Solutions for Cities

State Executive Orders were signed, climate councils were formed, Climate Action Plans (CAPs) were developed, now what?  As a result of our changing climate we know that water will be an enormous problem, including challenges associated with increased drought and flooding; but what if we could work with municipalities to make water a part of the solution?

Despite the wealth of information circulating on climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies, our on-the-ground experience demonstrates that it is difficult for communities to pinpoint what actions will result in the most tangible results that cut across multiple sectors.  Thus many communities are now asking:
“What do we do?”

“How do we start?”

“How much might these mitigation and adaptation strategies cost?”

Until now, the primary response to these questions has been focused on increasing vehicle fleet efficiency, energy efficiency, and the use of renewable energies.  However, water is an important component of these solutions that is often overlooked.  Through our Water Resource Management for Energy Conservation (WRMEC) program we are promoting the integration of water management into climate change and sustainability solutions.  This year, under the WRMEC program, NVOC is developing the ‘Solutions for Cities’ Project which involves:

• developing and disseminating specific guidance tools and resources that municipalities can apply to address their own needs and,
• educating municipal leaders on the importance of including water as a component of their climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.

We will be releasing the first of these municipal guidance tools and resource on March 22^nd, World Water Day.

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