Climate Change

The impacts of climate change upon Rhode Island’s built and natural environments are wide-ranging, discernible and documented, and, in many cases growing in severity. Rhode Island will experience warmer air and water temperatures, more extreme weather events such as droughts, intense precipitation, severe storms and flooding, increasing rates of sea level rise, shorter winters and longer summers, and less snowfall and ice coverage. Climate change has the potential to pose significant risks for Rhode Island’s water, wastewater, surface transportation, and energy infrastructures and utilities, our natural environment, and our health, welfare, and economic well-being.

The Division of Statewide Planning considers climate change in its planning efforts and assessments. The Division also regularly engages in projects, studies, and assessment that address specific issues related to climate change that will help inform decision makers in their planning processes.

Groch, Roberta

Assistant Chief, AICP

Phone: (401) 222-4720

Email: roberta.groch@doa.ri.gov