Photo: BICEP

In the latest World Economic Forum Global Risks survey, the top 10 risks identified by CEOs and world leaders focused on economic uncertainty or climate and resource-related issues (water crises, failure of climate mitigation and adaptation, increased extreme weather events, and food crises). Last week, executives from IKEA, Jones Lang LaSalle, Mars, Sprint, and VF Corp - all members of BICEP (Business for Innovative Climate and Energy Policy) - testified before a Congressional task force on climate change and lobbied for a clean-energy financing bill. But these companies are still dwarfed by the Chamber of Commerce and fossil fuel companies in terms of influence, and Democratic senators 

urged companies to spend more of their political and reputational capital on the climate issue. (Guardian)

This Forbes article opinion piece calls for investors to evaluate how exposed they are to climate risks embedded in their investment portfolios, from companies reliant on discretionary spending to assets in agriculture, energy, and property. Investors are advised to look for new competitive advantages and opportunities in clean energy, energy efficiency, new finance mechanisms, and more. This article argues that businesses that refuse to adapt are sealing their own fate and putting communities and investors at risk - and squandering the massive opportunities in low carbon growth.  (Forbes)

According to an Oxfam report, global food prices could double by 2030, and there could be 25 million more malnourished children in the world in the next 35 years. While single events such as major hurricanes, droughts, and flooding can wipe out an entire harvest and livestock populations, small-scale shifts in rainfall and temperature are reducing the fertility of cropland. The report analyzed preparedness gaps and estimates that investment in adaptation measures in developing countries is only 2% of what's needed. (HP)  

This new initiative at U.C. Berkeley will bring together academics from U.C. Berkeley, UC Davis and Stanford, stakeholders, and practitioners to address how the Bay Area can move forward on climate resiliency. You can watch videos from their launch event and download a summary here.

Photo: Michelle Fox, ISET

The ISET Climate Resilience Framework (CRF) is an analytical, systems-based approach to building resilience to climate change in urban areas. The goal of this structured framework is to build overall, networked city resilience capable of addressing emerging, indirect and slow-onset climate impacts as well as current hazards. ISET is using this framework with cities across Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America to build local capacity for climate change resilience. (CakeX) 

The Active Transportation Program is now open to applications of funding for projects that increase bicycling, walking, safe routes to school, and other active transportation planning in California. Applications are due May 21, 2014. (Program guidelines and application). 

April 23, 10:00am - 11:00am PDT

This webinar introduces common communication challenges and how utilities can effectively prepare messages and conduct outreach to their stakeholders and communities. It is part of an ongoing webinar series for the water sector (drinking water, waste water, and storm water) to help them understand and adapt to climate change impacts, with information on tools and strategies for decision-making and adaptation planning. Register for this webinar or view past recordings.    

UC Drought Science, Policy and Management Summit

April 25, 2014, State Capitol, Sacramento

This summit brings together a wide range of experts in water sciences, water management and policymaking for thoughtful discussion on how best to manage current and long-term water shortages. Topics range from agricultural production and employment to wildfires, public health and welfare, the economy, energy production and use, fish and wildlife, and water conservation. View the agenda and register online.   

May 19, 8:30am-5:00pm, The California Museum, 1020 O Street, Sacramento

The University of California's Giannini Foundation of Agricultural Economics is an economics research foundation focusing on issues related to agriculture and California's natural resources. The Foundation is sponsoring a one-day conference that will bring together leading economists, analysts, scientists, and policy makers from the University of California, the state government, non-profits, and the private sector to discuss the potential impacts of climate change and the associated challenges to California agriculture and natural resources. Program and registration.

Resilient Sacramento is a membership based collaborative network designed to promote greater climate change resilience planning coordination in the six-county Sacramento Region. The purpose of this collaborative network is to create a forum where leaders from government, academia, environmental and community groups, the business community, and labor can come together to exchange information, identify vulnerabilities and data gaps, leverage resources, and advance comprehensive solutions in an effort to create stronger, sustainable, and economically viable communities in the Sacramento Region.  

Resilient Sacramento's current members include: UC Davis Policy Institute for Energy, Environment and the Economy; Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District; Sacramento Area Council of Governments; Greenwise Joint Ventures; Sacramento Municipal Utility District; Pacific Gas & Electric Company; and the Local Government Commission. If you are interested in learning more about Resilient Sacramento, joining the Collaborative, or being added to the list serv, please contact Jenny Woods.