Addressing social equity in coastal climate adaptation planning: A case study of Norfolk, Virginia

Abstract

The consequences of climate change, such as flooding, storms, heat waves, and other climate disasters, have had severe economic and health impacts, with vulnerable communities bearing a disproportionate burden. In Norfolk, Virginia, historical injustices such as redlining contribute to these disparities. This highlights the need to integrate social equity and community engagement into efforts to achieve environmental justice in climate risk management. Although relevant indices and diversity, equity, and inclusion officers have popularized social equity, a shared definition remains elusive. Localized solutions for coastal climate resilience allow governments to make decisions for their communities. However, they also risk contributing to differential outcomes, which may neglect some populations altogether, or limit the effectiveness of resource allocation because of missed opportunities for regional cooperation. This research used Norfolk, Virginia as a case study, conducting stakeholder interviews with representatives from various government levels, non-governmental organizations, and academic institutions to characterize social equity in coastal adaptation planning. The differences in stakeholder feedback and the tools they use for planning and program implementation may be instructive to other coastal communities seeking to integrate social equity in their climate risk management planning.