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Climate Mitigation and Adaptation News
April 5, 2016
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A biweekly newsletter of the Climate Readiness Collaborative
Just as we are all examining our own earnings in preparation for April 18, it looks like businesses are starting to realize climate change may not be so good for their bottom line. A task force headed by Michael Bloomberg just published a report calling for companies to disclose their climate risks in financial statements, while businesses in British Columbia are asking the government for a $10 increase in their successful carbon tax. U.S. economy giants Google, Apple, Amazon, and Microsoft have all gone on the record to support the EPA's Clean Power Plan. Little by little, it looks like the finances of climate change are turning green.
We would also like to warmly welcome 350 Sacramento as the newest member of the Capital Region Climate Readiness Collaborative!
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| Cost of climate change: a staggering $2.5 trillion |
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|  | | Photo: Carlo Allegri/Reuters | |
Climate change could cut the value of the world's financial assets by $2.5 trillion, according to the first estimate from economic modeling, with the worst case scenarios reaching $24 trillion, wrecking the economy. Limiting climate change to 2C, on the other hand, global losses would only be $315 billion, including the cost of mitigation. ( Guardian)
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| Bloomberg task force finds 'fragmented and incomplete' landscapes of climate disclosure |
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| | Photo: Madeleine Cuff |
The Group of 20 Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) found that financial disclosure on climate change is "fragmented and incomplete" and also warns that climate change could trigger a large-scale economic collapse. The task force recommends that companies' disclose climate risks in routine financial statements to allow for better investment decisions. By the end of the year, the task force will produce a set of voluntary guidelines for such disclosures that will ensure accuracy, accountability, and transparency. ( Business Green) |
| Who will pay for climate change? |
A widening web of corporate powerhouses - most notably in the finance industry, led by big insurers and banks - has concluded that climate change imperils the financial stability of the world and is now demanding serious, sophisticated, and specific steps to counter global warming. Study after study has concluded that private investment, if efficiently deployed, would outpace anything that governments could spend on climate change - and might meaningfully reduce the problem while preserving corporate profits. ( New Republic) |
| | Photo: Joachim Ladefogeo/ VII |
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| "Every American in vulnerable" - climate change's severe public health threat |
Climate change poses a serious danger to public health and will strike especially hard at pregnant women, children, low-income people and communities of color, warned the U.S. Global Change Research Program. The report, The Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health in the United States, warned of sweeping risks to public health from rising temperatures, with increased deaths and illnesses from heat stroke - including projections of an additional 11,000 heat-related deaths by 2030 - respiratory failure, and diseases such as West Nile virus. The diversity of risks and vulnerable populations make climate change a far more challenging threat to public health than even historical polio epidemics, said the surgeon general. ( Guardian) |
A more accurate forecast for heat waves?
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| | | Photo: CraneStation/flickr | |
Scientists have identified a pattern of Pacific Ocean temperatures that seems to precede major heat events in the eastern U.S., which could help give farmers, cities and utilities more time to prepare. Such early warnings will become more and more critical as heat waves become more frequent and more intense. Exactly why the ocean pattern and extreme eastern U.S. heat are connected isn't yet clear, but researchers found that it could predict increased odds for extreme heat up to 50 days out. ( Climate Central)
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Without water, work or homes: Farm laborers displaced by drought
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| | Photo: Leah Millis, The Chronicle |
California's ongoing drought is drying up livelihoods for the state's thousands of agricultural workers. Experts estimate that more than 17,000 farm jobs have been lost because of the state's drought. Many of the workers are undocumented immigrants and thus ineligible for most unemployment aid or welfare, and many have returned to their country of origin. ( SF Chronicle) |
Photos: Climate change is making California look like another planet
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Photo: Thomas Heinser
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The driest summer in 500 years has dramatically changed California's landscape. Shot from a doorless helicopter, Thomas Heinser's aerial photographs look more like abstract art than fields and valleys-driving home the transformative effects of climate change in California. ( Quartz)
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Antarctic model raises prospect of unstoppable ice collapse
