Adaptation
An adjustment in natural or human systems to a new or changing environment, such as the increased frequency and intensity of climate-related hazards or other climate-related conditions. An adaptation adjustment moderates harm or exploits beneficial opportunities brought about by the change. (Source: Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation, adapted from “Planning and Investing […]
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
A civil rights law passed by Congress in 1990 that prohibits discrimination and ensures equal opportunity and access for persons with disabilities. The ADA guarentees individuals with disabilities equal access to transportation. As a result, limits on accessibility to transportation for persons with disabilities must be removed if it is reasonable to do so. For […]
Behavioral health
A state of mental, emotional and social well-being or behaviors and actions that affect wellness. Promoting positive behavioral health includes addressing factors at multiple levels, including social determinants of health—supporting the environments where we live, work, learn and play. (Source: Adapted from Centers for Disease Control, Mental Health)
Belonging
A powerful framework for addressing “othering”—the processes of exclusion, marginalization and dehumanization that harms individuals and communities. Othering leads to disparities in various sectors, including healthcare, education and justice. By focusing on belonging, we can shift from othering structures and norms to ones where every person has a meaningful voice and agency in the systems […]
Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC)
Inclusive of racial and ethnic identities of Black or African American, Indigenous or Native American, Latino or Hispanic, Asian American and Pacific Islander, and multi-racial identities, among others. This term centers the experiences of individuals with these identities, and in a broad social context is intended to demonstrate solidarity among communities of color, in efforts […]
Built environment
The human-made spaces and related infrastructures where people live, work and play. Interactions between communities and their respective built environments yield complex, long-lasting impacts on mobility, health outcomes and the environment. (Source: Toolkit project team definition)
Business turnover rate
The frequency at which businesses close and new businesses open in a given area over a specific time period, indicating commercial corridor stability and economic resilience. (Source: Toolkit project team definition)
Civil Rights Title VI
A 1964 federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color and national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. (Source: Civil Rights Division, U.S. Department of Justice)
Climate adaptation
The process of taking action to adjust to the current or expected climate and its effects in order to reduce harm or take advantage of potential benefits. This process differs between human and natural systems. In human systems, adaptation involves updating infrastructure or changing practices to cope with climate impacts (e.g., constructing seawalls to protect […]
Climate mitigation
Refers to actions to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to reduce the severity of climate change. Also referred to as GHG mitigation or GHG reduction. (Source: Governor’s Office of Emergency Services California Adaptation Planning Guide)