ASTM E3032-22

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E3032 − 22
Standard Guide for
Climate Resiliency Planning and Strategy
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E3032; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
This guide provides a set of options for planning climate resiliency management. This includes
adapting local business and government infrastructure to chronic, extreme weather events and sea
level rise. It may not apply to entities where such assessment and risk management is already widely
available through standard sets of guidance, such as the construction of green buildings. This guide
provides a voluntary framework of the risk management options and steps that may be beneficial to
evaluate climate resiliency solutions. It provides strategies for existing organizations, even those
currently operating outside of various voluntary and regulatory schemes. The environmental
assessment and risk management strategies contained in this guide recognize the overall value of
existing responses. This guide references and blends similar, effective programs and extends them to
provide a consistent approach that will facilitate communication and preparation for extreme weather
events.
Background—This guide presents a series of options for an individual, group or entity to use. The
goal is a strategy or plan to address extreme weather.
1. Scope extreme weather), or opportunistic (that is, taking advantage of
any beneficial effects of extreme weather).
1.1 Overview—For the purposes of this guide, ‘resiliency’
1.1.3 This guide addresses adaptation strategies and plan-
refers to efforts by entities, organizations, or individuals to
ning in response to various impacts that may occur to
prepare for or adjust to future extreme weather and related
individuals, organizations, human settlements or ecosystems in
physical conditions. The primary purpose is to reduce negative
a broad variety of ways. For example, extreme weather might
economic impacts associated with extreme weather.
increase or decrease rainfall, influence agricultural crop yields,
1.1.1 This guide presents a generalized, systematic ap-
affect human health, cause changes to forests and other
proach to voluntary assessment and risk management of
ecosystems, or impact energy supply or infrastructure.
extreme climate related events and conditions. It helps the user
1.1.4 Climate-related impacts may occur locally within a
structure their understanding of the climate related vulnerabili-
region or across a country and may affect many sectors of the
ties and consequences they seek to manage. It helps the user
economy.Inordertomeetthesechallenges,thisguideprovides
identifyadaptiveactionsofbothaninstitutional(legal),aswell
an organized, uniform approach to prepare for the impacts of
as engineering (physical) nature. Options for analysis provide
extreme weather through planned “resiliency” strategies.
a priority ranking system to address the “worst first” risks of a
1.1.5 This guide addresses options to deal with risk factors
municipality, local area or facility, addressing practicality and
that may be key drivers for the economy, human health, the
cost-benefit. Users may approach this analysis having initially
environment, or ecosystems. The guide is aimed at helping
undertaken a risk assessment to determine what they are
users understand risks and potential losses, and offers options
seeking to manage, or use the guide to help determine the
and a generalized approach to bolster human and ecosystem
likely areas of greatest need.
resiliency to a changing climate. This includes sustainability
1.1.2 These climate adaptations or adjustments may be
concepts such as support of economic stability and a good
either protective (that is, guarding against negative impacts of
quality of life.
1.1.6 Adaptation can involve responses to extreme weather
1 and long-term preparation for future events. Local conditions
ThisguideisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeE50onEnvironmental
Assessment, Risk Management and CorrectiveAction and is the direct responsibil-
will require risk evaluation and analysis of both likely weather
ity of Subcommittee E50.07 on Climate and Community.
events and/or extreme weather trends.
Current edition approved July 15, 2022. Published August 2022. Originally
ɛ1
1.1.7 This guide does not address the causes of extreme
approved in 2015. Last previous edition approved 2015 as E3032–15 . DOI:
10.1520/E3032–22 weather.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E3032 − 22
1.2 Purpose—The purpose of this guide is to provide a 1.6 Several national and international agencies served as
series of options consistent with preparing for extreme weather sources of information on existing and anticipated levels and
events. This guide encourages consistent management of managementofclimaterisksincluding:theAustralianMinistry
climate exposures and risks. The guide presents practices and of Environment; the Federal Emergency ManagementAgency;
recommendations for regions, zones, and planning horizons to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration;
address institutional and engineering actions for reduction of the Securities and Exchange Commission; the U.S. Army
physical and financial vulnerability attributable to extreme Corps of Engineers; the U.S. Department of Agriculture; the
weather. It reviews available technologies, institutional U.S.DepartmentofEnergy;theU.S.EnvironmentalProtection
practices, and engineering actions that can be implemented by Agency; and, the U.S. Department of Defense.
individualsandorganizationsseekingtoincreasetheiradaptive
1.7 This guide relies on current regulatory information
capacity.
about risks from various state agencies, including the Califor-
1.2.1 The guide also provides some high-level options for
nia Air Resources Board, the Massachusetts and Connecticut
the monitoring and tracking of performance of an individual or
DepartmentsofEnvironmentalProtection,theWesternClimate
organization’s chosen strategy in order to evaluate its effec-
Initiative, and other published high-level strategies and guid-
tiveness and ensure that the approach continues to be reason-
ance. For example, the National Academy of Sciences guid-
able.
ance and the Climate and Risk section of the Envision rating
1.2.2 This guide ties into the ASTM E50 standards series
system published by the Institute of Sustainable Infrastructure.
related to environmental risk assessment and management.
