Building a Resilient Future for Colorado
What drives our desire at the CRO to enhance resiliency throughout the State? Does it really matter if our communities are planning around an understanding of what the future may bring?
We think so. Colorado exists in a state of continual change. Our population is expected to grow from 5 million in 2010 to nearly 7.5 million in 2040, and with that comes demographic and population shifts across the state, pressure on housing attainability, increased wear and tear on roads and infrastructure, and other challenges. Natural disasters like wildfires, floods, drought, and avalanches reshape our landscape. Globalization, technological advances, and demographic shifts mean our current economy and workforce may look vastly different in years to come. Our climate is changing, too. Scientists from across the globe agree that the climate is changing, and these changes will impact all of us. The CRO wants to make sure that Coloradans are prepared for and resilient to future impacts from these and other changing conditions. By integrating resiliency into our planning systems, programs, and infrastructure development, communities can support the long-term health and vitality of communities across Colorado. Our work at the CRO helps to ensure that communities and residents across our beautiful state are prepared to thrive long into the future, regardless of the threats we face.
Colorado Risks and Vulnerabilities
It is essential that each community understands its own unique hazards and risk exposure.
As evidenced by the number of natural disasters that Colorado has experienced over the past century, our State is no stranger to dealing with the impacts of climate hazards. Our unique geography provides abundant opportunities for recreation and economic development and also is a driver behind many of the natural hazards that our state experiences. As the climate crisis continues (and likely intensifies until global emissions approach zero), Colorado will continue experiencing climate hazards that will impact our communities and our livelihoods.
The following StoryMap allows you to view your community hazards so you can prepare as a community and be more resilient.