On November 1, President Barack Obama signed an executive order, Preparing the United States for the Impacts of Climate Change. The Executive Order directs federal agencies to take steps to help local communities strengthen their resilience to extreme weather and prepare for the impacts of climate change. A Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience, composed of state, local, and tribal leaders will advise the Administration on how the federal government can help communities prepare for the impacts of climate change. The order also establishes an interagency Council on Climate Preparedness and Resilience to implement federal efforts.  The Executive Order builds on the Climate Action Plan issued in June 2013 by the President.

The Climate Action Plan aims to cut carbon pollution and lead international efforts to prepare for the impacts of climate change. The plan includes reducing domestic carbon dioxide emissions by 17 percent between 2005 and 2020. It also increases renewable energy production on federal lands, raises efficiency standards and prepares communities to prepare for increasing global temperatures.

Sources: The White House