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the
1.3 Objectives—The objectives of this guide are to deter-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
mine the conditions of the community, facility and or/property
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
withregardtorisksofextremeweathereventsandactionstobe
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
taken to manage those risks.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.3.1 The guide presents information on planning and strat-
1.9 This international standard was developed in accor-
egies for response to extreme weather events such as: drought,
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
flood, fire, storms, landslides, tidal surge, and extreme tem-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
peratures.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
1.3.2 The guide encourages users to set priorities, using a
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
matrixbaseduponregionsintheUnitedStates.Foreachregion
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
the guide identifies key climate vulnerabilities, requiring
preparation for future events. These could be extrapolated to
2. Referenced Documents
other regions if there are similar conditions.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.4 Limitations of this Guide—Given the different types of
E2114 Terminology for Sustainability Relative to the Perfor-
organizations that may wish to use this guide, as well as
mance of Buildings
variations in State and Local regulations, it is not possible to
E2432 Guide for General Principles of Sustainability Rela-
address all the relevant circumstances that might apply to a
tive to Buildings
particular facility. This guide uses generalized language and
E2718 GuideforFinancialDisclosuresAttributedtoClimate
examples to guide the user. If it is not clear to the user how to
Change
apply standards to their specific circumstances, it is recom-
E2725 Guide for Basic Assessment and Management of
mended that users seek assistance from qualified professionals.
Greenhouse Gases
1.4.1 The guide assumes risks are already identified and is
E3136 Guide for Climate Resiliency in Water Resources
not intended to provide assistance with identifying or evaluat-
E3249 Guide for Remedial Action Resiliency to Climate
ing risks.
Impacts
1.4.2 Insurance Industry—The effects of climate extremes
E3312 Guide for Mitigation of Wildfire Impact to Source
on insurers are not clear. The definition of an insurable
Water Protection Areas and Risk to Water Utilities
occurrence and a commencement point for when insurable
claims are made, along with when conditions were discovered
2.2 ISO Standards:
and the actionable information leading to an insurable loss is
ISO 14001:2015 Environmental management—systems —
not clear. It may be inappropriate to speculate on climate
Requirements with guidance for use
effects that are highly uncertain for purposes of insurance
ISO 14063:2020 Environmental management — Environ-
related to specific events. While there are exclusions for “acts
mental communication — Guidelines and examples
of God,” for example, claims associated with increasing
extreme weather events may still have serious impacts on the
insurance industry.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
1.4.3 This guide does not take a position on the causes or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
science of extreme weather.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
1.5 The guide uses references and information on the
Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO
control, management and reduction of impacts from many
Central Secretariat, BIBC II, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier,
cited sources. Geneva, Switzerland, http://www.iso.org.
E3032 − 22
ISO 14064-1:2018 Greenhouse gases — Part 1: Specifica- sity; temperature; precipitation patterns; or wind patterns,
tion with guidance at the organization level for quantifi- among others, that occur over several decades or longer.
cation and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions and
3.1.9 fire risk, n—various rating systems to determine how
removals
likely a fire is, given weather and wind conditions. The
ISO 14064-3:2020 Greenhouse gases — Part 3: Specifica-
National Fire Protection Association has a rating system
tion with guidance for the verification and validation of
3.1.10 flood risk, n—variousratingsystemstodeterminethe
greenhouse gas statements
flood zone associated with flooding and water damage. Rating
ISO 31000:2018 Risk management — Guidelines
system terminology includes various flood zones as defined by
ISO Guide 73:2009 Risk management – Vocabulary
FEMAandStateagenciesforrainfallandtidalevents.Thiscan
ISO Draft Standard on Asset Management: Overview, Prin-
include the 5, 10, 25, 50,100 and 500 year events). The
ciples and Terminology (56/1358/DC)
100-Year flood level and floodplain are the typical standard to
2.3 Standards Australia:
define severe flood levels and flood extent. The 100 year event
AS 5334-2013 Climate change adaptation for settlements
risk is also defined as a one-in-100 or 1% likelihood of
and infrastructure – A risk based approach
occurring in any given year.
