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Introduction Benefits of Climate Action Beyond the direct benefit of a more stable climate, many climate actions generate additional benefits, such as the ones listed below. Public Health Actions to mitigate climate change can improve air quality and physical and mental health, as well as access to healthy food. Research suggests that living within 50 to 200 meters of major roadways can trigger asthma symptoms among adults and children and contribute to the development of asthma in children.' Consequently, actions aimed at reducing traffic congestion, taking vehicles off the road, and transitioning to an all -electric City vehicle fleet can reduce risk of cardiovascular disease, chronic and acute respiratory illnesses, cancer, and preterm births for those located near busy roads. Actions that encourage active modes of transportation can reduce obesity and the risk of non -communicable diseases, improve mental health, and diminish the cost of public health services. Green infrastructure projects have been shown to increase recreational opportunities and physical fitness exercises such as dog walking or jogging .2 Denser, transit -oriented neighborhoods increase local access to essential services and nutritious food sources. Increased intake of more climate -friendly foods, such as whole grains and vegetables, can reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Adaptation actions that mitigate urban heat island effects, such as planting shade trees, lessen potential health risks to sensitive populations. Health benefits from climate action bring tangible healthcare savings as well. The cost of reducing CO2 emissions is less than the medical costs of treating the health effects of climate change.3 Enhanced Resilience Actions that address climate change can also bolster resilience to other hazards. A microgrid resiliency project at the Miller Community Center in Seattle is an early example of what are expected to be many upcoming projects that leverage solar and battery storage to provide relief during emergencies. The local energy utility (Seattle City Light) is partnering with the Seattle Parks and Recreation to install a battery energy storage system, solar panels, and microgrid controls. When the project is complete in mid -2020, the microgrid will generate power and provide backup power storage for the community center when the grid is down, such as unplanned power outages and emergency events .4 Climate actions also can enhance community cohesion — the networks of formal and informal relationships among neighbors that foster a mutually supporting community. • One study showed a direct link between increased vegetation and use of outdoor spaces for social activity.' • Another study found that even small amounts of greenery increased the safety of urban areas .6 A survey of residents in many different types of neighborhoods found that the more that neighborhoods were walkable and neighbors knew each other, the more likely neighborhood residents were to participate politically, trust others, and be socially engaged.' City of Redwood City Climate Action Plan 12