State & National Studies, Research and Manuals
Included on this page are links to numerous scientific reports, studies, and guides addressing climate change in Florida and the United States. The resources below provide users with a wide range of climate change information and projections.
America’s Climate Choices: Final Report. This report by the National Research Council shares its findings regarding the risks that climate change poses to human society and the environment.
APA Policy Guide on Planning & Climate Change. This report discusses the impacts of climate change and includes policy guide overviews of various planning functions such as; land use, transportation, green development, economic development, public health, and more.
Climate Change and Sea Level Rise in Florida: An Update of the Effects of Climate Change on Florida’s Ocean & Coastal Resources (2009). This report, conducted by Florida Oceans and Coastal Council, provides information and resources regarding climate change and its likely effects on Florida. The report addresses the main drivers of climate change and discusses their projected impacts on the state’s infrastructure, human health, and economy.
Climate Change and Sea Level Rise in Florida: An Update of the Effects of Climate Change on Florida’s Ocean & Coastal Resources (2010). This update to the 2009 version uses new scientific knowledge and information to provide an improved analysis of sea level rise in Florida and its likely effects on the State.
Economic Impacts of Climate Change on Florida. This document by the University of Florida discusses the potential economic costs of climate change on the state of Florida.
Estimating Recent Local Impacts of Sea-Level Rise on Current Real-Estate Losses: A Housing Market Case Study in Miami-Dade, Florida. This report provides an analysis on the threat of climate-related sea-level rise within the metropolitan Miami area, and how this might affect future development and housing availability.
Medical Alert! Climate Change is Harming Our Health. This report by the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health discusses the impacts of climate change on public health.
National Climate Assessment. Conducted by over 300 experts, this report summarizes the impacts of climate change on the United States now and in the future.
NOAA State Climate Summaries. This resource includes observed and projected climate change information for each U.S. state. Projections and summaries include historical climate trends and variations, future climate projections, and past and future sea level and coastal flooding assessments.
Planning for a New Energy and Climate Future. This report presents energy and climate change information and provides strategies for integrating and addressing energy and climate in the planning process.
The Impact of Climate Change. FAU study indicating significant challenges to Florida’s water infrastructure.
APA Technical Publications: PAS Reports, Memos & Quick Notes
(NOTE: these are now available to all APA members upon logging in online)
Climate Action Plans (PAS Memo). Summary: The article describes the City of Irvine, California's climate action planning effort and some of the lessons learned from the process. It outlines how the draft climate action plan (CAP) was developed, who led the process, and how various departments coordinated their efforts. It presents some of the ways local governments utilize available grants to fund the development of such programs and reviews the relationship of the CAP to other city documents.
Coastal Zone Management (PAS 581). Summary: The report gives planners the tools they need to keep their heads above water and their feet on the ground. Chapters cover the broad expanse of coastal activities and uses, from preservation to recreation, tourism to transportation, industry to infrastructure. Specialists explore essential issues such as water quality, erosion, habitat conservation, stormwater management, responsible development and redevelopment, offshore energy development, and the promise — and limitations — of new geospatial technologies. Case studies show proven strategies at work in cities from Boston to Biloxi.
Using Smart Growth to Adapt to Climate Change (Zoning Practice). Summary: The article explains how development regulations that promote smart growth and green building principles can also help communities adapt to a changing climate. Communities around the country, from rural places to major cities, are using smart growth and green building strategies to create more economic opportunities, offer more housing and transportation choices, promote equitable development, and improve quality of life. These same strategies, with some tweaks, can make neighborhoods and cities more resilient to current and projected climate change impacts, including flooding, sea-level rise, extreme heat, drought, and wildfire. This article introduces some of the land-use and building policy and code changes which communities across the country are using to meet their needs and circumstances.
For additional climate change resources visit our Resiliency & Adaptation page.