Title
Receive a presentation and vote on a recommendation by the Climate Change Advisory Committee to approve planning for a Chatham Climate Retreat
Abstract
Introduction & Background: Adverse impacts from climate change seem to be intensifying. In order to understand the impacts of climate change and create plans to mitigate and respond to these impacts, there is a need for focused time to hear from experts on the subject and discuss next steps.
Discussion & Analysis: The Climate Change Advisory Committee believes that an important step in addressing climate change, and its impacts, would be to develop a Climate Action Plan. This plan would build on the excellent foundation of Plan Chatham, our existing comprehensive plan. A climate action plan would address any identified gaps in Plan Chatham and benefit from the application of more recent science and technology. A Chatham Climate Retreat would be a first step towards developing a climate action plan. The retreat would focus on three things:
1. Chatham-centric impacts of climate change
2. Elements of a Climate Action Plan
3. Possible sources of funding or other resources available for developing a Climate Action Plan
How does this relate to the Comprehensive Plan: Plan Chatham has entire sections dedicated to Resiliency and Natural Resources, both of which are impacted by changes in the climate.
Budgetary Impact: The budgetary impact of a retreat is unknown at this time. Approval would be to begin the planning process for the retreat with details to come later.
Recommendation/Motion: Receive a presentation and approve the recommendation by the Climate Change Advisory Committee to approve planning for a Chatham Climate Retreat.