Vision for the San José Climate Adaptation
and Resilience Plan
Final Version: January 8, 2025
Purpose
The purpose of the vision statement is to establish the intent of the City of San José Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan (CARP), the jurisdictional boundaries, the scope of topics addressed in the plan, the entities responsible for action, and intended outcomes.
Vision for the CARP
The City of San José CARP will identify the foundational measures, policies, and procedures needed to reduce the vulnerability of the San José community to climate-related threats. The CARP will increase equity by addressing the disproportionate climate impacts and adaptive capacity needs of vulnerable communities.
Principles
The City of San José CARP should:
• Focus on measures and actions within the direct control of the City. • Integrate with related City plans and policies.
• Address inequities and reduce climate-related impacts to vulnerable communities. • Identify the infrastructural, community, and ecosystem impacts from climate-related hazards.
• Apply best available research about climate change impacts and adaptation measures. • Identify adaptation measures that consider infrastructure, facilities, and procedures. • Address both property and personal health and safety impacts. • Explore nature-based solutions to increase adaptive capacity. • Identify climate resilience priorities and necessary resources based on dialogue with community organizations and equity considerations.
• Collaborate and work in partnership with relevant external entities, including regional agencies.
Attachment B
Definition of Terms
• Adverse Exposure – Physical or socioeconomic conditions that place an individual or community at greater risk of harm from climate-related events as compared to the general population.
• Climate-related Hazards – Natural hazards that are exacerbated by global climate change, including: heat, air quality, flooding, sea level rise, power disruption, and/or drought. • Climate Resilience – The ability of a city’s systems, including its governance, social networks, and physical and natural infrastructures, to prepare for, respond to, and recover from climate change impacts, while sustaining essential services and supporting long-term well-being • Collaborative Efforts – Collaborative and reciprocal relationships with other public agencies, utilities, and non-profit and private entities to address threats that are regional in nature or that are not within the authority of the City.
• Equity – People or communities do not experience barriers in participating, in decision making, or accessing resources due to socioeconomic, race, religion, or culture considerations.
• Nature-based Solutions – Strategies that use natural processes and ecosystems to address urban challenges and limitations to nature by improving climate resilience, flood control, air and water quality, and heat mitigation.
• Plan Horizon – The time period established for implementing the measures and actions identified in the plan. Short-term is 1-3 years and mid-term 4-10 years.