Climate Mitigation and Adaptation News
February 21, 2019
A biweekly newsletter of the Capital Region Climate Readiness Collaborative
Thank you to everyone who attended the Sacramento Valley Region Climate Symposium, which featured authors from California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment sharing their findings on projected climate impacts and adaptation strategies for the Sacramento Valley Region. Thank you also to Indigo Architects for providing a tour and reception at their innovative zero-net energy office, which features passive heating and cooling and the use of renewable and recycled materials. CRC is proud of our members who take action in mitigating and adapting to our changing climate in their day-to-day operations, and we were pleased to showcase these efforts with participants after the symposium.
News
Climate change is a health emergency and we need to take action
Climate change threatens to undermine even the best efforts to achieve health for all. It’s impacting our health now and acts as a threat multiplier to exacerbate the state’s many social and health equity challenges. The good news is that climate action offers exceptional opportunities to advance health, protect Californians from the catastrophic impacts of climate change and redress health inequities. That’s why dozens of California’s leading public health, health care, and community-based organizations have released a California Call for Action on Climate, Health, and Equity, asking Governor Newsom to recognize climate change as a health emergency and to work with local, regional, and state leaders to prioritize action on the recommendations below to protect the health of Californians in the era of climate change. ( Sac Bee)
A 'mass invasion' of polar bears is terrorizing an island town. Climate change is to blame
Polar bears typically live on sea ice but thinning ice have driven over 50 bears ashore on a Russian military island. Now, the polar bears could be selectively slaughtered if Russian authorities can’t figure out another way to keep them from menacing the residents of the remote island outpost. The polar bears are battling adverse conditions of their own, driven by changing conditions in the Arctic, which is warming more than twice as fast as the rest of the planet. Models suggest that arctic sea ice is declining at a rate of nearly 13 percent per decade. The U.S. Geological Survey warned in 2007 that two-thirds of the global population of polar bears could be wiped out by 2050 because of thinning sea ice. ( Washington Post) Photo: Screengrab via YouTube
'Our house is on fire': Great Thunberg, 16, urges leaders to act on climate
Adults keep saying: “We owe it to the young people to give them hope.” But I don’t want your hope. I don’t want you to be hopeful. I want you to panic. I want you to feel the fear I feel every day. And then I want you to act. ( Guardian)
As youth anger over climate change mounts, protests spread around the globe
As urban temperature records were broken in Australia amid a years-long drought that has turned farms into wastelands across parts of the country, high school students on the opposite side of the world rallied against the driving force behind rising temperatures: climate change. Now in their third week, the Belgian protests against inaction on climate change drew more than 30,000 high school and university students to Brussels, roughly triple the number of protesters last week. Many of the protests are inspired by 16-year-old climate change activist Greta Thunberg, who skipped school last year to protest in front of the Swedish parliament, demanding more decisive action on climate change. Thunberg and others have pointed out in interviews and at rallies that their generation is protesting government inaction on climate change because they are the ones who will live with the effects. ( Washington Post, Guardian)
The Human Survival Summit: The next wave of climate change protests is coming
Two of the world’s largest nonprofits are joining forces to spark a new wave of civil disobedience to intensify pressure on governments and business leaders to avert a climate catastrophe. Greenpeace International, which has traditionally focused on environmental issues, and Amnesty International, which has concentrated on human rights, are co-launching a Summit for Human Survival later this year to encourage nonviolent protests and other interventions that force greater action on climate change. Kumi Naidoo, secretary-general of Amnesty, said it is essential for organizations across different sectors to join forces rather than seeing issues such as the environment, human rights and international development as separate. An important aim of the upcoming summit, Naidoo said, is to mobilize non-environmental communities to recognize the seriousness of climate change. “One of our errors has been to see climate change only as an environmental issue. We should never have framed it that way, and I hope we have not left it too late to create that intersectionality.” ( Huffington Post) Photo: Mark Metcalfe via Getty Images
Governor Newsom's Proposed 2019-2020 Budget
