City of Alexandria, Virginia Energy and Climate Change Action Plan: Local Actions to Save Energy, Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions, and Prepare for the Impacts of Climate Change 2012 -2020

The City of Alexandria released its Energy and Climate Change Action Plan 2012 – 2020 (ECCAP) in March 2011. The plan builds on the existing Eco-City Charter and Environmental Action Plan 2030 (EAP) by providing information on policies and measures that the City is already undertaking, as well as possible new short-term and medium-term measures to achieve the EAP’s greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, and identifies measures for adapting to the impacts of climate change. The adaptation strategies evaluated include measures to reduce the potential impacts of rising sea level and flooding in Alexandria, reducing water demand and increasing water conservation, reduce impacts of extreme heat events, and mitigating damage to natural ecosystems.

The “Climate Adaptation and Preparedness” section provides a preliminary look at potential climate change risks and vulnerabilities in Alexandria, as well as an identification of common adaptation goals and suggestions for preparedness actions. Further work is recommended to assess the risks associated with each potential impact in terms of both the likelihood of an impact occurring, and the level of consequences.

A preliminary list and description of possible preparedness goals and actions is presented, categorized by five general impact areas described as:

1. Sea-level rise and the likely increase in hurricane intensity and associated storm surge will be among the most serious consequences of climate change.

2. Decreased water availability is very likely to affect the region‘s economy and natural systems.

3. Projected increases in air and water temperatures will cause heat-related stresses for people, plants, and animals.

4. Ecological thresholds are expected to be crossed throughout the region, causing major disruptions to ecosystems and to the benefits they provide to people

5. Quality of life will be affected by increasing heat stress, water scarcity, severe weather events, and reduced availability of insurance for at-risk properties

For more information, Alexandria’s Environmental Action Plan 2030 is reviewed in this Clearinghouse as well. 

Publication Date: June 2011

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  • City of Alexandria, Virginia

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