • Timeframe: Cumulative impact by 2050
    • Location: Not specified
    • Attributes: Low GHG Reduction; Low Effectiveness
    • Citation: Energy Section

  12. Organic Waste Diversion

    • Cost: $8,775,676 (Cumulative 2018 Dollars)
    • Timeframe: Cumulative impact by 2035
    • Location: Not specified
    • Attributes: Medium GHG Reduction; Medium Effectiveness
    • Citation: Energy Section

  13. Waste Reduction Program

    • Cost: $234,357,677 (Cumulative 2018 Dollars)
    • Timeframe: Cumulative impact by 2050
    • Location: Not specified
    • Attributes: Medium GHG Reduction; Medium Effectiveness
    • Citation: Energy Section

  14. Methane Recovery

    • Cost: $9,966,242 (Cumulative 2018 Dollars)
    • Timeframe: Cumulative impact by 2050
    • Location: Not specified
    • Attributes: Low GHG Reduction; Low Effectiveness
    • Citation: Energy Section

Each mitigation option is designed to address GHG emissions through various strategies, with differing impacts, costs, and effectiveness levels as outlined in the plan.

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. Here is a summary of each, including the climate threat they address and other relevant details:

  1. Green Infrastructure Projects

    • Climate Threat Addressed: Flooding, extreme weather events.
    • Information:
      • Cost: The plan does not provide specific cost details for individual projects.
      • Timeframe: Ongoing efforts, as part of the National Disaster Resilience Competition grant and the Mid-South Regional Resilience Plan.
      • Location: Projects are located on Big Creek in Millington, the Wolf River in North Memphis and Raleigh, and South Cypress Creek in southwest Memphis.
      • Other Attributes: These projects aim to reduce flood risk, improve environmental health, enhance recreational amenities, and improve resident quality of life. ("Resilient Shelby National Disaster Resilience Competition (NDRC) projects")

  2. Mid-South Regional Resilience Plan

    • Climate Threat Addressed: General climate change risks, including flooding and extreme weather events.
    • Information:
      • Cost: The plan does not provide specific cost details.
      • Timeframe: The plan is in-process and is expected to provide a comprehensive approach to climate adaptation.
      • Location: Regional scope, focusing on infrastructure investments, policy updates, and regulatory changes.
      • Other Attributes: The plan emphasizes collaborative action across jurisdictions to address climate impacts. ("Mid-South Regional Resilience Master Plan")

  3. Stormwater Management Practices

    • Climate Threat Addressed: Flooding.
    • Information:
      • Cost: Not specified.
      • Timeframe: Ongoing updates to the city's stormwater drainage manual.
      • Location: City of Memphis.
      • Other Attributes: Involves local academic research institutions working with government to improve stormwater management practices. ("Surface Water Institute at Christian Brothers University")

  4. Afforestation and Reforestation Strategies

    • Climate Threat Addressed: Erosion control and ecosystem degradation.
    • Information:
      • Cost: Not specified.
      • Timeframe: Not specified; ongoing effort.
      • Location: Memphis area.
      • Other Attributes: Aims to promote ecosystem services and improve community access to green spaces. ("Pursue afforestation and reforestation strategies")

  5. Community/Neighborhood-scale Demonstration Projects

    • Climate Threat Addressed: Flooding and other climate events.
    • Information:
      • Cost: Not specified.
      • Timeframe: Not specified; ongoing effort.
      • Location: Community/neighborhood level in Memphis area.
      • Other Attributes: Aimed at increasing awareness and local resilience. ("Develop and implement community/neighborhood-scale demonstration projects")

  6. Engineering Designs and Alternatives

    • Climate Threat Addressed: Flooding and severe weather events.
    • Information:
      • Cost: Not specified.
      • Timeframe: Not specified; ongoing exploration.
      • Location: Memphis area.
      • Other Attributes: Focus on exploring more resilient engineering designs. ("Explore engineering designs and alternatives to traditional solutions")

These adaptation options are part of a broader initiative to align climate mitigation and adaptation efforts to improve resilience and equity outcomes. ("Align Climate Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Efforts")

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 is a summary of each policy, including the climate threat it addresses and the areas or populations most vulnerable to the identified climate hazard:

1. Green Infrastructure Projects

  • Climate Threat Addressed: Flooding
  • Vulnerable Populations/Areas: Low-income communities that are at a higher risk of flooding. The projects aim to reduce flood risks and improve resident quality of life, especially in areas like Big Creek in Millington, the Wolf River in North Memphis and Raleigh, and South Cypress Creek in southwest Memphis. "Each of these projects will use green infrastructure to reduce flooding risks, improve environmental health, enhance recreational amenities, and improve resident quality of life." (Energy Existing plans and programs)

2. Increasing Low-Income Housing Energy Efficiency

  • Climate Threat Addressed: Extreme heat and cold events
  • Vulnerable Populations/Areas: Low-income households that are more susceptible to extreme weather conditions due to inadequate housing. "Increasing low-income housing energy efficiency, using green infrastructure to reduce flooding risks to vulnerable low-income communities..." (Energy Priority Action E.8)

