WASHINGTON (November 17, 2014) — Today, the Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience released a report on how the federal government can respond to the needs of communities nationwide that are dealing with the impacts of climate change. The Task Force, which is composed of 26 mayors, governors, tribal leaders, and other local officials, was established a year ago by President Obama to support the U.S. Climate Action Plan.

Specific recommendations to the federal government include incorporating climate resilience into its investments, operations and programs; support climate-smart hazard mitigation and disaster preparedness and recovery efforts; and maximize opportunities that have dual-benefits of increasing community resilience and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Below is a statement from Christina DeConcini, Director of Government Affairs at World Resources Institute:

“This report sends a strong signal to Washington that local communities urgently need its help to respond to the growing threat of climate change. Federal policies designed for yesterday’s climate have proven inadequate to protect Americans from the dangerous climate impacts at their doorsteps. Local leaders want effective policies that boost resilience well before the next storm, heat wave or wildfire sweeps through their community.

“A lot can be learned from the strong local leadership exemplified by the members of the Task Force. Rather than get wrapped up in ideological or partisan debates, they are focused on implementing practical solutions to protect their residents.

“This report offers valuable guidance for how the federal government can shape policies and funding to protect American communities from climate impacts. As this report notes, significantly curbing carbon pollution is essential to limit the severity of future climate impacts. We need to both help communities build resilience to climate impacts as well as address the source of the problem.”