Climate change is no longer a distant threat looming in the future—it is a present reality that is already impacting communities across the United States. From scorching heatwaves in cities to devastating wildfires in the West and powerful storms causing widespread power outages, the effects of climate change are undeniable. In response to these challenges, the Biden-Harris Administration is taking bold and unprecedented action to address the climate crisis and build resilience in the face of extreme weather events.
One of the key initiatives of the Administration is investing over $50 billion in climate resilience to help communities prepare for and recover from climate-related disasters. These investments are crucial in mitigating the economic costs, damages, and cleanup efforts associated with extreme weather events. Studies have shown that every dollar spent on climate resilience saves $13 in economic losses, highlighting the importance of proactive measures in building a more resilient nation.
Furthermore, the Administration is catalyzing private investments in renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, electric vehicles, and low-emission technologies like concrete and steel. These investments not only reduce climate pollution but also create new job opportunities, improve public health, and advance environmental justice. Through initiatives like the Justice40 Initiative, the Administration is ensuring that disadvantaged communities benefit from these investments and are not left behind in the transition to a more sustainable future.
To further accelerate innovation and investment in climate resilience, the Biden-Harris Administration has published the Climate Resilience Game Changers Assessment. This assessment identifies 28 critical technologies, management practices, and financial tools that have the potential to drive transformative impacts on the nation’s climate resilience. These game-changing technologies include advanced grid control systems for the energy sector, next-generation desalination and recycling technologies for water management, and Resilience Hubs that support public safety and community health.
The National Climate Resilience Framework emphasizes the importance of developing and deploying new tools to address climate-related threats. The Climate Resilience Game Changers Assessment highlights innovative technologies and strategies that, with additional research, development, and investment, can become essential tools in building a climate-resilient nation. These technologies range from advanced remote sensing and forecasting technologies to nature-based solutions that harness the resilience benefits of natural systems.
In addition to the Game Changers Assessment, the Biden-Harris Administration has made significant investments in various sectors to enhance climate resilience. These investments include supporting advanced technologies in agriculture and land conservation, investing in marine science and technology to protect ocean health, building a reliable next-generation grid infrastructure, and accelerating the climate resilience innovation ecosystem through regional hubs and accelerators.
By setting the stage for future innovation and progress, the United States is poised to lead the way in developing game-changing solutions to climate challenges. The Climate Resilience Game Changers Assessment serves as a roadmap for focusing the efforts of public, private, philanthropic, and scientific institutions on innovations that can significantly enhance the nation’s resilience to climate change impacts. Through thoughtful research, development, and deployment of these critical climate investments, we can build a stronger, safer, and more climate-resilient nation for generations to come.