Climate Change
Working
Group
Jen Ceponis, CDTC, Chair
Global climate change is an issue of increasing concern to the transportation community: planners, designers, maintainers, and operators. There are two important sub-disciplines, mitigation and adaptation.
Mitigation seeks ways to reduce the production of greenhouse gas emissions that are seen as a primary cause of climate change.
Adaptation addresses the likely impacts on the transportation system of the consequences of climate change, from more frequent storm events to sea level rise, and modifies design and operations to prepare for those impacts.
The Climate Change Working Group includes representatives of the MPOs, the New York State Departments of Transportation (NYSDOT) and Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). It provides an opportunity for planners engaged in both aspects of climate change to share practice and to learn from national experts.
Climate Change Working Group Goals
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Provide a forum for sharing best practices among the MPOs and with state, federal, and other planning partners regarding climate change mitigation, adaptation, and sustainability.
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Provide input to regional, state, or federal planning processes, legislation, and outreach initiatives that address climate change mitigation and adaptation, transportation system resiliency, and sustainability in New York State.
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Engage with partners and stakeholders, including NYSDOT, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to stay informed about and participate in ongoing statewide climate change and sustainability efforts, including the details of the "Green New Deal."
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Produce technical guidance and resources about climate change mitigation and adaptation, transportation system resiliency, and sustainability actions for MPO staff.
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Assess data needs related to climate change across MPOs in New York State and elsewhere.
Click the image above to view the current Work Plan