Page 26 - The City of Greensboro Conditions and Trends

CITY OF GREENSBORO COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CONDITIONS & TRENDS

Global Change

Humans are creating widespread, long-lasting changes to the plants, animals, atmosphere, surface and ground waters,
landscape, geology, climate, and rotation of the Earth. Together these changes will have unpredictable impacts on the
world economy due to increased droughts, more intense storms, changes to agriculture, and, in some locations, sea-level
rise and rising temperatures. The US Department of Defense stated in 2014 that “The pressures caused by climate change
will influence resource competition while placing additional burdens on economies, societies, and governance institutions
around the world.”

What This Means for Greensboro

Sustainability and resiliency are important for the long-term success of any community. Changes in technology, the climate,
and the economy will continue at a rapid pace, and the ability of a community to adapt will be key to its ability to flourish.

Despite the importance of adaptability and resiliency to future success, there are negative perceptions of sustainability to
keep in mind. A 2010 study reported in the American Marketing Association suggests that people assume that products that
emphasize sustainability are not as good in quality as other products. The study also suggests that people will act
differently, and less favorably towards “sustainable” products, when they do not think they are being observed. Though this
study was not specifically about public policy, it is reasonable to assume that there may be a similar bias.

Cities often encounter problems that extend far beyond their jurisdictional boundaries, affecting all or most of the
surrounding region. Typically, such problems cannot be addressed effectively at the local level. In such cases, solutions may
be more attainable through inter-jurisdictional cooperation and collaboration at the regional level. Traditional political
boundaries do not always lend themselves well to successful management of resources and systems or efficient provision
infrastructure and services. Some issues necessitate area-wide coordination; regional partnerships or governments are a
common means of comprehensively addressing issues that reach beyond the boundaries of a single city or county. The
Piedmont Together regional planning initiative, led jointly by the Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation and the
Piedmont Triad Regional Council, provides a strong foundation and framework through which Greensboro could seek to
address such broader issues.

Regarding climate change, Greensboro is particularly drought sensitive because it lacks a major river and depends on
artificial reservoirs fed only by local rainfall for its water supply. The size and types of further impacts from increased storm
frequency and from broader economic changes caused by changes in weather patterns and agricultural productivity, both
in North Carolina and in other parts of the country are difficult to forecast. This increased uncertainty emphasizes the need
for Greensboro to build greater resilience into its economy and infrastructure. In particular, more frequent and more
intense storms are likely to exceed the capacity of older portions of the storm sewer system, resulting in flooding in low-
lying areas and along Greensboro’s many small creeks.

Greensboro is located in an area that is subject to relatively few major natural catastrophes, such as tornadoes,
earthquakes and hurricanes, and is removed from direct danger due to rising sea levels. This may offer a locational
advantage in business site selection decisions, and in relocation choices by households.

DRAFT -26- March 15, 2018