A new grant will help Philadelphia combat the impacts of climate change citywide.
The City’s Office of Sustainability (OOS), in collaboration with the Philadelphia City Fund, has secured a $600,000 grant from the William Penn Foundation to develop a Climate Resilience Plan. This plan will assess climate risks and vulnerabilities across Philadelphia, while identifying solutions and actions.
According to OOS officials, the plan will focus on citywide impacts, particularly on vulnerable populations, neighborhoods, infrastructure, municipal services, and key assets.
“Philadelphians are already feeling the impacts of climate change, with communities like Eastwick and Hunting Park on the frontlines of increased extreme heat and flooding events,” said Sinceré Harris, Chief Deputy Mayor, Intergovernmental Affairs, Sustainability and Engagement. “Updating the climate resilience plan marks a significant step forward in the city’s preparedness for emergency events and chronic stressors caused by climate change. This plan will provide crucial guidance to build Philadelphia’s resilience.”
The grant will help the city initiate an inclusive and equitable public engagement process, ensuring residents and local organizations can contribute to planning and development.
Officials stated that the plan will address citywide impacts to vulnerable populations, infrastructure and municipal services, adding that OOS has launched a public survey to gather information about climate vulnerabilities, knowledge gaps, and short-term and long-term needs of Philadelphia citizens.
“We invite residents and local organizations citywide to help shape the updated climate resilience plan to ensure it reflects their community’s needs and experiences with climate impacts,” said Liz Lankenau, Director of the Office of Sustainability. “When we prioritize residents’ voices … we can develop a plan that is both comprehensive and equitable.”
Visit phila.gov to learn about the Climate Resilience Plan process and how to get involved.