The new governor of California released his proposed 2019-2020 budget. It includes a $1 billion Cap and Trade Expenditure Plan that suggests $230 million for community air protection; $407 million for low-carbon transportation; $200 million for forest restoration, fire prevention, fuel reduction and prescribed burns; $27 million for workforce development; $18 million for the Healthy Soils program to incentivize carbon-sequestering soil management practices; and $59 million for an integrated climate action and resilience bucket that includes the Transformative Climate Communities, Low-income Weatherization, and Energy Corps programs. ( Link)
A critical solution to climate change is right here in the West
We need a climate plan for public lands that will manage a phase-down of fossil fuel leasing and production in line with current climate science. At the same time, we must support those communities most affected by pollution and boom-and-bust energy cycles as they transition to the energy of the future. We must protect our public lands in large, connected blocks that span the continent to help wildlife species and entire ecosystems adapt to a warming world. And we should support a just transition to a clean, sustainable economy that puts people to work in jobs that conserve and restore our public lands, including building trails, restoring wetlands and other wildlife habitat and improving facilities at our parks and monuments. ( High Country News)
Inside China's leading 'sponge city': Wuhan's war with water
The year before the floods, Wuhan had been declared one of the country’s first 16 “sponge cities” – areas piloting ecologically friendly alternatives to traditional flood defences and drainage systems. Under the sponge city scheme, cities must ensure that 20% of their urban land includes sponge features by 2020, with a target of being able to retain 70% of storm water. Example projects have transformed drainage ditches into “sponge sites” with permeable pavements, rain gardens, grass swales, artificial ponds and wetlands. The idea is that these features absorb excessive rainfall through soil infiltration and retain it in underground tunnels and storage tanks. By 2030, cities must ensure that 80% of their urban land includes sponge features. ( Guardian) Photo: Sino/Getty
Wild coffee species threatened by climate change and deforestation
Most of the world’s wild coffee species have a high chance of going extinct in the next several decades due to droughts, loss of forests, and the spread of deadly pests. The findings signal a potential threat to the multibillion-dollar coffee industry which is dominated by only two varieties. The genetic diversity within some of the 124 wild species could help breeders to boost the viability of commercial plants in the face of a changing climate. But 60% of all coffee species are at high risk of extinction, which could mean the loss of genetic traits that could be the solution for maintaining coffee’s diversity and its future survival. ( Nature) Photo: Emily Garthwaite
Can lettuce survive climate change?
Extreme weather events are making crops vulnerable to contamination in a way they never have been before. It’s a threat that no one is sure how to mitigate, and it’s likely to only get worse. Let’s recap. In just the past few years, it’s become clear that lettuce—and specifically romaine lettuce—has a problem. ( Wired) Photo: Nicholas Veasey/Getty Images
This new clothing line is designed for life after apocalyptic climate change
If you visit Milk Gallery in New York during Fashion Week, instead of the runway shows that the space usually hosts, you’ll see a new line of clothing designed for the reality of climate change. A jacket is fireproof and water resistant; a hood that pairs with the jacket has a mosquito-net face mask to protect from infectious diseases. Solar-powered headphones give storm warnings. A bandana with interchangeable filters protects against smoke during fires. A backpack doubles as a sleeping bag for someone forced to flee their home, with a removable side that filters water. The conceptual line, called Unfortunately, Ready to Wear, was a collaboration between Milk Studios, designer Luka Sabbat, and the Natural Resources Defense Council. The designs respond to the reality of the extreme weather caused by climate change–but the purpose is not to show how we’ll have to adapt, but aspects of a future dystopia we can still avoid. “These are not things that you’re going to need in the future–these are things you need now.” ( Fast Company)
Tools & Resources
New tool for connecting medically vulnerable residents with energy efficiency services
Home weatherization/energy efficiency (EE) and renewable energy services not only reduce GHG emissions but also have significant health benefits. Health professionals providing in-home services and working with vulnerable populations can help residents and communities have healthier housing and better health by connecting them with weatherization and energy efficiency programs. This guidance document is intended to share information with health professionals about why and how leverage EE services to improve the health of communities. The guide describes the health and economic benefits and includes a simple 8-step plan for setting up a system to connect vulnerable residents with energy efficiency services, as well as tools. ( Link)
