Green Works for Climate Resilience

Today, more than half of the people in the world, and 80 percent of the U.S. population, live in urban areas. Cities are on the front lines of climate change impacts, such as sea-level rise and coastal flooding, drought, and extreme weather—all of which are exacerbating existing urban challenges, including resource degradation, economic downturns, affordable housing crises and others. The ability of cities to thrive in the face of rapid growth and a changing climate will depend on the ways in which we plan, develop, and manage our cities in the coming decades.

Climate change is intensifying existing stresses on wildlife and their habitats and amplifying natural hazards that threaten people and property. The Climate-Smart Communities program helps cities and towns use nature-based approaches to prepare themselves for the impacts of climate change in ways that support people, wildlife, and habitats. Learn more about the different ways communities are already working to implement nature-based approaches with the Green Works for Climate Resilience: A Community Guide to Climate Planning.”

Green Works for Climate Resilience outlines the nature-based approaches that communities can use to prepare for and respond to the following climate impacts:

Below are some examples from the guide that highlight some of the ways in which communities have already started using nature-based approaches.

Get Involved

Where We Work

More than one-third of U.S. fish and wildlife species are at risk of extinction in the coming decades. We're on the ground in seven regions across the country, collaborating with 52 state and territory affiliates to reverse the crisis and ensure wildlife thrive.

Learn More
Regional Centers and Affiliates