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Climate Mitigation and Adaptation News
May 17, 2017
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A biweekly newsletter of the Capital Region Climate Readiness Collaborative
The National Adaptation Forum was a whirlwind three days of learning, sharing, and networking, as adaptation professionals from 48 states gathered in St. Paul. Even as we were excited to meet fellow Californians, we were also inspired and energized to learn about innovative solutions being implemented in Minnesota, Detroit, Kentucky, Massachusetts, and more. From urban greening to energy storage to community-driven planning and resilience centers, the forum demonstrated that the impetus and potential of climate action lies with local champions. As such, we must ensure that adaptation policies and programs are equitable and inclusive, and benefit all communities - a perspective woven throughout the forum program by environmental justice and tribal leaders, who shared their stories and provided lessons and recommendations on working effectively with communities.
As part of the forum, ARCCA - our statewide alliance of adaptation collaboratives - convened a California gathering, where participants expressed interest in connecting directly with other adaptation practitioners. To respond to this need, ARCCA is developing a
California Directory of Resiliency Practitioners and will create a listserv for streamlined peer-to-peer resource sharing. We hope you will share your information to help with this effort!
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| Draft Released for Safeguarding California: 2017 Update |
The
Safeguarding California Plan: 2017 Update is a programmatic survey across state government of what California is doing to respond to climate change, what needs to be done, and how we will achieve those goals. It contains hundreds of actions and recommendations developed through the scientific and policy expertise of 27 state agencies. The plan opens with overarching strategies recommended by the California Natural Resources Agency, the State's lead agency on climate adaptation. The document outlines ongoing actions and cost-effective and achievable next steps across 10 sectors, and provides a transparent, accountable tool for evaluating progress. See Events for public workshops across the state. (
CNRA)
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National Adaptation Forum - Summary
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The National Adaptation Forum brought together hundreds of adaptation practitioners from 48 states to learn, share, and network. The American Society of Adaptation Professionals developed Daily Digests to share key takeaways from a handful of sessions each day. (
ASAP)
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We could cross a dangerous temperature threshold in the next 15 years
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Photo: Nicholas Kamm/AFP/Getty Images
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Global temperatures could exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels within the next 15 years, according to a new study, placing the world at a potentially dangerous level of climate change. The study suggests that the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO), a pattern of ocean temperatures that shift between warm and cool multi-year phases, is transitioning into a warm phase, which could amplify climate change. (
Chicago Tribune)
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| Extreme Arctic melt could far exceed previous estimates |
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Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images
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Rapid climate change is already underway in the Arctic, with sea-level rise set to double the minimum estimates made by the IPCC in 2013, warns the latest scientific research from the Arctic Council. The Arctic could be largely ice-free in summer as early as the late 2030s, with an influx of warmer water that could alter climate as far south as the tropics. But the report also says that achieving the Paris goals would help avert the worst impacts after 2050, limiting permafrost losses (and thus methane emissions) to 45% of present-day levels. (
Link)
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| Arctic 2.0: What happens after all the ice goes? |
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Photo: Paul Nicklen/NGC
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As early as 2030, the Arctic could lose essentially all of its ice during the summer - a radical transformation that would upend ecosystems, disrupt communities, amplify warming trends, raise sea levels, and even scramble weather patterns around the globe. Scientists are striving to understand how residents of the north will fare, which animals face the greatest risks, and whether nations could save them by protecting small icy refuges. But as some researchers look even further into the future, they see reasons for hope. If society ever manages to reverse the surge in GHG emissions, then the same physics that melt Arctic ice rapidly may also allow it to regrow. These scientists are thinking about what it would take to restore sea ice. (
Nature)
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| Architects release design principles to address climate change |
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Photo: Iwan Baan
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Among the eight principles on how architects can respond to climate change, the American Institute of Architects emphasizes the importance of carbon-neutral buildings, urban design, updated building codes and standards, and collaboration with policymakers and the public. The statements note that "Designing and building resilient buildings is not a choice, it's an imperative," citing that four impacts alone - hurricane damage, real estate losses, and energy and water costs - will cost almost $1.9 trillion annually by 2100. (
AIA)
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| Urban trees as solution to address air pollution and extreme heat |