ACEEE: Local High-Impact Efficiency Strategies Toolkit
Many local governments have adopted community-wide goals for increasing energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This set of briefs examines three high-impact energy efficiency policies that can help cities meet these goals. The briefs cover (1) residential energy disclosure mechanisms that add value to efficient homes, (2) commercial and multifamily energy benchmarking, transparency and labeling, and (3) technology-enabled access to transportation data to enable smarter mobility decisions and investments. Each brief features policy goals and benefits, steps for design and adoption, and case studies of local initiatives. ( ACEEE)
Best Practices for Community Engagement and Building Successful Projects
Agencies administering California Climate Investments (CCI) have released a best practices document generated from conversations that took place during the March 2018 Community Leadership Summit: Best Practices for Building Successful Projects. The document also incorporates additional best practices and lessons learned throughout the implementation of CCI programs and projects. ( ARB)
Upcoming Opportunities
International House Davis seeks new Executive Director
Located in Davis, CA, International House Davis (I-House Davis) is a nonprofit that acts as a greater Sacramento regional resource to individuals and groups involved in world community issues. The Executive Director is responsible for programs, budget development, fund raising, fiscal oversight, facility management, staff and volunteer management, generating private support, and the overall leadership of the organization. ( Link)
Urban Greening Program
The California Natural Resources Agency will be accepting concept proposals for the Urban Greening Grant Program until February 28. Approximately $19 million is available. Technical assistance workshops are being held around the state. Deadline: February 28, 5pm. ( Link)
Drinking Water for Schools Grant Program
The State Water Resources Control Board is now accepting applications for $9.5 million in grant funding for projects that improve drinking water quality and access on public school campuses in disadvantaged communities. Deadline: March 1. ( SWRCB)
Funding: State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program
The State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) provides grants to implement irrigation systems that reduce GHG emissions and save water on California agricultural operations. Eligible system components include soil moisture monitoring, drip systems, switching to low pressure irrigation systems, pump retrofits, variable frequency drives and installation of renewable energy to reduce on-farm water use and energy. Deadline: March 8, 5pm. ( CDFA)
Funding: Wildfire - Assessing and Preparing for Risks under Climate Change
This California Energy Commission grant will fund applied research that will fill gaps in knowledge of fire science and apply that new knowledge to improve models to assess wildfire risk for grid operations and planning. The project will develop next-generation wildfire risk models at both local and statewide scales. Such models are needed to help ensure resiliency of the electric grid in the near- and long-terms in the face of the growing wildfire risk under climate change. Deadline: March 13, 5pm. ( Link)
Apply today to receive CivicSpark support for your climate and resilience projects
CivicSpark is a Governor’s Initiative AmeriCorps program dedicated to building capacity for local agencies to address community resilience to environmental and socioeconomic challenges such as climate change, water resource management, affordable housing, and mobility. CivicSpark Fellows are AmeriCorp Members that serve at public agencies for 11 months, supporting resiliency-focused research, planning, and implementation projects such as climate action planning, climate risk assessments, waste reduction, stormwater resource planning, housing equity programs, shared mobility, and more. Learn more by attending an informational webinar. Applications will be accepted in waves, with the first priority deadline on March 15, and the second on May 3. ( CivicSpark)
Request for Information: Transformative Climate Communities Program
The Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) Program intends to develop a short list of Program Evaluation Technical Assistance providers that can work with Round II awardees to assist with data collection and program evaluation. The Program Evaluation Technical Assistance provider will work with the Round II awardees throughout the five-year grant implementation period and for two additional years during the program performance period. Awardees were required to budget for these services and will select a Program Evaluation Technical Assistance provider from the list to contract with directly. Deadline: March 15, 2019. ( Link)
Kresge Foundation: Climate Change, Health & Equity Initiative RFP
The Kresge Foundation invites community-based, nonprofit organizations seeking to accelerate work at the intersection of climate change, health, and equity in urban, low-income communities to submit an application for the planning phase of the Climate Change, Health & Equity (CCHE) Initiative’s community-based strategy. The RFP will focus on the planning phase of a multi-year effort supporting community-based nonprofits to accelerate implementation of equitable climate-resilience policies that reduce health risks. Deadline: March 19, 11:59pm EST. ( Kresge)
