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Climate Adaptation and Resiliency

Denver's climate has changed. In Colorado, we see more days over 100 degrees, a lower mountain snowpack, and more forest fires than we did 50 years ago. Scientists predict our climate will keep changing. In the Mile High City, our top vulnerabilities are:

Extreme heat
Increased intensity of extreme weather
Unhealthy air quality
Increased drought and water scarcity

These vulnerabilities do not impact all Denver neighborhoods or populations the same. Some neighborhoods and populations (such as older adults or people with some disabilities) cannot cope with the adverse effects of climate change as well as others. We call these neighborhoods "climate-vulnerable." The city invests in our climate-vulnerable neighborhoods using the Climate Protection Fund.

Clean Air and Cool Home Funding

Up to $50,000 is available for community-based organizations and nonprofits. Funding will help low-income households install portable AC units, distribute air purifiers, and/or receive utility bill assistance.

Equitable Community Tree Planting Initiative

Trees make our quality of life better. Some neighborhoods have ten times fewer trees than others in the city. These low-tree neighborhoods are also more vulnerable to the worst effects of climate change, like extreme heat and illness. We are working to plant 2,100 trees by 2025.

Vulnerability to Climate Change in Denver StoryMap

The city created or identified existing climate vulnerability indexes for Denver’s four key climate impacts. Our focus is increasing climate resilience in Denver by reducing risk and increasing preparedness in our most climate-vulnerable communities.

Denver One Water Plan

Development and climate change are putting new stresses on Denver’s water infrastructure and waterways. Through enhanced collaboration and predictable land use and development policies, Denver’s One Water Plan promotes healthy watersheds in an equitable, economically, and environmentally beneficial manner.