Executive Orders & Other Government Documents

The Executive Office of the President has released a number of adaptation-relevant executive orders (EOs) and policies since 2009. These policies are listed below, along with supporting information about how agencies can implement Federal adaptation requirements. Links to additional climate-related documents from the Congressional Research Service, the U.S. Government Accountability Office, and other government entities are beneath.

Find Federal agency adaptation plans

Executive Orders & Policies

Progress Report: Highlighting Federal Actions Addressing the Recommendations of the State, Local, and Tribal Leaders Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience (2015)

The Obama Administration released a Progress Report in July 2015 highlighting key actions taken by the Federal Government that support the State, Local, and Tribal Leaders Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience. In addition, the Administration announced a series of new actions focused on enhancing resilience in the communities most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

Executive Order 13693: Planning for Federal Sustainability in the Next Decade (2015)

President Obama issued an EO in March 2015 to cut the Federal Government’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 40 percent over the next decade, relative to 2008 levels. Complementing this effort, several major Federal suppliers announced plans to cut their GHG emissions. Go >

Executive Order 13690: Establishing a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard and a Process for Further Soliciting and Considering Stakeholder Input (2015)

EO 13690, issued by President Obama in January 2015, was established to reduce the risk and cost of future flood disasters by requiring all Federal investments in and affecting floodplains to meet higher flood risk management standards. The EO gives agencies the flexibility to use data and methods informed by the best-available science or to build to a set height above the 100- or 500-year flood elevations. Go >

View a fact sheet on EO 13690

Executive Order 13677: Climate-Resilient International Development (2014)

In September 2014, President Obama announced EO 13677, which requires agencies to factor climate-resilience considerations systematically into the U.S. Government’s international development work and to promote a similar approach with multilateral entities. The EO is intended to improve the resilience of the Federal Government’s international development programs and investments; promote knowledge sharing in incorporating resilience considerations; and complement efforts by the Federal Government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at home and globally. Go >

View a fact sheet on this and other Federal efforts to strengthen global climate resilience

Executive Order 13653: Preparing the United States for the Impacts of Climate Change (2013)

In November 2013, President Obama signed an EO that directs Federal agencies to take a series of steps to make it easier for American communities to strengthen their resilience to climate change. Among other steps, the EO establishes a State, Local, and Tribal Leaders Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience to advise the Administration on how the Federal Government can respond to the needs of communities nationwide that are dealing with the impacts of climate change. Go >

The President’s Climate Action Plan (2013)

In June 2013, President Obama announced a comprehensive plan for action to cut carbon pollution, prepare the Nation for the impacts of climate change, and lead international efforts to address climate change as a global challenge. The Plan builds on the work of the 13 USGCRP member agencies, the USGCRP National Climate Assessment program, and the Interagency Climate Change Adaptation Task Force. Go >

Executive Order 13547: Stewardship of the Ocean, Our Coasts, & the Great Lakes (2010)

In June 2010, President Obama issued EO 13547 (also known as the National Ocean Policy) to ensure the protection, maintenance, and restoration of the health of ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes ecosystems and resources; enhance the sustainability of ocean and coastal economies; preserve the U.S. maritime heritage; support sustainable uses and access; provide for adaptive management of climate change and ocean acidification; and coordinate with national security and foreign policy interests. Go >

Learn more about the implementation of the National Ocean Policy

Executive Order 13514: Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, & Economic Performance (2009)

In October 2009, President Obama issued EO 13514, which set sustainability goals for Federal agencies and focused on making improvements to their environmental, energy, and economic performance. Go >

Get help understanding EO 13514 with the General Services Administration's "Hot Annotated" Sustainable Facilities Tool
Climate Change Adaptation Planning in Accordance with EO 13514: In 2011, the White House Council on Environmental Quality issued implementation instructions and supporting information to help Federal agencies plan for climate change adaptation in accordance with the EO.
- Implementation Instructions
- Support Document

Other Government Documents

U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) Reports

GAO produces reports on managing fiscal risks to the Federal Government. Climate change is identified as one of GAO's high-risk areas. Go >

Climate Change & National Security Documents

The Center for Climate and Security maintains a collection of government documents related to the intersection of climate change and national security. Go >