Community Resilience and Climate Change:

The Role of Public Works

Andrew CloughAB Clough Consulting

Climate Change

Climate Change

Climate Change

“Men Argue. Nature Acts.” Voltaire

Climate Change Impacts

Increased storm intensity

Sea level rise

Climate Change Impacts

Increased Risk of Drought, Fire and Flood

Economic losses

Climate Change

A sign of the Times?

Community ResilienceCommunity resilience is the capacity of a community to survive and thrive no matter the stresses encountered.

• Acute Shocks• Chronic Stresses

Community ResilienceAcute Shocks• Hazardous Materials• Flooding• Hurricane• Earthquakes• Terrorism• Wildfire• Tornadoes• Tsunami

Community ResilienceChronic Stresses• Aging Infrastructure• Rising Sea Level• Crime• Poverty• Drought• Pollution• Inequity• Food Shortage

Community ResilienceCommunity Resilience depends on:

• Physical Assets• Policies and Plans• Social Capital• Institutions

What role does Public Works Play?

Physical Assets: Role of PW

Asset Management / Operations and Maintenance

Plans and Policies: Role of PW

Prioritizing Critical Infrastructure Energy Efficiency / First Responders

Social Capital: Role of PW The network of relationships among people who live and work in a particular society, enabling that society to function effectively.

Social Capital: Role of PW

Working with Volunteers / CommissionsAnd Regional Agencies

Institutions: Role of PW

Coordination / Collaboration / Flexibility

Resilience: Berkeley ExampleFocus Areas:• Improve ability

to shelter displaced residents

• Improve access to clean emergency backup power

• Strengthen ability to mitigate the impacts of climate change

Public Works: City of BerkeleyVisionTo develop a more flexible, responsive, and resilient Department that provides an atmosphere where excellent customer service thrives.

Strategic Priorities1. People 1st

2. Communication and Information Management

3. Service Delivery with Fiscal Responsibility

Public Works: Your Department

What role do you Play?