Greenprint Projects

Climate Smart Cities: Metro Providence

Rhode Island

Waterfront view of the skyline of Providence, Rhode Island.
Providence View of the skyline of Providence, Rhode Island. © TNC

Home to nearly half of Rhode Island’s population, the six-city Providence region presents a high-stakes environment for climate resiliency, where new strategies are needed to protect aging infrastructure and more than 400,000 residents.

In the short term, these threats include stormwater pollution of the Providence River and Narragansett Bay, flooding, and intensified heat waves. In addition, the lack of non-motorized transit and greenway routes prevents the opportunity for carbon-free transportation, while isolating vulnerable populations, including elderly and low-income residents.