Climate Change Impacts on the Built Environment
According to the EPA, the built environment includes structures and systems that provide places for people to live, work, and play. It includes buildings, roads, bridges, parks, streets, and systems that provide transportation, water, power, and more. These structures and systems exist in nearly all places where people live and work, but tend to be most concentrated in metropolitan areas. About 85% of Americans live in metropolitan areas, and that number is projected to grow over the next 100 years.
Climate change affects cities differently depending on their location. Many cities are already dealing with multiple impacts from climate change. For example, some experience more frequent and longer heat waves.2 Those impacts worsen the temperature problems caused by urban heat islands—that is, city areas with higher temperatures than outlying areas.3 At the same time, some urban areas are experiencing repeated flooding from heavy rains that overwhelm drainage systems. Others face flooding problems due to losses of wetlands and forests that once absorbed rainfall.
In addition, the built environment interacts with and depends on other sectors of the economy, such as water, transportation, and energy . So, climate impacts on these sectors can also affect the built environment.
Cities are taking steps to adapt to climate change. These actions are helping to protect the built environment, improve land-use planning, and increase emergency preparedness. For example, many cities are planting trees, installing green roofs, and adding green spaces. These measures help improve air quality and cool urban areas. More permeable ground cover also absorbs rainfall, reducing runoff and flooding. Some governments are using policy measures, like building codes and zoning laws, to protect the built environment and city residents from climate change.
