Building Resiliency to Climate Change: A Call to Action

The changes in climate occurring today and those projected for the future will have a significant impact on weather extremes and average climate patterns, creating conditions that differ from the historical weather and climate data upon which our societies and systems are based. Disasters such as floods, severe rainstorms, tornadoes, winter storms, and summer drought will be different in the future, typically intensified by climate change. To adapt, it is incumbent upon state and local governments to understand the evolving trends, prepare for changes, and increase resiliency. Climate change impacts on extreme weather events should be included in updates to the Illinois Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan (NHMP) to better describe specific areas or vulnerable populations within the state. This report highlights data from prominent researchers that describe the likely impacts of climate change on diverse and wide-ranging aspects of Illinois life as well as actions that other Midwestern states and communities are taking to address its negative effects. In Illinois, research and implemented strategies have yielded valuable information, but a coordinated, state-led effort is still necessary to prevent the increasing costs resulting from natural disasters and the cascading negative impacts on quality of life in the state. This report is a call to action for continuing disaster impact assessments and a starting point for Illinois government and its agencies to develop coordinated strategies to prepare for a changing climate and lead Illinois into a safe and prosperous future.