A task force led by Ohio State University researchers has released a draft action plan to help central Ohio prepare for climate change.
The group also wants feedback from residents. Mike Foley reports.
Ohio State’s Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center collaborated with more than 75 local stakeholders and experts to develop the action plan. It offers recommendations for adapting to extreme heat, poor air quality, flooding, varied water quality and other effects of climate change. The report also addresses emergency preparedness and how to protect vulnerable populations. The recommendations expand on a prior report developed in 2016 through a partnership with the university, the City of Columbus and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The task force expects central Ohio to see increasing temperatures, along with flash-flooding and periods of low water quality over the coming decades. Experts say the biggest risks come from warmer, wetter conditions for most of the year, increasing the likelihood of flash-flooding and the potential for more property damage, and the demand for electricity and air conditioning. Residents can review the report topic by topic and submit feedback through March 9th by visiting bpcrc.osu.edu/Columbus. Following public input, the task force will present a final set of recommendations to Columbus City Council.
