Climate Mitigation and Adaptation News
June 14, 2017
A biweekly newsletter of the Capital Region Climate Readiness Collaborative

The announcement that the U.S. would be leaving the Paris Climate Agreement has had an unexpected bright side: an outpouring of support perhaps unprecedented for any global legal document. So far,   12 U.S. states, one territory (Puerto Rico), and 292 cities representing 62 million Americans across 42 states, as well as over 1,400 businesses and investors and 180 universities, have committed to "adopt, honor, and uphold the commitments to the goals enshrined in the Paris Agreement." In the Capital Region, Sacramento, Rancho Cordova, West Sacramento, Davis, and Woodland have all signed on through the US Climate Mayors. In fact, leaving Paris has likely galvanized far more local commitments and calls to action than would have otherwise occurred - is this the sea change on climate action we have been waiting for?

We'd also like to welcome two new channel partners to our collaborative: the Living Future Sacramento Collaborative, and the AIA and the Committee on the Environment (Central Valley). We look forward to sharing their innovative sustainability visions with you!
News
California combines climate progress with strongest economic growth since 2005
Demonstrating California's progress toward a clean-energy economy, the Air Resources Board released the 2015 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory, which found that GHG emissions fell by 1.5 million metric tons (MMT) in 2015 from 2014. In the last seven years, California has created 2.3 million new jobs - outpacing most of the U.S. - cut its unemployment rate in half, eliminated a $27 billion budget deficit, and boosted its credit rating. In 2016, California led the nation in job creation for the third straight year. Statewide GHG emissions totaled 440 MMT in 2015, a 10 percent decline from a peak of 489 MMT in 2004. ( ARB)
A climate change solution beneath our feet
Photo: Gregory Urquiaga
Soil can potentially store between 1.5 and 5.5 billion tons of carbon a year globally, while benefiting agriculture, water storage, and human health. A greater awareness of soil's potential to address climate change is a key part of UC Davis's research at the Russell Ranch Sustainable Agricultural Facility. California's Healthy Soils Incentives Program will be the first in the nation to provide state funding to help farmers and ranchers enhance their soils to reduce GHG emissions. The $7.5 million program, expected to launch this summer, encourages farming practices that will boost soil microbes and sequester carbon. (  Washington Post)
Climate risks make little mark on cities' credit rating
Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images
The same rating companies that were caught flat-footed by the 2008 downturn in the mortgage market sparking the global financial crisis may be underestimating the threat of climate change to coastal communities. If repeated storms and floods are likely to sink property values - and tax revenue - while spending on sea walls, storm drains or flood-resistant buildings goes up, investors say bond buyers should be warned. Major rating companies like S&P and Moody's are starting to evaluate how to incorporate extreme weather into bond risks, but so far have not downgraded the bonds of high climate-risk cities. The risk of a credit downgrade may be one of the most effective prompts available to spur cities to deal with the climate threat. ( Bloomberg)
Climate change's cascading impacts threaten stability of nations
The national security establishment needs to prepare for a series of global crises sparked by climate change, according to a new report by the Center for Climate and Security. The report identifies 12 key areas of climate-driven risk that could jeopardize global security, warning that policymakers need to stop thinking about climate change in isolation and instead consider the ripple effects, amplifications, and linkages. The 12 risk epicenters include disputes over fishing rights in the South China Sea, submerged nations, and the effect of a coffee crop failure on the millions of small farmers in already-fragile nations in Latin America and Africa. ( Link)
Climate change exacerbates terrorism, but holistic approach can address both
Photo: Manon Flausch
Examining the correlation between extreme climate events and radicalization, German think tank Adelphi concluded that climate change creates conditions in which terrorist and organized crime groups can thrive. In the most vulnerable areas, climate change exacerbates resource shortages and makes farming more difficult, leading to violence between rival populations, population displacement, water shortages and famine, all of which undermine the rule of law and the power of the state. Adelphi also identified potential actions, such as adaptation solutions for agriculture and cities, support for development, and strengthening local governments, that can holistically address climate change, development, and the threat of terrorism. ( Link)
Climate change will lead to migration of millions, with security and resource challenges
Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi/Reuters
A Georgetown University reports highlights the issue of migration with analysis from experts on climate change, resource management, migration, foreign policy, and national security. Environmental migration poses significant security challenges, with local and regional tensions over resource (land, water) scarcity. Many people displaced both by long-term environmental changes and extreme weather events are likely to head to cities or across borders, posing many challenges. ( Washington Post)
Highlighting Local Solutions
Can cities actually meet the Paris commitments on their own?
