The forecasts of continuing climate change have not prompted public or private organizations to adapt to the dangers posed by higher temperatures, says Robert Repetto, author of The Climate Crisis and the Adaptation Myth and formerly a professor in the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies.

The reasons for failure to adapt can be attributed to many different factors, such as uncertainty over climate events, lack of clear mandates to take action, and political resistance. Even so, organizations that have the most at risk and also have the capacity to adapt have not yet done so, according to Repetto.

Among the examples he cites are:

–New York City’s building codes and flood maps. Both are out of date with changes in the climate that are bringing about intense hurricane winds and increases in sea levels and surges. Kennedy Airport and lower Manhattan could be inundated by rising sea levels and surges from severe storms.

–Water management in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Texas. Climate change has not been factored in to water supply plans.

–Federal planning guidelines for transportation funding do not require consideration of climate change in the design and siting of highways and rail lines.

“To say that the United States has the technological, economic and human capacity to adapt to climate change does not imply that the United States will adapt,” said Repetto. “Without national leadership and concerted efforts to remove these barriers and obstacles, adaptation to climate change is likely to continue to lag.”