The City of Elk River has not investigated its position on climate change and adaptation. The city is situated on the Mississippi and Elk Rivers. Along with a large number of wetlands, there is a significant amount of floodplain throughout the city. Increased rainfall has increased flooding potential for parts of our city. In addition, drought conditions will likely occur at times, requiring possible overuse of city wells for irrigation and potable water. Such water quality concerns and increased weather events are cause for concern and require planning and adaptation. Planning and adaptation now can reduce or mitigate adverse effects of climate change in the future. This is beneficial to the health of our environment, businesses, residents, and city government.
Through individual research projects, students in History and Climate will apply course content about how climate has mattered to human societies and how we can reasonably link climate changes to specific human developments to understand and examine potential changes Elk River may face due to climate change. Questions students may consider in their research include the following: 1) What climate change threats are there to Elk River? 2) What plans can Elk River make now? 3) What adapations can Elk River make now and in the future? 4) What costs will there be to the city? 5) Are there grants available for planning/adaptation now?
Project Overview Poster
City Outcomes
Students presented a summary of their work to the Elk River City Council.
Students’ research will be shared with the Energy City Commission and used to plan for climate resilience in the community.
Read the final student report delivered to the local gov/community partner.
Sustainable Communities Partnership Contact Info
University Faculty Contact
William Cavert
History
william.cavert@stthomas.edu
6519625738
Local Government / Community Contact
Kristin Mroz
Enviornmental Technician