3.1.11 green buildings, n—as defined in ASTM E2114,
3. Terminology
Standard Terminology Relative to the Performance of Build-
3.1 Definitions:
ings and E2432, Guide for General Principles of Sustainability
3.1.1 adaptation, n—risk treatment and mitigation actions
Relative to Buildings
undertaken to reduce the adverse consequences of extreme
3.1.12 green roof, n—construction of water retaining and
weather, as well as to harness any beneficial opportunities.
heat lowering materials, especially plants, on the roofs of
Adjustment or preparation of natural or human systems to a
buildings to address storm-water flooding, extreme
new or changing environment which moderates harm or
temperatures, and energy conservation. This includes systems
exploits beneficial opportunities.
with assemblies that support an area of planting/landscaping,
3.1.2 adaptive capacity, n—the ability of a system to adjust
built up on a waterproofed substrate at any level that is
to extreme weather (including climate variability and ex-
separated from the natural ground by a human-made structure.
tremes) to moderate potential damages, to take advantage of
Also defined in Guide E2432.
opportunities, or to cope with the consequences. Response to
3.1.13 extreme weather event, n—phenomena such as tropi-
and attenuation of potential damages, to take advantage of
cal storms, hurricanes, typhoons, nor’easters, blizzards, hail
opportunities, or to cope with the consequences.
storms and floods. These phenomena are at the extremes of the
3.1.3 climate, n—the average and range of weather condi-
historical distribution, including especially severe or unsea-
tions in an area. More rigorously, the statistical description in
sonal conditions.
terms of the mean and variability of relevant weather param-
3.1.14 extreme conditions, n—trendsinclimateandweather,
etersoveraperiodoftimelongenoughtoensurerepresentative
over the long term that result in substantial impacts to the local
values for a month or season. These parameters are most often
built and natural environment, including financial impacts.
surface variables such as temperature, humidity, air pressure,
precipitation, and wind.
3.1.15 land movement, n—a threat to urban or natural
systems expressed in terms of the combination of their likeli-
3.1.4 contingency plan, n—any plan of action that allows an
hood of occurrence and their consequences. This includes soil
organization to respond to events should they occur, includes
accretion, erosion, subsidence, landslides, and uplifts.
all plans that deal with stabilization, continuity of critical
business functions and recovery, sometimes called a ‘business
3.1.16 mitigation, n—attempts to lower or compensate for
continuity plan’.
risks from weather/climate related events including flood, fire,
drought, extreme temperature, sea-level rise and storms.
3.1.5 drought risk, n—rating systems of USDAto determine
appropriate planting, harvesting and water conservation
3.1.17 natural variability, n—variations in the mean state
activities, based upon region and expected weather events.
and other statistics (such as standard deviations or statistics of
extremes) of the climate on all time and space scales beyond
3.1.6 ecosystem, n—any natural unit or entity including
that of individual weather events. Natural variations in climate
living and non-living parts that interact to produce a system
over time are caused by internal processes of the climate
through cyclic exchange of materials and energy.
system, such as El Niño or La Nina, as well as changes in
3.1.7 extreme temperature risk, n—rating systems for
external influences, such as volcanic activity and variations in
vulnerability,especiallytohightemperaturesinurbanheatsink
the output of the sun.
areas.
3.1.18 relative sea level rise, n—the increase in ocean water
3.1.8 extreme weather, n—significant change in physical,
levelsataspecificlocation,takingintoaccountbothglobaland
climactic events lasting for an extended period of time.
local factors, such as glacial ice melt (from land and in sea,
Includes major changes in storm frequency, duration or inten-
with land melt having greater relative impact), local
subsidence, thermal expansion, and/or continental uplift or
subduction Measured with respect to a specified vertical datum
Standards Australia Level 10, The Exchange Centre 20 Bridge Street, Sydney
GPO Box 476 Sydney NSW 2001. http://www.standards.org.au/ relativetotheland,whichmayalsobechangingelevationover
E3032 − 22
time. Can include evaluation of flood risk to coastal areas, what you expect (for example, cold winters) and ’weather’ is
generally associated with flood insurance ratings and maps. what you get (for example, a blizzard).]
