Why Small Towns are a Big Deal: Evaluating the Lasting Impacts of Greensburg, Kansas' Resilience Plan and its Role as a Model for Small Towns in the face of Climate Change

Small towns and rural communities face particular geographic and demographic obstacles in responding to and preparing for climate change events, particularly in their capacity to build and maintain resilient and green infrastructure. Physical isolation, lack of investment, high poverty rates, and an aging population increase the vulnerability of these communities. Small towns face particular obstacles as the severity of destructive weather events– like tornadoes, floods, and hurricanes– are exacerbated by climate change. When faced with a disaster, the aforementioned obstacles are only intensified as they face rebuilding. If small towns are to adequately respond to climate change, they will need to assess their risks and vulnerabilities and take stock of the resources available to them. Using the example of Greensburg, Kansas and its infamous 2007 Tornado as a case study, this paper, through analysis of its master plans and interviews with leaders, will investigate the lasting effects of the town's sustainable rebuilding 17 years later, and its internal and external experience in the impact it has had on towns looking to bolster sustainability and climate resilience.