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EVERETT 2044 <br />COMPREHENSIVE PLAN <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> 6/17/2025 <br />COMPREHENSIVE PLAN <br />CLIMATE CHANGE AND RESILIENCY ELEMENT <br /> Page 154 <br />Comprehensive Plan set the stage for this vision by directing new development to centers and arterial <br />corridors served by transit, promoting a balanced multi-modal transportation system, and reducing the <br />need to travel by gasoline fueled cars. Goals and policies that specifically address climate change and <br />resiliency are located throughout the comprehensive plan. <br />Many of the actions identified in this element benefit multiple city goals. For example, trees, vegetation, <br />and green roofs can reduce heating and cooling energy use, greenhouse gas emissions and other air <br />pollutants, sequester and store carbon, help lower the risk of heat-related illnesses and deaths, improve <br />stormwater control and water quality, reduce noise levels, create habitats, improve aesthetic qualities, <br />and increase property values. <br />Climate Change Impact <br />An overburdened community is a geographic area where vulnerable populations face combined, <br />multiple environmental harms and health impacts. Environmental justice addresses disproportionate <br />environmental and health impacts in laws, rules, and policies with environmental impacts by prioritizing <br />vulnerable populations and overburdened communities and the equitable distribution of resources and <br />benefits. Policies and actions that prioritize assisting overburdened communities and vulnerable <br />populations most impacted by climate change are a focus of this element. <br />The overall intent is to avoid creating or worsening environmental health disparities in any part of the <br />city, but with a particular emphasis on overburdened communities. The focus is on providing public <br />safety and securing property from natural and manmade hazards that are intensified by climate change <br />in is essential. This element references the City’s Hazard Mitigation Plan strategies to address <br />disproportionate health impacts from climate change on low-income, elderly, very young, and disabled <br />populations. Actions the city will take in an emergency include identify neighborhood cooling centers <br />for the elderly and those without air conditioning; provide information and services for non-English <br />language groups.