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Photo: Paul Nicklen/National Geographic Creative
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Continued growth in GHG emissions over the next several decades could trigger an unstoppable collapse in the Antarctic ice sheet, boosting global sea levels by over one meter - a much higher estimate than previous studies. The findings add to a growing body of research suggesting that Antarctic ice is less stable than once thought. The researchers used a more advanced model of the physics of ice melt, accounting for warming ocean currents (below), atmospheric temperatures (above), and meltwater ponds that can break up ice shelves and trigger sudden ice cliff collapses - as happened in 2002 with the Larsen B ice shelf. ( Nature) |
| World economic experts rank climate change as greatest global risk |
The World Economic Forum's (WEF) Global Risks Report 2016 ranked "failure of climate change mitigation and adaptation" as the world's greatest risk in terms of its potential impact, ahead of fiscal crises and weapons of mass destruction. Climate change also ranked third in terms of likelihood to occur, after large-scale involuntary migration and extreme weather events. The report is based on a survey of nearly 750 experts, the majority of whom are in economics (35%) and work in the private sector (45%). Respondents also focused on the potential for climate change to exacerbate water crises and food security risks. ( World Economic Forum) |
| Greenlining Institute: Case Studies on climate investments that reduce poverty |
To evaluate the success of investments from cap and trade funding, the Greenlining Institute examined the impact of 10 projects for their impact on disadvantaged communities. The case studies will help document outcomes and benefits, provide real-world examples of individuals and communities, and help improve the program. ( Report) |
| ARCCA - 2016 Legislative Tracking |
The Alliance for Regional Collaboratives for Climate Adaptation has put together a webpage dedicated to tracking climate change legislation in 2016. The webpage will be updated on a regular basis as changes to legislation occur. ( Link) |
| Drought Resiliency Project Grants |
States, tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, and other organizations with water or power delivery authority are invited to leverage their money and resources by cost sharing with the Bureau of Reclamation on Drought Resiliency projects that will increase the reliability of water supply; improve water management; implement systems to facilitate the voluntary sale, transfer, or exchange of water; and provide benefits for fish, wildlife, and the environment to mitigate impacts caused by drought. Applications are due April 11, 2016. ( Grants.gov) |
| EPA: Integrating Human Health and Well-Being with Ecosystem Services Grant |
Many communities do not adequately consider the benefit of ecosystems on public health and well-being in decision making. This grant will fund collaborative, community-based research that will examine how communities can integrate ecosystem services with human health and well-being to inform decision making and management practices. Deadline: April 21. ( EPA) |
| Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) State and Local Assistance Program |
This LWCF program provides grants to States, their political subdivisions, and Indian tribes to acquire and/or develop public land for a range of outdoor recreation purposes, such as parks, playgrounds, picnic areas, campgrounds, bike trails, and sports fields, as well as supporting infrastructure. Applications are due April 29, 2016. ( Grants.gov) |
| TIGER Grants available transportation projects nationwide |
The Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) competitive grant program is making $500 million available for capital projects that generate economic development and improve access to reliable, safe, and affordable access to transportation for urban and rural communities. Deadline: April 29, 2016. ( DOT) |
| Cap and Trade: Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program (SALCP) |
The SALCP is accepting applications for $40 million in grants to fund the purchase of agricultural conservation easements development of agricultural land strategy plans, and other mechanisms that result in GHG reductions and a more resilient agricultural sector. Deadline: May 2. ( Department of Conservation) |
| USDA: Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) |
The RCPP has $260 million available for partner proposals to improve the nation's water quality, combat drought, enhance soil health, support wildlife habitat, and protect agricultural viability. Created by the 2014 Farm Bill, RCPP leverages local leadership to establish partnerships that work with farmers, ranchers and forest landowners on landscape- and watershed-scale conservation solutions that work best for their region. Pre-proposal deadline: May 10. ( USDA) |
| FEMA: Pre-Disaster Mitigation and Flood Mitigation Assistance Grants |
The Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) program provides funds for hazard mitigation planning and the implementation of mitigation projects for the purpose of reducing overall risk to the population and structures, while at the same time also reducing reliance on federal funding from actual disaster declarations. The Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) program provides funds so that measures can be taken to reduce or eliminate risk of flood damage to buildings insured under the National Flood Insurance Program. Deadline: June 15. ( Link) |
