One step at a time
The Steps to Resilience framework helps communities understand and address their risks, and provides the foundation for the CSCI. The initiative offers support to communities that are early in the process, as well as to those that are ready to take action, with an emphasis on helping those on the front lines of the climate crisis develop and implement inclusive and equitable plans.
The framework has five steps:
- Understand exposure: Listing the assets to protect, and the hazards on the horizon, and identifying where assets and hazards overlap.
- Assess vulnerability and risk: Plotting the probability that a hazard will occur against the magnitude of the potential loss it could inflict.
- Investigate options: Brainstorming possible actions with community members and developing a list of the actions that are feasible.
- Prioritize and plan: Evaluating the costs, benefits, and capacity to implement the solutions identified.
- Take action: Securing funds and implementing the plan!
The assistance available through the initiative includes direct support through a competitive grants program, as well as a host of other resources for local leaders and adaptation professionals, including a matching program, a training program, and, coming soon, a knowledge sharing platform.
The Steps to Resilience is part of the U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit,
which includes tools, resources, case studies, and other information
gathered from across the U.S. federal government.