Climate Advocates Urge Improvements in Orange County’s Growth Plans for a Sustainable Future

Orange County is getting ready to roll out new land development rules through something called the Orange Code. However, there are concerns that these rules don’t address critical issues related to climate change, such as increasing heat and population growth due to climate migration.

What’s in the Plan?

The county has introduced a long-term strategy named Vision 2050. This plan includes goals to tackle climate change but lacks specific rules in the Orange Code to enforce those goals. Environmental advocates are nervous that without these firm regulations, the county won’t be held accountable for its promises.

Both Vision 2050 and the Orange Code were initiated in 2017, aiming to create walkable communities and curb development that contributes to urban sprawl.

Expert Opinions on the Disconnect

Laura Betts, a climate resilience specialist with the CLEO Institute, emphasizes that the land development code should align with the comprehensive plan. "If it doesn’t go into the code, there’s no way to implement it," she warns. She praises the vision presented in Vision 2050 but notes that it needs to be backed by solid regulations in the Orange Code.

Interestingly, extreme heat is a significant concern. According to the World Meteorological Organization, extreme heat is the deadliest weather phenomenon, particularly affecting vulnerable groups like the elderly and those in low-income areas. Despite the heightened focus on heat in Vision 2050, terms like "climate resilience" are strangely absent from the Orange Code draft.

Building a Strong Response

Advocates like Betts highlight the importance of introducing social vulnerability maps within the code. These maps can help identify neighborhoods at greater risk from climate impacts and better allocate resources.

Another topic for discussion is climate migration. As climate change continues to drive people from their homes, areas like Central Florida need to be prepared. Studies note that extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, can cause sudden population shifts, which should be planned for in both Vision 2050 and the Orange Code.

Betts believes that with better planning, Orange County could become a model of preparedness: “We could plan for the future, and be a well-prepared place that thrives economically. Or, we could not prepare and face serious consequences.”

Next Steps for Orange County

The county plans to hold a final hearing for both the Orange Code and Vision 2050 soon. Officials, including Mayor Jerry Demings, aim to ensure the rules work for all community members. Discussions are ongoing to address concerns raised by stakeholders, including the need for a clearer transportation infrastructure plan.

Commissioners have mixed feelings about the current proposals, with some viewing them as a good starting point while others worry about gaps that still need to be filled.

For the Orange Code to truly succeed, it needs to incorporate clear, actionable regulations that reflect the critical insights shared by experts and community members alike. We’re at a pivotal moment, and the decisions made now will shape the county’s resilience to climate challenges in the future.

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