Include Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in Programs and Planning (GLA Action 1.5)

Establish a policy requiring that climate change adaptation and mitigation be considered in all planning and programmatic activities of state government agencies. Climate change has impacts that could affect the entire spectrum of activities (e.g., economic, recreational, agricultural) within the state. Likewise, the vast majority of activities are contributing to climate change in large and small ways. Because New Hampshire state government has the capacity to influence these activities regardless of origin – governmental, residential, commercial, or industrial – all state agencies should take the initiative in seeking solutions to climate change. A logical starting point is to incorporate consideration of climate change into all state planning and programming functions. The state's proactive response to climate change will help to engender climate change action as a necessary and normal part of life in New Hampshire.