The Postal Service is working to identify the risks of climate change at every level of the organization.
Many operational risks are already known and documented, such as the loss of USPS facilities and service routes because of flooding, wildfires, sea level rise and other climate hazards.
In addition, there has been an increase in damage to buildings and equipment because of acute storms and flooding across the southern United States.
Most importantly, the extreme increases in heat or cold that have occurred during the past few years — such as the once-in-a-millennium heat dome over the Pacific Northwest last summer — can put employees’ health at risk.
The organization’s 2021 Climate Action Plan represents a holistic approach to address all risks involving USPS operations, facilities, systems and suppliers.
“Identifying and addressing these risks can help ensure the Postal Service is able to continue service to our customers if an impact, such as coastal flooding, occurs,” said Benjamin Kuo, Facilities vice president.
“With more than 640,000 employees to protect, we must continue incorporating climate considerations as an element of our operational decision-making processes.”
These goals are also in keeping with Delivering for America, the Postal Service’s 10-year plan to achieve financial stability.
This is the second in a series of three articles detailing the Postal Service’s efforts to address climate change.