Climate change causes disruptions to human, natural and built systems. It disproportionately impacts poor and vulnerable populations that have limited resources to adapt. Built systems, including water infrastructure, buildings and transportation systems, are vulnerable to more frequent extreme weather events. Local governments are the "first responders" to social, environmental and economic disruptions resulting from natural disasters and must anticipate, prepare for and adapt to the impacts of climate change while minimizing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

In partnership with government leaders from ten large counties and cities, CCAP launched the Urban Leaders Adaptation Initiative to serve as a resource for local governments as they face important infrastructure and land-use decisions that affect local adaptation efforts and empower local communities to develop and implement climate resilient strategies.

Urban Leaders partners are representatives from: Chicago; King County (Washington); City of Los Angeles, Miami-Dade County (Florida); City of Milwaukee; Nassau County (New York); New York City; Phoenix; San Francisco; and Toronto.

With its charter partner, Washington State King County Executive Ron Sims and core funding from the Rockefeller Foundation, CCAP's vision is to examine projected climate impacts in 2050 and "back cast" to identify what steps are necessary to reduce GHG emissions and build community resiliency.

Further information about the Urban Leaders Adaptation Initiative goals and objectives.