Albemarle Climate Action

Climate change is happening now, and experts and the science tells us that we should expect it to intensify in the coming years and decades. The time has come for Albemarle County to prepare for the dramatic shifts in temperature, precipitation, and seasonal patterns that climate change is bringing to our region. These changes impact the things we care about and that characterize Albemarle, including our communities, economy, and environment.

Report Shines Light on Local Risks From Climate Change

In 2020, the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors crafted and adopted the first phase of its Climate Action Plan. In 2022, Albemarle County partnered with The Piedmont Environmental Council, Resilient Virginia, climate modeling engineering firm Sobis, and Richmond-based marketing firm Green Fin Studio to analyze the risks and vulnerabilities of climate changes within Albemarle County. The study examines extreme heat, drought, flooding, fire, disease and pestilence, and the intersections of all of these hazards. It also views their impacts through the lens of people, the natural environment, our built environment and the economy.

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Preparing for Resilience – An Overview of Albemarle County Climate Change Impacts

This summary document presents key highlights from the Climate Vulnerability and Risk Assessment. It walks you through current conditions and coming changes, so that you are well prepared to join the conversation around planning for Albemarle County’s future.

June 2022. Prepared by Green Fin Studio.

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Climate Vulnerability and Risk Assessment

Based on an extensive review of the best available science, modeling, and data analysis, this assessment identifies which natural hazards exacerbated by climate change will affect our region, who and what in our community will be most exposed to these hazards, and where there is greater vulnerability to adverse impacts.

June 2022. Albemarle County, Sobis Inc., Resilient Virginia and The Piedmont Environmental Council.

What’s at Risk Locally? View the StoryMap

We are already feeling the effects of climate change in Albemarle County and the local impacts are expected to intensify in the coming years. View this online StoryMap to take a closer look at the findings of the Climate Vulnerability and Risk Assessment for Albemarle County released in 2022.

Want to join the climate conversation?

  • Visit Albemarle County’s climate protection webpage at albemarle.org/climate to learn more about its ongoing planning efforts and get involved.
  • Sign up to receive email updates from Albemarle County on climate programs, events, and progress. 
  • Sign up to stay informed with PEC!
Our Albemarle Climate Action Platform

Our Albemarle Climate Action Platform

In 2022, PEC created a preliminary climate action platform guidance document in support of a climate-ready Albemarle Country. The document summarizes the priority areas where we believe The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) can most advance …
Presentation on PEC’s Albemarle County climate action and Comprehensive Plan platforms

Presentation on PEC’s Albemarle County climate action and Comprehensive Plan platforms

On June 20, 2023, PEC’s Senior Land Use Field Representative for Albemarle County presented to the Cville100 Climate Alliance on PEC’s AC44 Comprehensive Plan Update platform, which is informed by our Climate Change Platform and …
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Albemarle County recognized for resilience planning effort

The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) is pleased to congratulate Albemarle County for receiving the Resilient Virginia Community of the Year Honorable Mention in the American Planning Association Virginia Awards Program. The Resilient Virginia Community of …
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Continuing the Climate Conversation: An update from Albemarle

PEC is ramping up our activities and role within the broader Comprehensive Plan update process, developing recommendations that we hope, based on our study of climate threats in Albemarle, can serve as a model for …
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Albemarle to Host Climate Resilience Planning Event

Join Albemarle County for a discussion of the main conclusions of the Climate Vulnerability and Risk Assessment report, published in June 2022, and an overview of the next steps in building resilience as a community …
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What’s at Risk from Climate Change Locally – An Albemarle StoryMap

We are already feeling the effects of climate change in Albemarle County and the local impacts are expected to intensify in the coming years. View this online StoryMap to take a closer look at the …
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Webinar: Climate Change: What does it mean for Albemarle County?

Wondering what we can expect for climate impacts in Albemarle County? The Cville100 Climate Coalition held a virtual presentation on August 23, 2022 to hear an overview of the recently released Albemarle County Climate Vulnerability …
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Planning Updates: Albemarle County and the City of Charlottesville

Albemarle County and the City of Charlottesville are considering significant changes to land use planning and related policies, including a new comprehensive plan for the County and a new zoning ordinance for the City. We …