Climate - The City of Asheville

The City is committed to mitigating and adapting to the effects of climate change.

Ongoing implementation of 22 high impact activities as identified in the Municipal Climate Action Plan [MCAP]. The MCAP utilized impact, equity and feasibility to prioritize and sequence activities. The plan was approved by City Council in March 2023.
Collaborated with UNC Asheville’s National Environmental Modeling and Analysis Center (NEMAC) to conduct a climate resilience assessment. The primary purpose of the climate resilience planning process was to consider climate-related threats and hazards with a goal of becoming more resilient, or better prepared, by increasing our adaptive capacity. The primary hazards identified for Asheville are flooding, wildfire, and landslide.
Incorporated findings from the climate resilience assessment into the City’s comprehensive plan, “Living Asheville,“ and included the assessment as a plan appendix.
Produced a Climate Resource Guide to share information on how — as a community and individually — we can become better prepared and more resilient to the effects of climate change.
Declared a Climate Emergency through Resolution 20-25
Established the Climate Justice Initiative to collaborate with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) leaders and community members to create a locally relevant definition of Climate Equity and to develop resources like the Climate Justice Data Map, Story Map, and Screening Tool to embed climate justice considerations in City planning and implementation.

Bridget Herring, Sustainability Director

(828) 271-6141