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ARCAA Webinar: Financing Infrastructure Through Resilience Bonds
Wednesday, April 6, 1-2pm PDT
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Join ARCCA and re:focus partners for a Learning Session on Financing Infrastructure through Resilience Bonds. This session will feature Shalini Vajjhala, Founder and CEO of re:focus partners, and their new RE:bound report on leveraging catastrophe bonds as a mechanism for resilient infrastructure project finance. ( Register) |
Complete Streets: From Adoption to Implementation
Thursday, April 7, 9am-4.30pm |
Local jurisdictions are increasingly recognizing the economic, social, and environmental benefits of Complete Streets, which accommodate a wide range of transportation needs and all users. Participants will learn about different types of Complete Streets, how performance measures can assist with implementation, changing project development processes, and more. ( Register) |
Webinar: Resilience by Design
Thursday, April 7, 10.15-11.15am PDT |
Joseph Fiksel will take an in-depth look at enterprise resilience - a key factor in a business's ability to survive, adapt, and flourish in the face of natural disasters and unforeseen supply chain disruptions. He will offer insight into why workforce leaders need a new paradigm and the importance of resilience across business and municipal communities. ( Register) |
Yolo Climate Compact April Meeting
Friday, April 8, 9-11am
UC Davis Conference Center, 2nd Floor Conference Room |
Deb Bruns (Yolo County Office of Education) will describe innovative solar education programs for schools that have grown out of funding provided by Sunpower Corp as a condition of building the solar array near Grasslands Park. Other speakers will present on Solano County's "Bucks for Bikes" program that incentivizes residents to commute by bicycle and the City of West Sacramento's successes to promote bicycle and pedestrian transportation options.
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Webinar: 2016-2017 CivicSpark Project Partner Information
Wednesday, April 13, 1-2pm |
Join this webinar to learn about being a project partner with CivicSpark for the 2016-17 service year, and having a CivicSpark AmeriCorps member work on climate action projects in your community. This one-hour webinar will cover the program structure, application process, local match costs, and answer questions. ( Register) |
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Webinar: Utilizing the U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit
Thursday, April 14, 10-11.30am
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The U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit provides scientific tools, information, and expertise to help professionals manage their climate-related risks and opportunities, and improve their resilience to extreme events. The site is designed to serve interested citizens, communities, businesses, resource managers, planners, and policy leaders at all levels of government. This interactive webinar will provide background on the Toolkit and lead participants through an activity to demonstrate ways in which they can harness this outstanding resource. ( Register) |
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CA Adaptation Forum - Call for Session Proposals Deadline Extended Until April 15!
Friday, April 15
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The Local Government Commission, in partnership with the State of California, is conducing a formal Call for Session Proposals for the 2nd California Adaptation Forum to be held September 7-8, 2016 in Long Beach, CA. Forum organizers are looking for dynamic and engaging session proposals that help to galvanize commitment and catalyze action among adaptation leaders throughout California.
The two-day event will be the premier convening for a multi-disciplinary group of 1,000+ decision-makers, leaders and advocates to discuss, debate and consider how we can most effectively respond to the impacts of climate change. Submit a proposal today!
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25th Annual California Water Policy Conference
April 20-21, 2016, UC David Conference Center |
The California Water Policy Conference brings together leaders from the agricultural, urban, academic, and environmental communities to discuss policy issues impacting California's water management decisions. The program will include noted speakers, panel presentations on timely topics, and an exciting post-conference salmon recovery tour. ( Register) |
Submit a Nomination for the first Regional Adaptation Leadership Award
Nomination Deadline: July 1 |
The American Society for Adaptation Professionals - in partnership with the California Adaptation Forum - is launching its first Regional Adaptation Leadership Award (RALA) competition at the California Adaptation Forum. The Award will recognize one individual who has distinguished her - or himself in the climate change adaptation field through exceptional leadership. Learn more and submit your nominations here.
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About the Capital Region Climate Readiness Collaborative
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The Capital Region Climate Readiness Collaborative 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. If you are interested in learning more about the Climate Readiness Collaborative, joining the Collaborative, or being added to the list serve, visit: www.climatereadiness.info/
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