Climate and Energy Action Plan (CEAP)

Climate Impacts Every community will experience climate change differently. The geography, ecosystems, economy, demographic makeup, and social networks of a community all influence how climate change will affect a community and its ability to cope and adapt. In Ashland, more volatile rainfall patterns will increase the frequency and severity of droughts and flooding. More frequent extreme heat events will pose a danger to vulnerable residents. Snowpack will decrease, putting the City’s water resources at risk. Plant and animal species will also be affected — some positively and negatively. Increases in temperature, combined with less consistent precipitation, will increase the frequency and severity of wildfires. The impacts of climate change will have tangible effects on public health and quality of life for Ashland’s residents and visitors. In addition to the direct dangers of wildfires, flooding, and extreme weather events made worse by climate change—including injury, death, and the destruction of property and livelihoods—there will be a variety of lesser-known impacts on Ashland’s population. Wildfire smoke, for example, can cause serious health complications, especially for those with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Similarly, more frequent and severe heat waves can be deadly, especially for young children, the elderly, and exposed persons such as outdoor workers. Other changes, such as decreased summer stream flow and reduced snowpack, could have significant quality-of-life impacts on Ashland’s residents, many of whom enjoy outdoor recreation and rely on the water supplied by the local watershed for their livelihoods. Ashland could even experience an influx of "climate refugees" who are displaced from their homes due to climate change impacts elsewhere. Unfortunately, many of these climate risks will disproportionately affect certain groups. In the United States, communities of color, non-English speaking households, and low-income populations have historically been underserved by public programs and investments, resulting in limitations such as fewer transportation options, less resilient housing, and less reliable healthcare options. These inequities may limit the ability of these populations to respond to the impacts of climate change or benefit from new investments and actions taken to address climate pollution. What will these impacts mean for Ashland’s future? These climate changes will threaten Ashland's people, resources, and economy. Here are some examples of challenges Ashland could face: PEOPLE ENVIRONMENT RESOURCES & ECONOMY Sensitive and exposed populations like the very young, elderly, disabled, those with respiratory illness, and outdoor workers will be at risk from wildfire smoke and heat-related illnesses.High elevation plants and wildlife will need to adapt to shifting or diminishing habitats.Seasonal and climate-dependent industries such as agriculture, outdoor recreation, and tourism will be threatened under changing conditions. 19 ASHLAND CLIMATE & ENERGY ACTION PLANCLIMATE CHANGE & ASHLAND19