Response to Climate Change through Climate Adaptation and Climate Risk Management

1.   Purpose

This policy statement reaffirms the U.S. General Services Administration’s (GSA) commitment to integrate climate change adaptation and planning actions into its decision-making processes, programs and operations.  The policy assigns responsibility for implementing the Climate Change Risk Management Plan (the Plan) requirements in accordance with section 211 of Executive Order 14008, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad, and its associated guidance.  The Plan identifies how climate change impacts GSA’s ability to achieve its mission, programs, policies, and operations.  It identifies and prioritizes climate risk management actions and proposed mechanisms to evaluate progress, screen for and advance environmental justice and enhance GSA’s capacity to adapt to climate impacts effectively.  By developing and integrating forward-looking climate information into its programs, operations and business model, GSA will be able to execute its mission and operations securely, effectively and efficiently in current and future climate conditions, while contributing to the Federal Government’s climate leadership role and pursuing the vision of a resilient, just, healthy, financially stable, and prosperous nation.     

2.  Background

This policy addresses one of the two responses to climate change identified in the National Climate Assessment - climate adaptation.  GSA plays a significant role in acquiring, designing, building, leasing, and disposing of space, products and services for the Federal Government.  GSA has jurisdiction, custody or control of over more than 8,800 federally owned buildings or leases, maintains an inventory of more than 371 million square feet of workspace for almost 1 million Federal employees, preserves more than 512 historic properties, owns over 226,000 vehicles (most of which are leased to customer agencies), and provides 28 million different products and services totaling more than $75 billion in annual sales.  Given the breadth of GSA’s responsibilities, climate change will have significant impacts on the agency’s ability to effectively fulfill its mission, operate its facilities, secure its supply chains, maintain financial stability, promote equity and access, advance environmental justice, and meet its policy requirements.  These activities are distinct from, but related to, GSA’s disaster response and recovery systems. These climate impacts reflect the timescales of both gradual and slow-onset climate change, as well as preparing for increased frequency, intensity and duration of acute climate-related events, and the planning and implementation required for climate adaptation. Integrating climate change risk management and adaptation strategies into programs, operations and business models, including disaster response, will enable GSA to execute its mission, operations and finances securely, effectively, efficiently, and in an environmentally just manner in current and future climate conditions.