3.1.19 resilience, n—adaptive capacity of an organization in
4. Significance and Use
a complex and changing environment. A capability to
4.1 The Use of this Standard Guide—This guide addresses
anticipate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from significant
issues related solely to adaptation strategies and development
multi-hazard threats with minimum damage to social well-
of a plan to address extreme weather and related physical
being, the economy, and the environment.
changes. This guide does not include specific guidance on risk
3.1.20 scenarios, n—a plausible and often simplified de-
assessment, however references are provided in Appendix X3.
scription of how the future may develop based on a coherent
The matrix approach does reflect general risks for certain
and internally consistent set of assumptions about driving
regions of the country, based upon the frequency of extreme
forces and key relationships.
weather and/or conditions such as fires, floods, storms,
drought, and extreme temperatures. Adaptation strategies and
3.1.21 sensitivity, n—the degree to which a system is
planning may consist of a wide variety of actions by an
affected, either adversely or beneficially, by climate variability
individual, community, or organization to prepare for, or
or change. The effect may be direct (for example, a change in
respond to, the impacts of extreme weather.
crop yield in response to a change in the mean, range or
4.1.1 This guide does not address causes of extreme
variability of temperature) or indirect (for example, damages
weather.
caused by an increase in the frequency of coastal flooding due
4.1.2 This guide addresses adjustment strategies and plan-
to sea level rise).
ning that a group of people or ecosystems make to limit
3.1.22 storm risk, n—rating systems for the likelihood of
negative effects of extreme weather. It also addresses taking
impacts from rainfall, snow, hail or wind from rainfall events,
advantage of opportunities that long term extreme weather
hurricanes and tropical storms, Nor’easters, tornadoes, bliz-
patterns may present.
zards and other types of storms. Can include surges or
4.2 Example Users:
abnormal rise in sea level accompanying a hurricane, tropical
4.2.1 Small businesses or enterprises;
storm, or other intense storm, whose height is the difference
4.2.2 Service industries;
between the observed level of the sea surface and the level that
4.2.3 Federal, state or municipal facilities and regulators,
would have occurred in the absence of the storm or hurricane.
including departments of health and fire departments;
3.1.23 subsiding/subsidence, n—the downward settling of
4.2.4 Financial and insurance institutions;
soil layers and/or rock in the Earth’s crust relative to its
4.2.5 Public works staff, including water system, stormwa-
surroundings.
ter system, wastewater system, solid waste, and other utilities
3.1.24 thermal expansion, n—the increase in volume (and (electrical, telephone, gas, et al) and other waste managers,
including liquid and solid waste haulers, treatment, recycling,
decrease in density) that results from warming water. A
warming of the ocean leads to an expansion of the ocean disposal and transfer;
4.2.6 Consultants, auditors, state, municipal and private
volume, which leads to an increase in sea level.
inspectors and compliance assistance personnel;
3.1.25 tidal effects, n—rising seas, extreme water levels,
4.2.7 Educational facilities;
storm surges, rising sea levels, and frequent tidal events, from
4.2.8 Property, buildings and grounds management, includ-
hurricanes, tropical storms, typhoons, and Nor’Easters
ing landscaping;
3.1.26 vulnerability, n—the degree to which a system is
4.2.9 Non-regulatory government agencies, such as the
susceptible to, or unable to cope with, adverse effects of
military;
extreme weather, including climate variability and extremes. 4.2.10 Wildlife management entities including government,
Vulnerabilityisafunctionofthecharacter,magnitude,andrate
tribal and NGOs.
of climate variation to which a system is exposed; its sensitiv-
4.3 This guide is a first step in crafting simplified goals for
ity; and its adaptive capacity.
managing and communicating risks. The framework describes
3.1.27 weather, n—atmospheric condition at any given time a process by which the user may categorize current climate
or place. It is measured in terms of such parameters as wind, risks and a priority approach to manage those risks. The
temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, cloudiness, and technique classifies common responses for both mitigation and
precipitation. In most places, weather can change from hour- adaptation. The guide groups responses and examples into
to-hour, day-to-day, and season-to-season. Climate in a narrow regions based on experience in responding to risks. The
sense is usually defined as the "average weather", or more regional classifications found in this guide reflect the general
rigorously, as the statistical description in terms of the mean structures of State, Federal and local response programs.These
and variability of relevant quantities over a period of time authorities generally classify groups of similar responses
ranging from months to thousands or millions of years. These according to the timely availability and cost effectiveness of
quantitiesaremostoftensurfacevariablessuchastemperature, responses (see ISO 14063:2020).
precipitation, and wind. Climate in a wider sense is the state, 4.3.1 Adaptation strategies and planning may include ac-
including a statistical description, of the climate system. [A tions by individuals and communities, for example, from
simple way of remembering the difference is that climate is reduced tree clearing for an individual lot, to a farmer planting
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more drought-resistant crops, or to a municipality protecting 4.4.3 Assessingrisksfromfutureweatherrelatedeventsand
riparian and floodplain standards and buffers or ensuring that extreme conditions. A compendium of applicable risk assess-
new coastal infrastructure can accommodate future sea level ment tools that users may find useful are in Appendix X1.
rise. However, building resilience across communities will
4.4.4 Risk management, underwriting; loss control and
require action at all levels; individual, business, town, county,
history; premiums and claims;
state, and federal.