Funding: CalEPA’s Environmental Justice Small Grants
The CalEPA Environmental Justice Small Grants Program offers funding to assist non-profit community organizations and federally recognized Tribal governments to address environmental justice issues in areas disproportionately affected by environmental pollution and hazards. Priority is given to projects that address one or more of program goals, which include addressing climate change through community-led solutions and capacity-building. Deadline: March 21. ( CalEPA)
Green Infrastructure Grant Program
The California Natural Resources Agency is pleased to release for public comment its draft guidelines for the Green Infrastructure (GI) grant program. The GI grant program, funded by Proposition 68, will fund multibenefit green infrastructure projects in or benefiting disadvantaged or severely disadvantaged communities. Comment deadline: March 21. ( Link
CommunityWINS Grant: Funding for Community Development Non-Profits
The CommunityWINS (Working/Investing in Neighborhood Stabilization) grant program, administered by the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) and funded by the Wells Fargo Foundation, is offering nonprofits in eight cities up to $300,000 for projects aimed at accelerating neighborhood revitalization, economic development and job creation in municipalities across the U.S. All USCM member cities are eligible to apply and may nominate up to three eligible nonprofit organizations. Deadline: March 22. ( Link)
California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) Grants
CDFA’s Dairy Digester Research and Development Program (DDRDP) provides financial assistance for the installation of dairy digesters. The Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP) provides financial assistance for the implementation of non-digester manure management practices in California. Deadline: 5pm, April 3. 
Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program
The 2018-19 Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program (SALC) grant application period is now open! The SALC program utilizes Cap-and-Trade proceeds to protect agricultural lands on the outskirts of cities from development through agricultural conservation easements and planning grants. The pre-proposal deadline is Wednesday, April 17 and the final application deadline is Friday, September 13. ( SGC)
Funding: Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014
The State Coastal Conservancy will award approximately $20 million in funding from Proposition 1, the Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014. The Conservancy’s four priority areas for funding are water sustainability improvements, anadromous fish habitat enhancement, wetland restoration, and urban greening. The Conservancy will prioritize projects that help California communities prepare for the impacts of climate change, achieve multiple benefits, serve disadvantaged communities, and result in quantifiable outcomes. Deadline: April 30, 5pm. ( Link)
Launch your social purpose career with CivicSpark!
CivicSpark, a Governor’s Initiative AmeriCorps program, is currently recruiting 90 Fellows who are interested in serving with local governments in California to address a broad range of resiliency issues. Fellows implement local projects on topics including sustainable transportation, energy efficiency, climate action planning, water conservation, drought response, affordable housing, and rural-broadband. Fellows gain exceptional career experience and training to become future leaders in California’s response to emerging environmental and social equity challenges. CivicSpark is looking for upcoming/recent college graduates who want to gain real-world experience, launch a social purpose career, and make a lasting impact! Learn more about CivicSpark by attending a Fellow Recruitment Webinar. The application for the 2019-20 Fellow service year opens April 1st. ( Link)
Funding: Acorn Foundation’s general support grants for environmental justice groups
The Acorn Foundation is dedicated to supporting community-based organizations working to advance environmental conservation, sustainability and environmental justice. The Foundation is particularly interested in small and innovative community-based projects that engage in community organizing to advocate for environmental health and justice; preserve and restore habitats supporting biological diversity and wildlife; and prevent or remedy toxic pollution. The Foundation has an open Letter of Inquiry process for general support grants ($5,000-$10,000) to grassroots organizations. ( Link)
Upcoming Events
Catastrophic Wildfire Cost and Recovery Inaugural Meeting
Monday, February 25, 10am-2pm
Sacramento City Hall Council Chamber, 915 I Street, Sacramento
Agenda and meeting materials for the inaugural meeting of the Commission on Catastrophic Wildfire Cost and Recovery are posted on the Office of Planning and Research website. If you are unable to attend this meeting it will also be webcast.
