Our Approach

The work we do is all about anticipating, reducing the effects of, and responding to climate change, but how we get there is key to our success. Our three objectives provide us with a framework to develop strategies grounded in empirical data to drive meaningful change. Many of our initiatives support multiple objectives underscoring the complexity and interrelatedness of our resilience work.

Matt Fleming, Resilience Authority Director

Objective #1:

Improve community resilience through environmental infrastructure projects

Annapolis and Anne Arundel County are ground zero for the effects of climate change and there are a variety of organizations working to increase our resilience. Our role as a regional center of climate intelligence facilitates our ability to secure and organize financial and executional resources, to accelerate and scale project implementation, and to amplify the efforts of other organizations through complementary visioning and collaboration.

Objective #2:

Increase energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean energy investment in the region

Mainstreaming and facilitating clean energy solutions now will reduce losses and damages for nature and people. While feasible and effective options are available to reduce GHG emissions and adapt to climate change, we will encourage and incent the adoption of clean energy and energy efficiency technology, embrace new approaches, and support emerging technologies.

Objective #3:

Provide climate solutions for underrepresented and underserved communities

No geography can be truly resilient unless it safeguards all populations. The social cost of climate change is substantial, often born by those least able to absorb it. To respond and be prepared, we must address inequity in our community.

Evaluation Criteria

We evaluate every proposed project based on its projected impact and the qualifications, expertise, and proven track record of the implementing partner(s). Criteria for selection include, among others, factors such as: 

Project contributions to improved community resilience, increased energy efficiency / renewable energy, and solutions for climate resilience in underrepresented and underserved communities. 

  • Project feasibility
  • Likelihood of project success
  • Potential ROI (benefit-cost analysis)
  • Project potential to alleviate current / anticipated climate impact
  • Alignment with City, County, and Resilience Authority objectives
  • Total cost of implementation and maintenance
  • Implementing partner(s) qualifications, expertise, capabilities, and track record
  • Project contributions to improved community resilience, increased energy efficiency / renewable energy, and solutions for climate resilience in underrepresented and underserved communities.