4.4.5 Liability assessment and qualifications for loans;
4.3.2 Some municipalities, for example Boston, Miami
4.4.6 Standardization, consistency and certification of facil-
Beach, and Baltimore, corporate entities, and organizations
ity specific evaluations;
have already begun taking action toward defining adaptation
4.4.7 Educating employees, clients and customers;
strategies and planning for extreme weather.
4.4.8 Generating multi media and cross medium informa-
4.3.3 In an increasingly interdependent world, negative
tion;
effects of extreme weather on one population or economic
4.4.9 Evaluating vendors;
sector may have repercussions around the world. These effects
4.4.10 Reducing costs and preventing pollution.
have repercussions on populations and settlements in neigh-
boring areas, within countries, or across the globe. They 4.5 Users may consider various benefits of assessment and
response.
include economic disruption to productivity and the supply-
chain, impacts to energy production and cascading impacts to
4.5.1 This guide is a basic primer on climate impacts and
users. may serve to introduce the subject for organizations unfamiliar
4.3.4 Many ecosystems will also be affected by extreme with the principles.
weather challenges and opportunities. Some species may be
4.5.2 Some government agencies, fiduciaries and business
able to migrate or change their behavior to accommodate
organizations publish strategies for climate resiliency. The
changes in the weather. Other species may decline or become
public has systematic ability to access or estimate information
extinct. Some species may increase in numbers. Managers of
on individual businesses. Therefore, businesses need guidance
natural resources may anticipate some of the impacts of
on how to assess the nature and potential risks of climate risks,
extreme weather on ecosystems. This offers one avenue in
andaprogrammaticapproachforreducingoreliminatingthose
beginning to develop management programs that may help
risks through protection, accommodation, retreat, and other
ecosystems adapt.
proactive management systems.
4.3.5 There are limits to the ability of human systems to
4.5.3 Reduced operation, insurance and maintenance costs
adapt. For example, the relocation of cities and various
may be realized through a tiered evaluation of weather related
communities or infrastructure may not be feasible in many
response opportunities.
locations, especially in a short period of time. Implementation
4.5.4 Responses may be streamlined and simplified so that
timeframes could take 20, 50 and 100 years or longer.
all levels in an organization may participate.
4.3.6 Those communities or sections of communities that
4.5.5 Some enterprises may be more competitive in the
are most vulnerable, such as locations where the poor,
marketplacewithimprovedclimate-relatedresponseprograms.
disengaged, elderly or those in ill health live, are at greatest
4.5.6 Setting priorities can allow planning and evaluation of
risk.Extremeweathermayexacerbateexistingissues.Address-
new adaptation and response requirements.
ing underlying issues that make communities or systems
4.5.7 Different stakeholders, such as industries or
vulnerable will increase their resilience and support adaptation
governments, will have different interests and responsibilities
efforts.
for taking action. For example, retreat and relocation of
4.3.7 The user should consider the most effective scale of
populations will fall under the government scope rather than
adaptation, for example, site, town, catchment, watershed,
industry.
City, State, or regional level. The scale will impact the relative
4.6 Institutional Risks—Some of the risks posed by weather
direct and indirect costs and benefits of a solution. The guide
related events include damage to residences, businesses, infra-
may help users understand the most effective scale of adapta-
structure and agriculture from fires, floods, drought, extreme
tion and the appropriate level of action.
temperature, storms, hail, winds, tidal surge and sea level rise.
4.4 This guide defines good commercial and customary
Early, voluntary actions, including the use of this guide, may
practice in the U.S. for conducting baseline assessment and
also help organizations prepare for and reduce the impacts of
reasonable mitigation/adaptation strategic options on a volun-
future government regulations. Some of the possible govern-
tary basis. The following principles apply to this priority
ment programs that may be used to address climate are
system:
described below.
4.4.1 Ability to set specific goals for activities. This in-
4.6.1 Flood Insurance Maps;
cludesadoptingacontingencyplanforprotectionfromweather
4.6.2 Water conservation requirements;
related events using engineering changes while maintaining
4.6.3 Fire codes;
current operations. This includes “flood-proofing” “fire-
4.6.4 Emergency response;
proofing,” back-up energy generation, vegetation management
4.6.5 Zoning regulations;
around power lines and other measures to cope with extreme
4.6.6 Building codes;
weather.