3. Community/Neighborhood-Scale Demonstration Projects

  • Climate Threat Addressed: Flooding and other climate events
  • Vulnerable Populations/Areas: Communities that are less aware and prepared for climate events. These projects aim to increase awareness and local resilience. "Develop and implement community/neighborhood-scale demonstration projects to increase awareness and local resilience to flooding and other climate events." (Implementation Steps)

4. Cross-Cutting Strategies in Mitigation and Adaptation

  • Climate Threat Addressed: General climate risks, including flooding, extreme heat, and cold
  • Vulnerable Populations/Areas: Low-income, vulnerable communities. The focus is on improving equity outcomes by prioritizing investments that reduce risks to these communities. "Prioritize cross-cutting mitigation/adaptation investments that reduce risks to low-income, vulnerable communities and improve equity outcomes." (Energy Priority Action E.8)

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 Memphis Area Climate Action Plan, there are no explicit mentions of potential unforeseen maladaptive climate policies. The plan emphasizes aligning climate mitigation and adaptation efforts and highlights the use of green infrastructure and energy efficiency as strategies to address climate risks, without indicating any specific maladaptive outcomes.

However, if we consider general possibilities, potential maladaptive outcomes could arise from:

  1. Policy: Implementation of green infrastructure

    • Climate Threat Addressed: Flooding and extreme heat
    • Option Proposed: Use of bioswales, floodable parks, rain gardens, tree cover, and green roofs to reduce flooding risks and energy costs.
    • Inadvertent Maladaptation: While the plan does not explicitly state maladaptive outcomes, a potential risk could be the misallocation of resources away from more immediate needs of vulnerable communities or the implementation of green infrastructure in a way that inadvertently increases maintenance costs or displaces local residents.

  2. Policy: Increasing low-income housing energy efficiency

    • Climate Threat Addressed: Extreme heat and cold events
    • Option Proposed: Improving energy efficiency in buildings to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and vulnerability.
    • Inadvertent Maladaptation: Again, while not explicitly mentioned, a possible maladaptation could occur if the retrofitting of buildings leads to increased housing costs, thus making them less affordable to low-income residents.

The plan does not directly highlight these as risks, but it is important to consider such potential maladaptations when implementing climate policies.

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 Success or Failure

The plan outlines several metrics and approaches for measuring the success or failure of adaptation, resilience, and mitigation options:

  • Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The overarching progress indicators for the plan include a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Specific actions have quantified emission reduction potentials in terms of metric tons of CO2 equivalent (tCO2e) (e.g., Grid Decarbonization aims to achieve reductions of 4,811,919 tCO2e by 2050) (MEMPHIS AREA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN, Introduction).

  • Cost Effectiveness: The plan evaluates the cost-effectiveness of actions by indicating cost savings per ton of CO2 equivalent abated (expressed in $/tCO2e) (e.g., LED Streetlight Retrofit has a cost-effectiveness of -$14 per tCO2e) (MEMPHIS AREA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN, Introduction).

  • Energy Sector Emissions: Specific cumulative emission reductions goals for the energy sector are compared to a business-as-usual scenario, with specific reductions listed for individual actions (MEMPHIS AREA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN, Energy).

  • Green Building Standards: Reduction potential of 178,795 tCO2e by 2035 and 69,775 tCO2e by 2050 (MEMPHIS AREA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN, Energy).

  • Urban Tree Canopy: Reduction potential of 135,781 tCO2e by 2035 and 246,759 tCO2e by 2050 (MEMPHIS AREA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN, Energy).

Concrete Goals and Targets

  • Long-Term Emission Reduction Targets: The plan sets a target for a 15% reduction by 2020, 51% by 2035, and 71% by 2050, with an aim for an 80% reduction by 2050 (MEMPHIS AREA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN, Introduction).

  • Benchmark Comparisons: The plan compares its targets to other cities and national/international benchmarks (e.g., the United States aims for 26 to 28% below 2005 levels by 2025) (MEMPHIS AREA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN, Energy).

  • Specific Actions: Various actions have specific numerical goals, such as energy efficiency improvements and implementation of green infrastructure (MEMPHIS AREA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN, Energy).

These metrics and targets provide a framework for assessing the effectiveness of the climate action plan and guide ongoing efforts in adaptation, resilience, and mitigation.

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** | Memphis Area                                                                                                                                                             |
| **Population**    | 936,691                                                                                                                                                                       |
| **Threats Identified**  | - Flooding  <br> - Extreme heat <br> - Drought <br> - Damaging wind                                                                                                      |
| **Measures Identified** | - Track carbon emissions <br> - Develop plans to mitigate and adapt to climate change <br> - Join the Global Covenant of Mayors <br> - Implement recommendations from Memphis 3.0 plan |