Articles

Assessing the Impacts of Climate Change on the Built Environment: A Framework for Environmental Reviews

Wentz, Jessica A.

Federal agencies are beginning to incorporate descriptions of climate change impacts into environmental reviews for buildings and infrastructure, but there is no consistent methodology for evaluating these impacts and mitigating any foreseeable risks to the project or affected environment. This Article asserts that an assessment of climate-related risks and adaptation options falls within the scope of considerations that should be addressed under the National Environmental Policy Act and similar laws. It concludes with a set of recommended protocols for identifying the impacts of climate change on projects and their affected environment, evaluating physical and environmental risks, and selecting appropriate mitigation measures.

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Also Published In

Title
Environmental Law Reporter

More About This Work

Academic Units
Sabin Center for Climate Change Law
Law
Publisher
Environmental Law Institute
Published Here
November 16, 2015

Notes

This article is adapted from a longer report published by the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law, which can be found in Academic Commons at http://dx.doi.org/10.7916/D82J6BFD.