Loading...

Strategy 2A

Integrate climate resilience and adaptation into planning, buildings, infrastructure, and community development decisions

Climate change has already brought record high and low temperatures, impacting everything from baseball (we hosted the hottest-ever World Series in 2017) to heating and cooling bills for residents and businesses. Urban residents also face exacerbated health impacts due to the "urban heat island effect," where commonly used materials, such as conventional pavement, absorb and retain heat.

Climate change also worsens existing inequities in specific communities:

  • Low-income residents, who have fewer resources to recover from events such as wildfires and who suffer disproportionately from respiratory illnesses (which are exacerbated by extreme heat and poor air quality)
  • Undocumented immigrants and migrant workers, who are at a risk of linguistic isolation and fear of apprehension if they seek resources and help during events
  • Outdoor workers, who are at higher risk of heat stress and other heat-related disorders, injury, and reduced productivity from heat events
  • Older residents who are more likely to have chronic health issues and have less access to mobility options during events

    • The County will consider climate adaptation and resilience in all future planning and development decisions. We will prioritize green infrastructure and biodiversity preservation that will support a healthy, resilient environment while addressing inequities and public health. The dangers we face from climate change are immense. Every action we take now to protect our homes, communities, and infrastructure should better
    prepare us for the future and protect us against climate risks and their disproportionate impacts.

    Targets
    Countywide

    Baseline
    Research is currently being conducted to understand how much of LA County's land area is covered by heat-trapping surfaces.

    2025
    Convert 10% of heat-trapping surfaces to cool or green surfaces

    2035
    Convert 20% of heat-trapping surfaces to cool or green surfaces

    2045
    Convert 30% of heat-trapping surfaces to cool or green surfaces

    Baseline
    In 2014 there were seven heat-stress emergency department visits per 100,000 residents. (LA County Public Health / Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development)

    2025
    Reduce by 15% the number of heat-stress emergency department visits per 100,000 residents

    2035
    Reduce by 45% the number of heat-stress emergency department visits per 100,000 residents

    2045
    Reduce by 75% the number of heat-stress emergency departments visits per 100,000 residents

    Action 28B

    Conduct a countywide climate vulnerability assessment that addresses physical infrastructure vulnerability and use it to guide priorities for investments in building upgrades, infrastructure improvements, and zoning and code changes.

    Action 28A

    Conduct a countywide climate vulnerability assessment that addresses social vulnerability and use it to guide priorities for investments in public health preparedness, emergency preparedness and response planning, and community resiliency.

    Action 29

    Develop a comprehensive heat island mitigation strategy and implementation plan that addresses cool pavements and roofs, pavement reduction, and urban greening.

    Action 30

    Build shade structures at major transit stops, such as those identified in Metro's Active Transportation Strategic Plan, prioritizing communities with high heat vulnerability.

    Explore actions by topic tag

    Air Quality,

    Climate,

    Economy & Workforce,

    Energy,

    Equity,

    Funding & Financing,

    Housing,

    Land Use,

    Landscapes & Ecosystems,

    Public Health,

    Resilience,

    Transportation,

    Waste & Resource Management,

    Water

    See all actions

    Explore more goals

    Goal 1

    Resilient and healthy community environments where residents thrive in place

    Goal 2

    Buildings and infrastructure that support human health and resilience

    Goal 3

    Equitable and sustainable land use and development without displacement

    Goal 4

    A prosperous LA County that provides opportunities for all residents and businesses and supports the transition to a green economy

    Goal 5

    Thriving ecosystems, habitats, and biodiversity

    Goal 6

    Accessible parks, beaches, recreational waters, public lands, and public spaces that create opportunities for respite, recreation, ecological discovery, and cultural activities

    Goal 7

    A fossil fuel-free LA County

    Goal 8

    A convenient, safe, clean, and affordable transportation system that enhances mobility and quality of life while reducing car dependency

    Goal 9

    Sustainable production and consumption of resources

    Goal 10

    A sustainable and just food system that enhances access to affordable, local, and healthy food

    Goal 11

    Inclusive, transparent, and accountable governance that encourages participation in sustainability efforts, especially by disempowered communities

    Goal 12

    A commitment to realize OurCounty sustainability goals through creative, equitable, and coordinated funding and partnerships
    download report

    Download the Final Plan
    Skip to content