Great Lakes Habitat Protection | Union of Concerned Scientists

URBAN PLANNING
Planning should take into account not only the impact of a growing population on the natural environment, but also the interaction between future climate and population growth that may impact the ecosystems of the region. Further, development decisions made today can significantly reduce impacts of climate change through planning and by incorporating strategies to reduce emissions.


Solution strategies:	TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS	SMART GROWTH	HABITAT PROTECTION
Urban planning can protect local ecosystems from fragmentation and other impacts of development. Intact ecosystems can continue to provide services that can help manage the impacts of climate change, including flood control (wetlands) and providing storage of heat-trapping carbon to reduce overall regional emissions (forests). Finally, intact habitats make it easier for species to adapt to a changing climate.