4.4.2 Marketing environmental awareness and sensitivity; 4.6.7 Wetlands and stream buffer regulations;
E3032 − 22
4.6.8 Stormwater standards and regulations for floodplains include adoption of regional priorities for adaptation. Strate-
and floodways, planning, development requirements, and in- gies for preparedness for a weather event may be different than
frastructure design (MS4, flood control systems, floodplains reactions to post-extreme weather events.
and floodways);
5.3 Extreme weather may pose a risk or threat to businesses
4.6.9 Public Works Projects;
andproperties.Forexample,variationsinairtemperaturesover
4.6.10 Hazard Mitigation Planning.
landmassesoroceantemperaturescoulddirectlyandindirectly
4.7 Managing Risk Uncertainty:
affect ecosystems, humans, and the economy. In some areas,
4.7.1 It appears that weather extremes will continue to
there could be regional increases in the form of more pro-
present risks and uncertainty as to the effects they will have in
nounced heat waves and heavy precipitation events, which
different regions. The ability to predict future weather related
exceed the levels expected from standard variability.
risks has improved, but efforts to understand the complete
5.4 Extreme weather might yield economic damages in the
impact of those risks on society and analyze mitigation and
form of flood and storm damage, crop losses, wildfire losses,
adaptation strategies are still relatively immature.
supply chain disruptions and critical infrastructure outages.
4.7.2 The tiered analysis in this guide will help support
This guide addresses adaptation strategies and plans, taking a
decision-making, studying regional impacts, and communicat-
measured approach to promote effective risk management
ing with wider group of stakeholders in the face of uncertainty.
strategies.
4.7.3 Theinsuranceindustryhasalwaysplayedaroleinrisk
management by insuring weather related risks, promoting
5.5 This guide does not address the uncertainty of unpre-
stronger building codes, and better land-use decision-making. dictableandsevereweatherevents.Thisguidedoesnotaddress
connections between impacts of rising temperatures and ex-
5. Risk Management
treme events or the probability of the rate of increase of these
events. However, this guide does discuss options for address-
5.1 This guide establishes a framework of common, climate
ing vulnerabilities to the impacts of extreme weather and
risk management strategies in the United States. The same
natural catastrophes.
planning principles could be applied in other countries, de-
pending upon priorities associated with climate risks. This
5.6 Procedure for Planning A Strategy—A plan of adapta-
general guide will allow the user to evaluate the category of
tion to extreme weather should educate groups, businesses and
risk from extreme weather related issues. Responses would
individuals to reduce risks, and build safety restraints into their
then be evaluated for timeliness and availability in order to
activities, increasing resiliency. The development of a strategy,
continually reduce the risks.
and application of this guide, may be approached from a
5.2 This guide outlines adaptation strategies and planning starting point of having determined the priority risks that need
steps that may be taken to prepare for, and respond to, the to be addressed (for example, through a risk assessment).
impacts of extreme weather. The guide addresses a series of Alternatively, if a risk assessment has not been undertaken, the
adaptation and planning options for managing environmental approach outlined in Fig. 1 may be applied starting with
and human risks associated with extreme weather. The guide identifying the relevant region (that is geography). For ex-
addressespotentialwaystoapproachmanagingrisks.Thismay ample there are eight regions shown in Fig. 2.
FIG. 1 Procedure for Adaptation Planning Strategy Development
E3032 − 22
FIG. 2 National Climate Assessment Regions (National Climate Assessment, 2014)
5.6.1 If the regional approach is followed, the user first 5.6.3 Priority areas of concern may also be based on
decides on the appropriate regions for planning, selecting from previous, climate related, catastrophic events. The areas of
one of eight regions of the United States. Certain areas of
NewYork,LongIslandandNewJerseyimpactedbyHurricane
Canada adjacent to the Northeast, the Midwest, the Great
Sandy are examples.
Plains or the Northwest may benefit from this regional orga-
5.6.4 Categories of actions include adaptation, protection
nization of the guide. Certain areas of Mexico adjacent to the
and retreat and are shown in Table 2.
Southwest or Great Plains may also benefit from guide use.
5.7 Building a strategy or plan of adaptation to extreme
5.6.2 The priority areas of concern are shown in Table 1,
based upon the selected region. There may be other priority weather educates groups, businesses and individuals to reduce
areas, based upon local conditions and state by state priorities. risks, and build safety restraints into their activities, increasing
Flash floods from rivers and streams are examples of local
resiliency. Broad examples of strategy or plan elements
conditions requiring priority planning, in addition to regional
include, but are not limited to:
priorities.