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Photo: Regis Duvignau/Reuters
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Trees are one of the single best infrastructure investments cities can make - in fact, a major report by the Nature Conservancy concludes trees are the only cost-effective solution addressing both air quality and rising urban temperatures. Some of the world's largest cities could dramatically improve public health by investing just $4 per capita in their canopies. Tree plantings can reduce downwind particulate matter concentrations by 7 to 24 percent, and temperatures by 2 to 4 degrees Fahrenheit. Trees can also cool urban temperatures by 1.5C. "Cities often think about tree-planting budgets totally separate from their health budgets, said lead author Rob McDonald. "We want cities to see the link between the two." The report offers guidelines and strategies to maximize the effectiveness of urban trees. (
Nature,
City Lab)
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Highlighting Local Solutions
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New York City publishes design guidelines to adapt to climate change
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New guidelines issued last week by the office of New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio are some of the most comprehensive for how builders should protect infrastructure against extreme heat, stronger storms, and other climate impacts. The draft Climate Resiliency Design Guidelines include specific climate projections for different time frames, and specify how planners should design their projects based on its expected lifespan. The guidelines would only apply to city projects, but will be recommended to developers as well. The city plans to test the guidelines on new projects to assess costs and effects before finalizing them. (Link)
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Cities are turning parking lots into parks
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Across the US, from Dallas to Chicago to Santa Monica, parking lots are being converted to public parks as cities realize that asphalt for car storage isn't the best use of valuable urban space. Whereas parking lots contributed to worsening the urban heat island effect, parks help to cool the city and absorb stormwater, boost business, and increase real estate value by 15 percent. (Co.Design)
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Small cities with big-city infrastructure problems: Stormwater innovation
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This report provides case studies of three small- and medium-sized cities in New Jersey that developed, financed, and implemented innovative integrated infrastructure projects to address stormwater challenges in their combined sewer systems. The report provides lessons learned and recommendations to help small cities reduce sewer overflows and upgrade infrastructure in the context of constrained resources and competing priorities. (Link)
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New guide: find nature-based solutions to build resilience
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A new website will help communities find the right nature-based solutions to address rising seas, flooding, and other climate-change-related risks. Created for Naturally Resilient Communities - a collaboration including the American Planning Association, the Nature Conservancy, the American Society of Civil Engineers, and others - the website features 30 nature-based solutions, including floodplain restoration, green roofs, and permeable pavements, which build resilience but also boost community health and property value. (Link)
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Climate change and health vulnerability indicators for California
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The CalBRACE Project developed climate change and health indicators data to provide local health departments and partners the tools to better understand the people and places in their jurisdictions that are more susceptible to adverse health impacts associated with climate change. The assessment data can be used to screen and prioritize focus areas for deeper analysis and plan for public health actions to increase resilience. (CDPH)
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| CivicSpark now recruiting project partners for 2017-2018 program year |
Over the past two years, the Local Government Commission's Governor's Initiative AmeriCorps CivicSpark program has provided 130,000+ hours of support to over 100 public agencies, while implementing 80 projects in climate change and water policy. In Sacramento, CivicSpark fellows have been working to increase food waste recycling and reduce its associated GHG emissions and support low-income home weatherization, among other activities. The second priority deadline to apply for projects is May 30th. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis after this deadline. (
Link)
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| Grant Solicitation: Car Sharing and Mobility Options Pilot Project |
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has a grant solicitation for applicants to implement the Car Sharing and Mobility Options Pilot Project for Fiscal Year 2016-17. This is one of several CARB-funded pilot projects that will employ innovative solutions to bring the benefits of clean transportation to disadvantaged communities. Deadline: May 22. (
Link)
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| 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. Pre-proposal deadline June 1, final deadline August 1. (
Link)
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| Transportation for America: Cultural Corridor Consortium grant |
