An important first step for developing a climate action plan with equity at the center is determining who the most vulnerable communities are, where they live, and the risks they face. Identifying and engaging with equity-seeking groups to understand their needs will allow you to prioritize them in your climate plan.

We recommend taking the following steps:

1. Conduct a vulnerability analysis to assess which communities are most vulnerable and at-risk

• Identify potential hazards in your city related to climate change, such as sea level rise, flooding, saltwater intrusion, heat, extreme weather
• Identify what factors contribute to elevated exposure and sensitivity (e.g., living in a rural vs. urban area, population density, neighbourhoods' socio-economic status, racial demographics, etc.)
• Identify which communities or neighbourhoods are the most vulnerable to climate-related hazards

2. Conduct a capacity assessment

• Identify what physical, social, institutional, human, and financial capacities exist to adapt to these risks and vulnerabilities, and where there are gaps
  
• Assess the municipality's capacity to include equity considerations and conduct meaningful community engagement & outreach (including capacity to provide compensation for community consultation)
• Assess the history of inequity and historic environmental wrongs in the community; how might inequities be further exacerbated by new municipal practices/policies?
• Build partnerships with community-based organizations, thought leaders, and residents in disinvested areas of the municipality
• Collaborate with other municipal departments that provide social services to residents or that focus on equity in their work

3. Allocate funds accordingly

• Ensure that equity-seeking communities and those with the highest energy burden are prioritized when distributing funds, rebates, subsidies, and other financial supports