Cities have decision-making powers over many actions that drive GHG emissions, and collectively, have the power to get nearly 50 percent of the way toward reaching reductions to limit warming to 1.5C. Cities often have authority over electricity supply, building codes, public transit fleets, and retrofit programs. Cities can also collaborate with other cities and businesses to scale up and finance programs, leverage collective purchasing agreements, and share ideas through consortiums like C40, 100 Resilient Cities, and US Climate Mayors. ( CityLab)
Tools and Reports
Building Resilient States: Profiles in Action
Communities shouldn't wait for a flood or a hurricane to see how land use choices will affect their ability to remain resilient in the face of disaster. Many states and municipalities are already thinking strategically about how land use, transportation, and infrastructure decisions can help them prepare for and mitigate the impact of disasters.   Building Resilient States: Profiles in Action highlights local, regional, and statewide efforts to build more resilient communities from the ground up, with examples from California, Colorado, Florida, and more. The report uses Smart Growth America's Resilience Framework to demonstrate how states and local jurisdictions are coordinating investments in recovery, infrastructure, and land use. ( Link)
ARCCA: 2017 Legislative Tracking
The Alliance of Regional Collaboratives for Climate Adaptation (ARCCA) is tracking the status of active climate change-related bills in the current legislative session. ( Link)
Upcoming Opportunities
Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program 2016-2017 Grant Cycle
This program will award funding for projects that mitigate the environmental effects of transportation facilities (such as roads, stations, ports, airports, and transit). Eligible project types include urban forestry projects designed to offset vehicle greenhouse gas emissions. A grant workshop will be held in Sacramento on May 11. Deadline: 5pm, June 21. ( CNRA)
Transformative Climate Communities Program Guidelines - Third Draft
The third revision of the Draft Scoping Guidelines for the Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) Program is being made available for public comment. Revisions including requiring all projects to consider how their project will be resilient to the impacts of climate change, as recommended by the Capital Region Climate Readiness Collaborative through ARCCA's letter. Other changes updated eligibility requirements, redefined strategies, the proposed application process, scoring criteria, grant administration, and technical assistance and support. Comment deadline: June 27, 5pm. Please submit comments to tccpubliccomments@sgc.ca.gov 
SACOG: Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Innovations Grant
Do you have a solution to encourage people in the Sacramento region to get out of their cars? The TDM Innovations Grant Program will fund new projects and activities that reduce single-occupant vehicle travel and produce measureable results. Examples of eligible projects include parking pricing programs, technology-based solutions, marketing projects and more. Deadline: June 30, 5pm. (Link)
U.S. EPA and FEMA Technical Assistance for Building Regional Disaster Resilience
The U.S. EPA and FEMA Region IX are seeking proposals from regional partners in California that are interested in receiving technical assistance to build resilience to natural disasters. Eligible entities include multiple jurisdictions that are working together, as well as regional organizations that operate at a multi-state, multi-county, or multi-city/town scale. The technical assistance will include a facilitated process based on ready-to-use tools on how to engage project partners; assess vulnerability and develop mitigation strategies; take action and implement projects; and more. EPA and FEMA are interested in working with regional partners at any stage in the process. Proposals must be submitted via email to Abby Hall at hall.abby@epa.gov by June 30, 2017 by 11:59 PM Pacific time. ( Link)
North American Wetlands Conservation Act Grant Program
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grants increase bird populations and wetland habitat, while supporting local economies and traditions such as hunting, fishing, birdwatching, family farming, and cattle ranching. Wetlands protected by NAWCA provide valuable benefits such as flood control, reducing coastal erosion, improving water and air quality, and recharging ground water. Deadline: July 14. ( Link)
Cap and trade funding for agricultural land preservation
Applications are now open for the Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation (SALC) Program to protect agricultural land and reduce GHG emissions. Last year, the SALC awarded over $37 million to 20 projects, protecting over 19,000 acres. Interested organizations are encouraged to submit a pre-proposal by June 1 to receive technical assistance. Interested landowners should contact a land trust in their area to begin the application process. Deadline: August 1. ( Link)
Upcoming Events
2016-17 Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program Technical Workshop
Thursday, June 15, 1-2.30pm
Funded by cap and trade proceeds, the Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation (SALC) program helps to protect at-risk agricultural lands from conversion to more GHG-intensive uses. SALC funds the development of land use strategies and policies, as well as the permanent protection of farm and ranch lands via agricultural easements. Goals include promoting growth within existing jurisdictions, protecting open space, and supporting a healthy agricultural economy and food security. This webinar will discuss funding eligibility, successful applications, and technical assistance. Please RSVP at cfcp@conservation.ca.gov for log-in. ( SGC)
Building Drought Resilience in California's Cities and Suburbs
Friday, June 16, noon-1.30pm
Capitol Event Center, 1020 11th St, Sacramento
The recent drought was a stress test for California's urban areas. It revealed good preparation by water agencies but also tensions between the state and local utilities brought on by state-mandated water conservation. Join the Public Policy Institute of California's Water Policy Center researchers and a panel of experts for a discussion about evolving state and local roles in managing urban water supply during drought, and lessons to help us better prepare for droughts of the future. You can register for the waitlist; webcast also available. ( Register)
CapSciComm #SpiceUpSci Workshop
Saturday, June 17, 10am - 3pm
Sudwerk Brewing Company, 2001 2nd Street, Davis