TABLE 1 Example Regional Climate Adaptation Priorities
NOTE 1—Table 1 provides a regional overview of adaptation priorities. The lack of a ‘*’ does not indicate that other climate risks will not occur in
a region. In addition, specific risks and adaptation priorities may differ within a region, at the local or site specific scale.
Storms
Land Movement
Extreme (wind straight line
Subsidence Sea Rise and
Region Temperature Drought Fire Flood and tornadic and
(uplifts and Tidal Effects
(hot or cold) snow hail, sleet
landslides)
and ice)
1 Northeast * * * *
2 Southeast and
*** *
Caribbean
3 Midwest * * * *
4GreatPlains *****
5 Southwest * * * *
6 Northwest * * * *
7 Alaska * ***
8 Hawaii ***
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TABLE 2 Category of Responses to Example Climate Events
Adaptation Risk Category 1: Accommodation Category 2: Protection Category 3: Retreat/Relocate
Category
Extreme Temperature Build green roofs, conserve water, and add Add insulation and energy efficient Move residences and buildings
plantings and landscape to increase shade windows to buildings Provide into more temperate areas;
and oxygen. emergency generators for including underground zones for
temperature control centers to geothermal temperature control.
address extremes.
Drought Conservation. Plant alternative crops or Integrated water resource programs Move crops, livestock and resi-
drought resistant crops. Underground water for stormwater and “wastewater”. dences from risk areas. Provide
storage. Recycle of existing water supplies. Reservoirs. Aquifer recharge and un- for technology that uses less wa-
(See Guide E3312.) derground water storage. Water re- ter or hydroponic growth with re-
taining soil amendments. Provide cycled water.
emergency water supplies. (See
Guide E3136.)
Fire Construct firebreaks, and fire-fighting sta- Fire resistant coatings; Stronger Move residences out of high risk
tions. Water storage in potential fire areas. regulations and oversight in areas of areas. Realign development to
Low occupancy development. Controlled concern (man-made fires). Water provide for fire line and reduced
burns. Strategic logging to thin out forests storage in potential fire areas. (See spread. Redesign structure to in-
near residential areas. Guide E3312.) clude fire protective natural infra-
structure (soil external covering).
Flood Free-board buildings. Sumps and tunnels to Build seawalls barrier islands and Remove, relocate or raze vulner-
move water away from buildings. Pumping dunes. Provide run-off structures to able buildings and infrastructure.
stations and infrastructure control manage flooding and provide water Replace and restore floodplains,
measures, including bridges, culverts, storm storage, retention and detention. wetlands and natural channels.
water systems; and run-off controls using Redesign development to retreat
natural systems. from flood zones and sea impact
areas. Use natural designs to re-
duce inward flow of waters.
Storms include Emergency Response and shelter plans. Upgrade building codes for windows, Include development plans with
straight-line and tor- Upgrade buildings, including windows, doors, roofs, insulation and other cooperative energy provisions;
nadic winds, hail and doors, roofs, insulation and other building building features. Address energy Design or redesign occupied ar-
ice features. Provide supportive energy sys- issues with backup structures. eas to address main impacts from
tems. Address ice and wind damage issues. storms.
Land Movement in- Upgrade building and community designs to Build retaining structures and run-off Move residences out of high risk
cludes subsidence address structural and emergency issues structures to reduce erosional areas. areas. Provide for free board ar-
(increase strength of buildings and escape Provide for green space to eas if slope failure occurs.
routes). strengthen slope stability.
Sea Rise and Tidal Free-board buildings away from main im- Build seawalls, retaining structures, Remove relocate or raze occupied
Effects pact tidal zones. Sumps and water tunnels levees and protective sea/flood walls. structures from high risk areas.
to move water away from buildings. Pump- Provide run-off and storage struc- Provide natural run-off storage
ing stations and infrastructure control tures. Address beach erosional is- and protective structures in de-
measures, along with riparian zones to ad- sues through restoration of barrier signs. Redesign development to
dress impacts. islands and dunes. Repair, upgrade retreat from tidal erosional zones
and maintain locks and other struc- and tidal impact areas. Use natu-
tures to control surge for navigation ral designs to reduce inward flow
channels and ports. of waters and sea impacts.
5.7.1 Putting in place a group to understand, coordinate and 14001:2015andISO31000:2018).Planupdatesshouldinclude
reduce disaster risk based on participation of multiple parties, training for those responsible for response to extreme weather
including local alliances.
events.
