Bill Overview
Title: National Climate Adaptation and Resilience Strategy Act of 2022
Description: of 2022 This bill requires the President to identify or appoint a Chief Resilience Officer that must (1) direct a government-wide effort to build resilience to climate change vulnerabilities in the United States in collaboration with existing federal initiatives and interagency adaptation efforts, and (2) create working groups. The officer and the working groups must jointly submit to the President and Congress a strategy for the government to address such vulnerabilities in partnership with nonfederal partners, a plan to implement the strategy, and updates by specified deadlines.
Sponsors: Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE]
Target Audience
Population: People affected by climate change and resilience strategies
Estimated Size: 331000000
- Climate change directly or indirectly impacts everyone globally due to its environmental and socio-economic effects.
- Developing countries may have limited capacity to adapt to climate change, making them more vulnerable.
- Coastal and low-lying regions globally are at increased risk due to rising sea levels and extreme weather events.
- Global agriculture, water resources, health, and infrastructure sectors can be significantly impacted by climate change.
Reasoning
- This policy is particularly aimed at improving community and individual resilience in the face of climate change, which may directly affect those living in areas prone to natural disasters or reliant on specific industries like agriculture.
- The policy's impact will vary depending on geographic location, socio-economic status, and industry reliance; coastal regions, agricultural workers, and those engaged in sectors vulnerable to climate change may feel its effects more profoundly.
- Given the budget and scope, the direct benefits may not be felt equally across all participants, with maximal impact likely in regions and communities initially targeted for resilience-building efforts.
- The policy may also indirectly affect individuals by promoting job creation in new sectors focused on resilience and sustainability.
Simulated Interviews
Coastal Engineer (Miami, FL)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm enthusiastic about any strategies that aim to bolster our community's resilience.
- Miami is on the frontline of sea level rise, so a coordinated government approach is crucial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 3 |
Farmer (Kansas, KS)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Climate change is making farming inconsistent, so any help adjusting to these changes is appreciated.
- I hope the policy includes financial incentives for farmers to adopt resilient practices.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 2 |
Urban Planner (New York City, NY)
Age: 53 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- An integrated resilience strategy can dramatically shift how cities are planned and developed.
- Excited to see how this can positively impact urban infrastructure investments.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Renewable Energy Technician (Houston, TX)
Age: 25 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy might open up more work opportunities in renewable energy, which is great for my career.
- Overall, resilience efforts should increase demand for sustainable energy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Retired School Teacher (Des Moines, IA)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Climate change hasn't been a direct issue for me yet, but I worry for my grandchildren's future.
- If this policy can make life better for future generations, I'm all for it.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Environmental Scientist (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 37 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It is critical that our climate adaptation strategies are backed by solid research and data.
- This policy could elevate the importance of data-driven strategies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Rancher (Billings, MT)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Water scarcity is a growing problem for my ranch operations.
- I'm not sure how effective federal policies can be at addressing local issues like water use.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
Tech Entrepreneur (Portland, OR)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased government focus on climate adaptation can drive innovation in climate tech.
- Excited about collaboration opportunities between private sector and government.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Community Organizer (New Orleans, LA)
Age: 34 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could be a turning point for disadvantaged communities if executed properly.
- I'm hopeful but skeptical about its actual impact on the ground.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 3 |
Indigenous Leadership Advocate (Anchorage, AK)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Government-led efforts on resilience are needed, especially for indigenous communities heavily affected by climate change.
- Increased support for local initiatives would be beneficial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $150000000 (Low: $100000000, High: $200000000)
Year 2: $120000000 (Low: $90000000, High: $150000000)
Year 3: $110000000 (Low: $80000000, High: $140000000)
Year 5: $100000000 (Low: $70000000, High: $130000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The effectiveness of the strategy depends on successful coordination among federal agencies.
- The ability to secure partnerships with nonfederal actors is crucial for comprehensive implementation.
- Potential for significant long-term cost savings versus immediate expenses.