Capital Science Communicators is launching a new professional development series, the CapSciComm #SpiceUpSci Workshop. The series is primarily tailored for science professionals and students who need public engagement practice. An emphasis is made on the "science café" format of public outreach, and workshop graduates will be encouraged to pitch their skills as speakers to science café series in the Sacramento region. However, the skills learned will be readily transferable to professional presentations, everyday conversation, and other venues for explaining science to audiences in or outside of your technical field. Workshop participants will enhance their science communication skills in a dynamic, engaging, and participatory setting, meet a community of fellow scientists who are interested in public education, and learn about opportunities to connect with the community. Registration ends Friday, June 16th.  Link
Webinar: Strategic Growth Council, Transformative Climate Communities
Monday, June 19, 3-4.30pm
The Strategic Growth Council (SGC) invites you to join public workshops to help inform the development of the new Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) program. Workshop participants will receive an overview of the most recent changes to the draft scoping guidelines, and have the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback. ( Register)
Webinar: ASAP Prize for Progress Winner - the City and County of San Francisco
Wednesday, June 21, noon-1pm
Join the American Society of Adaptation Professionals to learn more about the 2017 Prize for Progress winner, the City and County of San Francisco. Under the direction of Mayor Ed Lee, San Francisco created its first official policy directing its response to the threat of sea level rise. The webinar will highlight San Francisco's innovative policy-now concluding its second implementation cycle- and discuss the significance of recent sea-level rise science on planning. Developed by a multiagency committee, the guidance has proved an effective tool in evaluating the sea-level rise vulnerability of capital investments in the Ten-Year Capital Plan. ( Register)
Workshop: Low-Cost, High-Reward Marketing
Wednesday, June 21, noon-1.30pm
SACOG Board Room, 1415 L St. Suite 300, Sacramento
Have you tried to implement a marketing campaign but had limited resources or a small budget? This highly interactive workshop with experts from Alameda County, UC Davis, and SACOG will teach you about free and low-cost tools to promote your campaigns, identifying champions, where and how to best deliver key messages, and much more! This event, coordinated by SACOG and ACT, is free, and lunch is provided. (RSVP with AMoretz@SACOG.org)
Webinar: Creating a Carbon Fund
Wednesday, June 21, 3.30-4.30pm
Municipalities and other organizations often have difficulty funding climate action efforts to meet goals and comply with regulation. A consistent and sustainable funding mechanism is required. EcoShift Consulting has experience with a number of different carbon funds model development and implementation. The webinar will focus on different revenue models, how to set up a carbon fund, and the operational experience, successes and challenges of various approaches from funds designed and/or implemented within the past 3 years. ( Register)
SB 1000: Bringing Environmental Justice into the General Plan
Friday, June 23, 8.30-10.30am
West Sacramento Community Center, 1075 West Capitol Avenue, West Sacramento
SB 1000 requires general plans in California to address environmental justice (EJ), either as a stand-alone element or integrated into other elements. This session will cover SB 1000's requirements, implementation guidance from the Governor's Office of Planning and Research, and practical examples and lessons learned in planning for the needs of disadvantaged communities. The session will help planners understand what EJ means and how it can be applied through planning; how to de­fine "disadvantaged communities"; and how EJ must be addressed at the general plan level through policy and implementation. ( Link)
Cleaner Air Partnership Quarterly Luncheon: Transportation and Air Quality: A Vision for Future Growth
Friday, June 23, 11.30am-1.30pm
SACOG Board Room, 1415 L Street, #300, Sacramento
Hear from visionary leaders in our region about the future of transportation, planning for growth, and what it means for air quality and quality of life in our communities. ( Register)
Webinar: A New Tool to Size Solar and Battery Storage for Energy Resiliency
Monday, June 26, 2-3pm
Through a Department of Energy grant, San Francisco developed a publicly available tool for sizing and rating solar PV and battery storage to provide extended back-up power. This first-of-its-kind tool enables building and energy managers, architects, and sustainability and energy professionals to find the right size for solar PV and battery storage systems to provide power for extended periods during large-scale power outages. SolarResilient™ ( SolarResilient.org) allows building owners and city departments to develop equipment sizing before embarking on more detailed studies. The tool can be used on building portfolios so that optimum scenarios can be incorporated into a city or county's energy resilience strategy. ( Register)
2017 Sierra Water Workgroup Summit: Legal and Legislative Strategies to Protecting Our Headwaters
July 24-25, Kings Beach, CA
Across California, diverse groups have been coming together to create model Integrated Regional Water Management Plans (IRWMPs) to ensure reliable water supply, protect water quality, and restore watersheds. The summit will focus on how headwaters issues can be addressed with legislative and policy strategies; breakouts will consider tribal and under-served communities, climate change, advocacy, and other areas. ( Register)
California Climate Action Planning Conference
August 24-25, 2017
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
California has emerged as a national and international leader in addressing the climate crisis. To keep our leadership and momentum, Cal Poly's City & Regional Planning Department - in partnership with the Governor's Office of Planning and Research - are proud to host the third California Climate Action Planning Conference. Learn and network with over 150 professionals in climate action, sustainability, and resilience. Planned program includes: the new Scoping Plan, pathways to deep de-carbonization, successful financing and implementation, community vulnerability assessment, state planning guidance, and climate justice. ( Register; Link)
About the Capital Region Climate  Readiness  Collaborative
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 Capital Region.

The CRC is a program of the Local Government Commission.