Climate & Resilience: Page 2

No city is immune to extreme weather

As severe weather events become more frequent, government leaders put disaster relief plans in place.

July 25, 2022

New York City expands role in ConEd demand response program amid second week of stifling temperatures

The city’s increased participation can reduce peak energy demand by 115 MW, officials said. 

By Robert Walton • July 21, 2022

Explore the Trendline➔

Vehicle Electrification

Cities and states are trying to harness the growing electric vehicle market to meet decarbonization goals while ensuring the rollout of these vehicles is being done equitably. Their efforts are aided by an influx of federal support.

By Smart Cities Dive staff

Biden announces executive actions on extreme heat response, offshore wind

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is providing a funding boost for the president’s climate initiatives.

By Julie Strupp • July 21, 2022

Community resilience-building program's federal funding to more than double

FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program will grow from $1 billion to $2.3 billion with support from the infrastructure law, but concerns remain about challenges for communities that want to apply.  

By Maria Rachal • July 21, 2022

USPS to purchase 40% electric vehicles, expanding previous commitments

A previous decision to purchase 10% electric vehicles as part of an update to its aging delivery fleet led to pushback, scrutiny and lawsuits.

By Robert Walton • July 21, 2022

Seattle looks to expand reuse systems, reduce waste at event venues

As reusable cups and containers roll out at music venues, sports stadiums and elsewhere, the business behind the system is eyeing expansions to more cities working through public-private partnerships.

By Maria Rachal • July 20, 2022

Deadline approaches for states to access National EV Infrastructure program funds

The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation recently received the first state plan. “We've really been there to try to be as much of a resource as possible,” said Deputy Director Rachael Nealer.

By Dan Zukowski • July 18, 2022

Extension of EV tax credits in jeopardy after Manchin says he won't support climate spending

As many cities prepare to support more electric vehicles on the street, any extension to the expiring federal tax credits to help consumers purchase EVs appears doomed given opposition from the West Virginia senator.

By Dan Zukowski • July 15, 2022

EV tax credits begin to phase out as more consumers look to electric vehicles to avoid high gas prices

Negotiations continue in Congress to rescue electric vehicle incentives and overcome opposition from Sen. Joe Manchin.

By Dan Zukowski • July 14, 2022

Extreme heat is here. Here's how we create a heat-resilient nation.

Heat is the top weather-related killer in the U.S. In the face of worsening climate change, helping communities manage heat will require cooperation among local, state and federal governments, one researcher writes.

By Ladd Keith • July 13, 2022

Charlotte mobility plan aims to slash car use, transform access to lower-emission options

The strategic mobility plan seeks to improve transit options and accessibility to create real change for North Carolina’s largest city, which once ranked last among 50 comparable cities for intergenerational mobility.

By Austyn Gaffney • July 11, 2022

EV adoption is higher where consumers see more electric vehicles, studies show

Peer effects and EV-friendly government policies help drive consumer adoption of electric vehicles, mounting research suggests.

By Dan Zukowski • July 8, 2022

City on-road emissions targets proposed by Biden administration

The Transportation Department wants to require state DOTs and metropolitan planning organizations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from travel on National Highway System roads in their regions. 

By Dan Zukowski • July 8, 2022

Interest in EVs has grown substantially, survey shows

A Consumer Reports survey shows 14% of consumers would buy or lease an electric vehicle if shopping today, but high purchase costs and low awareness of incentives remain barriers.

By Dan Zukowski • July 7, 2022

Cities launch short and long-term strategies to combat heat waves

This week brings a new heat dome over much of the U.S. Cities have to adapt to more dangerous summers, but policies and strategies vary.

By Maria Rachal • July 6, 2022

Switching to efficient electric heat pumps and appliances could save Oregon $1.1B through 2050, study finds

In Portland, for instance, households that electrify could save $161 a year on energy compared to homes that burn gas. Meanwhile, the city of Eugene is pursuing a local policy to wean developers off natural gas in new construction.

By Kavya Balaraman • July 6, 2022

Urban flooding presents challenges for electric vehicle charging stations

Considerations around sea level rise and intense rains come as the Federal Highway Administration weighs where to effectively locate chargers for the future as more people drive EVs.

By Charles Pekow • July 5, 2022

GAO urges EPA, NOAA to do more about harmful algal blooms

The growing issue causes economic harm to communities when it closes lakes and deters tourism activity, and hurts health when it leads to toxins in water supplies or respiratory issues.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 5, 2022

Many mayors condemn Supreme Court ruling limiting EPA's ability to regulate greenhouse gas emissions

Cities have doubled down on reducing emissions in recent years. Local leaders say Thursday’s 6-3 decision weakens a key federal partner that they believed would help them achieve their goals.

By Danielle McLean • July 1, 2022

5 strategies to advance micromobility for urban last-mile delivery: report

If urban deliveries grow 78% by 2030 as predicted, traffic and emissions will grow too, an Uber-commissioned whitepaper states. The use of bikes, cargo bikes, trolleys and drones could reduce those impacts.

By Charles Pekow • June 24, 2022

Flooding and drought-driven urban damages, GDP loss to balloon: C40 analysis

River flooding damages could cost the nearly 100 cities in the global climate action network $64 billion annually by 2050, while costs tied to more frequent and severe droughts could tally $111 billion per year, the group estimated. 

By Maria Rachal • Updated June 23, 2022

California needs to triple historical decarbonization rates to meet 2030 carbon target, report finds

“The key takeaway is that California is leaving beneficial, earlier action on the table,” said Chris Busch, research director with Energy Innovation and primary author of the report. 

By Kavya Balaraman • June 17, 2022

Urban forest carbon credits gain momentum

After the largest single urban forest carbon credit purchase in U.S. history, more cities and corporations may start to recognize how investing in trees also benefits resident health and well-being, market supporters say.

By Maria Rachal • June 16, 2022

All signs point to a 'growing appetite' for digital twins: report

Implementation is expected to increase 36% over the next five years, according to a Capgemini Research Institute report. But one smart city expert cautions city leaders against falling for the technology's "hype.”

By Cailin Crowe • June 8, 2022

As more cities declare crises around climate and affordability, does change follow?

Declaring emergencies can unlock some new capabilities and foster accountability, but substantial government follow-through is necessary to separate them from mere speech, city leaders say.

By Adina Solomon • June 7, 2022