Our Changing Climate

Over the past few decades, Orange County has experienced millions of dollars of losses due to historic flood events.  The number of summertime heat advisories has increased affecting communities and outdoor activities. Climate change is projected to increase the number and severity of such events, including storm and heavy precipitation events, sea level rise, storm surge, flooding and heat events within the County.  Climate resilience planning prepares for future conditions and builds resilience into our community, allowing us to protect and adapt to the future.

Orange County Climate Resilience Plan

Orange County Planning Department (OCPD) is developing a County Resilience Plan to identify climate change risks and vulnerabilities and inform the selection of prioritized resilience-based projects.  This plan will be a county-wide approach that considers impact and damages to housing and economics, transportation and utilities, government services, agriculture, social infrastructure, and natural and cultural resources.  The plan will build upon existing documents, institutional knowledge, public participation, and new research.

Get Involved

The Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) is a group of representatives from government agencies and organizations that can provide unsurpassed insight into the County, including policies, resources, and expert knowledge.  Equally important is public participation throughout this process.  Public stakeholder opportunities will occur to gather information, share progress, and calibrate findings. Download the project summary here (english) or here (spanish). 

Virtual Public Meeting #1:

Wednesday, January 26, 2022 from 7-8PM ET.  View meeting presentation slides here. 

Virtual Public Meeting #2:

Thursday, April 21, 2022 from 7:00 - 8:30 PM ET. View the meeting recording here.

Final Virtual Public Meeting #3:

Thursday, October 27, 2022 from 6:00 - 7:30 PM ET. View meeting presentation slides here. View the meeting recording here.

Main Project Elements & Timeline

This project will identify prioritized resilient-oriented projects and initiatives with funding and implementation strategies.  The County Resilience Plan will summarize the project effort and these recommendations and be reviewed by the legislature.

More Information

Send us an email at info@orangecountyclimate.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Previous Studies

The Planning Department previously completed the study Climate Change in Orange County NY: Natural Resource Inventory, Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Strategies in partnership with the Benjamin Center at SUNY New Paltz in May 2020. This plan is available to view here: Climate Change in Orange County, NY.