Climate Adaptation and Federalism: Mapping the Issues

Abstract

A great deal of attention has been devoted to federalism issues relating to climate change mitigation. In contrast, the federalism dimension of adaptation has only begun to receive attention. Regardless of mitigation efforts, however, it is clear that society will experience substantial climate impacts and that major adaptation efforts will be required. What roles should the states and the federal government play in adaptation? This exploratory paper considers the policy issues involved in determining how to divide funding and control of adaptation projects between states and national governments, as well as some limitations that may flow from the U.S. Constitution.

Keywords: Federalism, Climate Change Adaptation