Climate Action Zones: A Clustering Methodology for Resilient Spatial Planning in Climate Uncertainty

Project Info
  • Theme In-Place
  • Type Framework
  • Scale Metropolitan
  • Location Florida
  • AuthorsFadi MasoudMiho MazereeuwKelly Leilani MainJia LuAditya BarveMayank OjhaChetan Krishna

Coastal communities face chronic and episodic risks and uncertainty associated with climate change. Increasing hydroclimatic risks as a result of sea-level rise necessitate an innovative approach to protect assets and guide future development. This chapter details an experimental method for delineating climate action zones (CAZs) based on clusters of unique environmental profiles. Using CAZs as the foundation for adaptation, architects, planners, policymakers, and communities can collaborate to make decisions around environmental risks and uncertainty across multiple scales. Through this research, we argue for a shift from traditional “end-state” land-use planning and urban design toward a more agile approach that can keep pace with changing ecological conditions to develop strategies informed by contextual characteristics. Using Broward County, Florida, as an example, we explore strategies to build a more robust approach to resilience in the coastal zone.