5.7.2 For businesses, climate adaptation goals in employee
5.7.8 Planning to maintain critical evacuation and supply
jobdescriptions,especiallyinkeygeographiesinanenterprise,
routes, access (for police, fire, medical, and other emergency
or in operations and supply chain.
responders), and infrastructure (water, sewer, stormwater,
5.7.3 Establishingacross-functionclimateadaptationwork-
communications, hospitals, shelters, power with backup
ing group with connections to local or regional organizations.
generators, airports, rail lines, et al) that reduce risk, adjusted
5.7.4 Setting a budget and providing the necessary re-
where needed to cope with extreme weather.
sources for proactive adaptation.
5.7.9 Assessment of the safety of nearby facilities that
5.7.5 Collaborating with neighboring businesses and supply
support disaster response efforts (for example, schools and
chain partners on climate adaptation planning and execution.
health facilities) and upgrading the plan as necessary.
5.7.6 All parties understand their role regarding adaptation
5.7.10 Definitions for realistic, risk-compliant building
that requires disaster risk reduction and preparedness.
guidance and land-use planning.
5.7.7 Making up-to-date information and plans readily
5.7.11 Education programs and training on disaster risk
available. Plans and strategies to cope with extreme weather
could be integrated into an existing Environmental Manage- reduction at facilities that support disaster response efforts (for
example, schools and local communities).
mentSystemorDisasterResponsePlan(seeGuideE3249,ISO
E3032 − 22
5.7.12 Protecting specific ecosystems and natural buffers to tions away from coastlines and other flood hazard areas. The
mitigate floods, storm surges and other hazards to which planning horizon includes actions that may be available,
participant(s) are vulnerable. through research and development programs, rezoning and
5.7.13 Periodic updates and refinements of the plan and relocation programs, as well as wetland replication and species
effective risk-reduction practices. replacement in a ten- to thirty-year timeframe.
5.7.14 Installing early warning systems and emergency
5.10 Regional Approach to Climate Resiliency—The essen-
management capacities in your group and hold regular public
tial principles of this guide are: Environmental assessment by
preparedness drills.
objective; Priority planning; Measuring effectiveness of adap-
5.7.15 Post disaster needs assessment of survivors to guide
tation measures. This guide groups climate adaptation mea-
reconstruction, with support from community organizations.
sures in a matrix for eight regions shown in Fig. 2 and Table 1
Design and help implement responses, including rebuilding
and three general categories: accommodation, protection and
homes and livelihoods.
retreat shown in Table 2.
5.7.16 Reassessment procedures in plans to determine is-
5.10.1 These figures and tables can be adjusted to reflect the
sues or problems which require evaluation of current processes
regions in the National Climate Assessment and their high-
and revisions to ensure better adaptive strategies in the future.
lighted challenges. Refer to U.S. Global Change Research
This is an iterative process for continual improvement.
Program National Climate Assessment, 2014.
5.8 Financial and Schedule Considerations—Users should
5.10.2 Regional climate adaptation priorities and classifica-
evaluate and compare life cycle (capital, operation, and main-
tions may be informed by statistical analysis of historical
tenance) costs and benefits of the different actions to mitigate
insurance claims for types of damage to various regions and
categories of risk management. This includes the time of
resources.
implementation and planning horizon. Users may pursue one
5.10.3 Federal and State programs for assistance in climate
or more categories of management risks simultaneously.
adaptation implementation may base funding priorities upon
5.8.1 The user should identify the priority planning areas,
previous catastrophic events related to extreme weather. For
based upon the overall region. Fig. 2 shows general regions of
example, communities in New Jersey may base adaptation
the country. Table 1 shows some priority planning subjects,
priorities after hurricane Sandy on storms, flooding and sea-
based upon region.
level rise.
5.8.2 An initial risk assessment of the community or spe-
cific area will determine the highest vulnerabilities to climate
6. Planning and Identification of Actions
related events.Then the user should also identify conventional,
6.1 The overall process first involves selecting climate
short-term, measures recommended for the region, including
adaptation planning areas, based upon the region of the
emergency response plans for initial response to events.
country. Sample areas are shown in Table 1.
5.8.3 The National Climate Assessment Report (see U.S.
6.2 Based on either the risk identification or regional
Global Change Reserch Program National Climate
process, develop a list of potential actions that may improve
Assessment, 2014) addresses seven sectors: human health;
climate resilience. Examples within the three categories of
water, energy; transportation; agriculture, forests and ecosys-
response include:
tems.Theusermaysetprioritiesforadaptationinthelocalarea
according to the most important or urgent sectors.
6.3 Category 1 Accommodation—See Table 2.
6.3.1 Extreme Temperature—Adapt all buildings and struc-
5.9 Management Categories:
tures with green roofs and temperature resistant insulation.
5.9.1 Category
...