Webinar: Healthy Homes Renovations: Engaging Hospitals as Investors
Tuesday, February 26, 11am-12 noon PST
The link between housing quality and health outcomes has been extensively studied, showing time and again that good health depends on access to safe and hazard free housing. Health care is beginning to understand this link and many hospitals, health plans, and others are considering how best to invest in housing to improve health. If you or your organization are interested in learning more about approaching hospitals to invest in healthy homes in your community, this webinar will introduce tools and tips for making your case to hospitals. ( Register)
Informational webinar: CivicSpark Project Support for Public and State Agencies
February 27 at 1pm; February 28 at 9.30am; March 6 at 1pm
Learn more about the CivicSpark program and how CivicSpark Fellows can support climate, resilience, water, housing, and mobility-focused projects at your public agency. Interested State agencies should attend special sessions on March 5 or March 7. ( Register)
Best Practices for Effective Climate & Health Communication: Social Media
Thursday, February 28, 10am
Social media experts from behavior change agency Marketing for Change will share tips and guidelines for using social media to communicate how a changing climate is impacting local public health. The webinar will be recorded and is the second in a series from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on best practices for effective climate and health communications. The first webinar can be viewed here. (Register)
Webinar: Exploring Human-Centered Mobility Principles
Thursday, February 28, 11am-noon
Social media experts from behavior change agency Marketing for Change will share tips and guidelines for using social media to communicate how a changing climate is impacting local public health. The webinar will be recorded and is the second in a series from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on best practices for effective climate and health communications. The first webinar can be viewed here. (Register)
6th California Climate & Agriculture Summit
March 4-5, 2019
The first day features tours of three climate-friendly farms in Yolo and Solano Counties, and the second day will be a full day of plenary, workshop and poster presentations about the latest science, policy and practice related to climate and agriculture. This summit brings together a diverse group of over 350 farmers and ranchers, researchers, agriculture professionals, agriculture and environmental nonprofit organizations, and local and state policymakers and government agencies. The California Climate & Agriculture Network hosts a summit once every two years, and it usually sells out, so register now! ( Register)
Webinar: Making Solar and Electrification Policies Mutually Beneficial
Tuesday, March 5, 11am-noon
The first day features tours of three climate-friendly farms in Yolo and Solano Counties, and the second day will be a full day of plenary, workshop and poster presentations about the latest science, policy and practice related to climate and agriculture. This summit brings together a diverse group of over 350 farmers and ranchers, researchers, agriculture professionals, agriculture and environmental nonprofit organizations, and local and state policymakers and government agencies. The California Climate & Agriculture Network hosts a summit once every two years, and it usually sells out, so register now! ( Register)
Green Infrastructure Grant Program Public Hearing
Thursday, March 7, 9.30-11.30am
Cal/EPA - Sierra Hearing Room, 1001 I Street, Sacramento
The California Natural Resources Agency will be hosting a public hearing on draft guidelines for the Green Infrastructure Grant Program, which will fund multi-benefit green infrastructure projects in or benefiting disadvantaged or severely disadvantaged communities. Webcast available. ( Link)
Wildfire Technology Innovation Summit
March 20-21, 2019, 6000 J Street, Sacramento
The first of its kind, the Wildfire Tech Innovation Summit will gather national and international thought leaders and practitioners from state and local governments, academia, industry and others to inform and engage each other about the challenges of wildfires and tools that can help us better manage these devastating disasters. The Summit is designed to initiate an ongoing dialogue between the technology industry, academic researchers, utilities, and government on the challenges of identifying, responding to and recovering from today's wildfires and the potential technological solutions to address these challenges. ( Link)
Shared Mobility Policy & Modeling Workshop
Friday, March 22, 9am-4.30pm
Alumni House, Berkeley, CA
Join us for a day of interactive workshops with industry experts, and regional and local government agencies on the cutting-edge of shared mobility! Learn how shared mobility is transforming California's communities and how your community can incorporate micromobility into public policy and modeling practices. ( Register)
Registration for the National Adaptation Forum is now open!
The 4th National Adaptation Forum will take place in Madison, WI, from April 23-25, 2019. Attendees will learn how to make their work climate-informed, share insights with others, and develop a stronger network of like-minded peers. Early registration ends March 1, 2019. ( Link)
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.
CRC is a program of the  Local Government Commission .