A Proposed Dynamic Adaptive Policy Pathways Methodology

While Dynamic Adaptive Planning (DAP) was project specific (i.e., defending an infrastructure asset against multiple hazards and exposures, including climate), Dynamic Adaptive Policy Pathways (DAPP) seeks to reduce a limited set of hazards and exposures in a specified area, such as a city, region, or watershed balanced against defined objectives. Using DAPP, decisionmakers can change course based on new knowledge or unexpected events. This chapter presents a modified version of DAPP. To handle changing conditions in a specified geographic area, multiple approaches (pathways) are generally available. DAPP organizes the pathways into a sensible order, starting with the most cost-effective approach for the given condition and leaving the most flexibility for change based on unforeseen events or new knowledge acquired over time. Alternative approaches (pathways) for adapting to stressors are presented in sequence based on their range of effectiveness.