From the U.S. EPA, this framework explains how a community can determine their exposure to the threat, the effect the threat would have on its operations, and the community’s ability to adapt to or protect against the threat. The five steps in this planning framework guide readers through the process of assessing vulnerability and making plans based on analyses.

The framework begins with establishing an assessment team and setting objectives for a community of interest. This resource provides ideas for potential team members.

For the community of interest, there is information on how to evaluate projected climate change impacts and hazards, and assess different climate change scenarios. Communities can use sample forms provided by the framework to identify their assets and their vulnerability.

This framework explains how communities can analyze overall economic implications they face from different climate change scenarios, which includes analyses of the positive and negative impacts. Communities can then explore options to enhance resilience and pursue opportunities.

This framework also emphasizes the importance of public outreach and buy-in. The section on stakeholder and community engagement explains how a team should create a consistent message emphasizing opportunities to improve resilience.

The framework provides examples of public or private sector actions that can be taken within a community.

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