This report reviews more than 75 scientific studies and other reports to summarise the water-related vulnerabilities in 12 cities across the United States in order to help cities become more resilient to the rising threats of climate change. It outlines actions at the local level that are the most effective method of reducing, mitigating, and preventing the negative effects of water-related climate change and presents the steps cities are already taking to become more resilient.
The report makes clear that some of the most profound effects of climate change are water-related, like sea level rise, increased rain and storms, flooding, and drought. It compiles local and regional research findings about the water-related impacts of climate change in 12 U.S. cities: New York, Boston, Norfolk (Virginia), Miami, New Orleans, Chicago, St. Louis, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Homer (Alaska). It also analyses what many of these municipalities are doing in terms of preparedness planning, and offer their solutions as examples for other communities to emulate.