State of Illinois Prepares for a Warmer, More Flood-Prone Climate

 

Spring floods in Chicago's Albany Park neighborhood (credit: Center for Neighborhood Technology, via Flickr)

Spring floods in Chicago’s Albany Park neighbourhood (credit: Center for Neighborhood Technology, via Flickr)

Find Ways to Build Sustainable, Resilient Communities

“Illinois is one of just a handful of states that is starting to make climate-smart, water-smart investments a priority,” wrote Peter Lehner in a story recently posted by the US-based Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).

Peter Lehner_NRDC_120p“For the first time, water efficiency, green infrastructure (such as green roofs and rain gardens), and other climate-resilient projects will be eligible for financing from a multi-billion-dollar state clean water fund, instead of having to rely on smaller grants. By making a bigger pool of capital available for sustainable water projects, and not merely for costly, traditional water infrastructure, Illinois is helping communities scale up their efforts to reduce flooding, protect drinking water supplies, and become more resilient to climate disruptions.”

“Their proactive approach is a model for other states seeking to protect their citizens from flooding and disruptions in water supplies, and finding ways to build sustainable, resilient communities that are prepared to combat climate change,” concludes Peter Lehner.

To Learn More:

To download a copy of the story by Peter Lehner, click on Illinois’ Water Plan: How to Prepare for a Warmer, More Flood-Prone Climate.

Peter Lehner is the Executive Director of NRDC. The position is his second at NRDC. Beginning in 1994, he led the Clean Water Program for five years, before leaving in 1999 to serve as the head of the Environmental Protection Bureau for the Attorney General of the State of New York.