Climate & Resilience Flashcards

In the Envision framework, which credit specifically addresses the long-term climate resilience of infrastructure by evaluating exposure to future hazard scenarios?

Answer: CR1.1 - Assess Climate Threats and Extremes

CR1.1 requires project teams to assess climate threats and extreme weather events to ensure infrastructure can withstand future conditions.

A coastal highway project must evaluate sea level rise impacts over a 75-year design life. Which Envision approach best satisfies this requirement?

Answer: Apply mid-range and high-range sea level rise projections from authoritative sources

Envision requires using mid-range and high-range projections from sources like NOAA or IPCC to account for uncertainty in long-term climate scenarios.

What does the term 'adaptive capacity' mean in the context of Envision's resilience credits?

Answer: The infrastructure's capacity to adjust to changing conditions, moderate damage, and recover from disruptions

Adaptive capacity refers to the system's ability to adjust to hazards, take advantage of opportunities, and cope with consequences.

Which scenario best exemplifies 'passive survivability' as intended by the Envision framework?

Answer: A community center designed to remain livable without mechanical systems during extended grid failures

Passive survivability means a facility can maintain safe, habitable conditions without active mechanical systems during emergencies.

An infrastructure project team uses scenario planning to evaluate three possible future climate states. This practice most directly supports which Envision principle?

Answer: Enhancing resilience by preparing for a range of possible futures

Scenario planning helps project teams design for uncertainty by anticipating multiple plausible climate futures rather than a single prediction.

Under Envision, a 'compound hazard' most accurately refers to:

Answer: Multiple hazards occurring simultaneously or sequentially, amplifying overall risk

Compound hazards involve multiple stressors that interact, such as a hurricane combining high winds, storm surge, and flooding that together exceed individual impacts.

When evaluating climate resilience for a drinking water treatment plant, which stakeholder group is most critical to include in vulnerability assessments according to Envision best practices?

Answer: Emergency managers, utility operators, and community representatives

Envision emphasizes inclusive stakeholder engagement including emergency managers, operators, and community members to capture diverse risks and needs.