A PROPOSED DIRECTION FOR A LOUDOUN COUNTY (VA) CLIMATE ADAPTATION PLAN

Abstract

Climate change necessitates a federal, state, and local response to adapt to ever-evolving climatic conditions. This has led the federal government and municipalities to develop climate adaptation plans that address climate change issues. However, Loudoun County, Virginia has yet to develop its own climate adaptation plan in contrast to adjacent Fairfax County, Virginia. Although Loudoun County has not developed a climate adaptation plan, it has past environmental initiatives related to environmental issues such as storm water and waste management. Loudoun County Board of Supervisors proposed a new Environmental and Energy Work Plan targeting climate change mitigation.

A more comprehensive Loudoun County climate adaptation plan would include adaptation measures to make their communities more resilient to adverse climate change impacts. In this regard, adjoining Fairfax County’s comprehensive Resilient Fairfax Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan (e.g., Resilient Fairfax) could serve as a template toward enhancing Loudoun County’s newly proposed work plan. Additionally, coordinating with Federal Government agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and employing environmental tools to enhance development planning would ensure synergies toward addressing related climate action concerns.

A successful Loudoun County climate adaptation plan will help Loudoun County to more effectively face the challenges of an ever-changing climate.