Resilience stands out from the other four sectors because the other four sectors largely focus on mitigation of GHG emissions. Climate resiliency is necessary because despite global efforts to slow climate change, our plant has already warmed 2 degrees. As a city, we need to be prepared for disasters like extreme heat, flooding, and storm damage. We need storm ready shelters for tornadoes, and we need community resilience hubs for power outages. Many of the effects of climate change can be adapted to with the right planning, technology, and public education on what to do in case of an emergency.

The good news is that weather-related events are already built into our city planning. We have an operating levy for flood management, several cooling centers, and a robust storm-warning system. It's now a matter of improving and expanding our systems as well as educating the public on storm preparedness and resources available to them after a major event occurs.