Is your city working to engage residents and spark creative transportation projects? If so, consider applying for Transportation for America's Cultural Corridor Consortium grants, which will award $50,000 each to three cities working to integrate creative placemaking with transit investments. Creative placemaking harnesses the power of local culture and arts to cultivate genuine public engagement on critical transportation projects, leading to both a better process and better projects. The program is particularly focused on funding collaborative projects that expand transportation opportunities and local control for low-income people, recent immigrants, and people of color living in communities that have experienced disproportionate disinvestment and disconnection. Deadline: Friday, June 2, at 5pm EDT. (Link)
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| Hazard Mitigation Grant Program: Immediate Needs Funding for 2016-2017 Winter Storms |
As the result of a Presidential Disaster Declaration, FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds plans and projects that reduce the effects of future natural disasters. This opportunity is for well-developed, shovel-ready projects that implement a stand-alone, long-term risk reduction solution to flooding or erosion problems in counties affected by FEMA's disaster declarations for the 2016-2017 winter storms. Deadline: June 15. (CalOES)
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| 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)
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| 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)
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| Apply for a public fleet rebate |
California public fleets in disadvantaged communities can apply for 2017 rebate funding for new, eligible zero-emission and plug-in hybrid light-duty vehicles. The Public Fleet Pilot Project has $3 million available, with rebates up to $15,000 per vehicle. Fleets may reserve rebate funding at any stage in the procurement process up to six months in advance of expected delivery to six months after delivery. Check your ZIP code to determine eligibility; ineligible fleets can still receive standard Clean Vehicle Rebate Project rebates of up to $2,500 per vehicle. (
Link)
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| Safeguarding California 2017 Update Workshops
May 16 - June 14
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Built on nearly a decade of climate adaptation strategies, the
Safeguarding California Plan 2017 Update is intended to communicate a clear accounting of current and needed actions from the state government to build climate change resiliency. The public is invited to provide input through public workshops in Auburn (June 14, 1.30-5pm), San Francisco, Merced, Coachella, Los Angeles, and San Diego, or via email at
climate@resources.ca.gov. (
Link)
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| Climate Action Team Public Health Workgroup Meeting
Tuesday, May 23, 1 - 4pm
Sierra Hearing Room, Cal/EPA Building, 1001 I Street, Sacramento
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The Public Health workgroup will focus on the health impacts from oil and gas production in California, with speakers coming from the California Air Resources Board, UC Berkeley, and PSE Healthy Energy. (
Link)
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| Webinar: Green Infrastructure Projects - Communicating What Matters
Wednesday, May 24, 11am - noon PDT
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Leading municipalities are taking steps to quantify the costs and benefits of green infrastructure projects in a way that satisfies stakeholders' concerns about more attractive landscapes, cleaner water, healthier air, greater resilience, and more return for the dollar. Please join the City of Toronto and Autocase to learn about triple bottom line cost-benefit analysis and how it can be used to achieve consensus around design options for public projects. (Register)
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| Sacramento County's Communitywide Climate Action Plan
Wednesday, May 24
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The public is invited to attend a workshop on Sacramento County's Communitywide Climate Action Plan (CAP) for the Board of Supervisors. (Please note that the date and time may be subject to change.) The workshop will provide an opportunity for County staff to present preliminary information about the Communitywide CAP and receive feedback from the Board of Supervisors and the public. This is an early workshop and not a hearing for adoption. (
Link)
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| Disaster Planning for the Whole Community
Thursday, June 8
Doubletree by Hilton Sacramento, 2001 Point W Way, Sacramento
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This conference on inclusive emergency planning and post-disaster relief will help you forge partnerships for future disaster planning by learning about disability rights, emergency management responsibilities, and promising practices. Speakers will come from the Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies, the Governor's Office of Emergency Services, FEMA, the Pacific ADA Center, the Red Cross, disability rights stakeholders, and survivors and responders from the Butte/Valley Fires. (
Register)
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| Save the date: 2018 New Partners for Smart Growth
February 1 - 3, 2018, San Francisco, CA
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| California Climate Action Planning Conference
August 24 - 25, 2017
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
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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 announce the third California Climate Action Planning Conference. Plan now to learn and network with 200 fellow professionals in climate action, sustainability, and resilience. Program content will include the new Scoping Plan, pathways to deep de-carbonization, successful financing and implementation, community vulnerability assessment, and climate justice. If you would like to keep informed, please visit the conference website and sign up for the e-mail list. (
Link)
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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 Capital Region.
The CRC is a program of the Local Government Commission.
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