|
|
Climate Mitigation and Adaptation News
March 8, 2018
|
|
A biweekly newsletter of the Capital Region Climate Readiness Collaborative
|
|
We'd like to welcome our latest member,
GRID Alternatives North Valley
. GRID Alternatives helps low-income families participate in California's transition to renewable energy by providing no- to very low cost installations of solar PV system - as well as hands-on installation training, education, and other workforce development programs. Solar energy can help families reduce their energy bill, bring clean energy on to the grid, and provide meaningful employment opportunities.
Don't forget to sign up for
our upcoming quarterly meeting on March 12
, which will highlight climate change and extreme weather as an adverse childhood experience that can have long-lasting negative consequences for community resilience and equity. We'll also hear from some of our new members, Breathe California and the Environmental Justice Coalition for Water.
|
Welcome to the age of climate migration
|
|
|
 |
|
Photo: Sean McCabe for Rolling Stone
|
|
In 2017, a string of climate disasters displaced more than 1 million Americans from their homes. In the not-so-distant future, Phoenix and Tucson will become so hot that just walking across the street will be a life-threatening event. Parts of the upper Middle West will become a permanent dust bowl. South Florida and low-lying sections of the Gulf Coast will be underwater. Some people may try to stick around and fight it out with Mother Nature, but most will not. "People will do what they have done for thousands of years," says Vivak Shandas of Portland State University. "They will migrate to better climates." Climate change is going to remap our world, changing not just how we live but where we live. As scientist Peter Gleick puts it, "There is a shocking, unreported, fundamental change coming to the habitability of many parts of the planet, including the U.S.A." ( Rolling Stone)
|
The terrifying phenomenon that is pushing species towards extinction
|
|
|
|
Photo: Reuters
|
In an unusually hot day in May 2015, 200,000 critically endangered saiga antelope - whose migrations form one of the great wildlife spectacles - died within days while grazing in Kazakhstan, victims of a mass mortality event (MME), a single, catastrophic incident that wipes out vast numbers of a species in a short period of time. MMEs are among the most extreme events of nature. They affect starfish, bats, coral reefs and sardines. They can push species to the brink of extinction, or throw a spanner into the complex web of life in an ecosystem. And according to some scientists, MMEs are on the rise and likely to become more common because of climate change and associated heat waves and extreme weather. (Guardian)
|
Arctic stronghold of world's seeds reaches one million mark
|
|
|
|
|
Photo: Getty Images
|
|
The Global Seed Vault in Svalbard, Norway, received its one millionth seed on February 26. The reinforced vault, buried deep within a mountain in the Arctic Circle, is designed to hold back-ups of samples stored in seed banks elsewhere around the world. More than a million different food crops have been deposited since 26 February 2008. Crop diversity is regarded as essential for safeguarding the future of the world's food supply amid pressures such as drought and climate change. Scientists estimate that there are about 2.2 million unique varieties of crops in the world's gene banks that will eventually be deposited at Svalbard. (BBC)
|
More than 100 cities worldwide now powered primarily by renewables
|
|
|
|
Photo: Robert Nickelsberg/Getty Images |
A report released by CDP finds that more than 100 cities worldwide now get the majority of their power-70 percent or more-from renewables. Over 40 of those cities are powered entirely by renewables, including Burlington, Vermont, which gets its electricity from a combination of wind, solar, hydro and biomass. As of now, Latin American cities lead the renewables charge, with much of their electricity coming from hydropower. Of the cities getting at least 70 percent of their power from renewables, 57 percent are in Latin America, 20 percent are in Europe, 9 percent are in Africa and 9 percent in North America. Aside from Burlington, three US cities (Eugene, Aspen, and Seattle) get 70 percent or more of their power from renewables. (Link)
|
| Warm winters could cost winter sports industry $1 billion dollars |
A low-snow year can cost the U.S. winter sports industry up to $1 billion, according to a report from climate advocacy group Protect Our Winters. As the climate warms, winter activities like skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling could end up contributing less to the overall economy. Low-snow years can result in 17,400 fewer U.S. jobs in mountain towns. In total, the 191,000 jobs supported by snow sports in the 2015-16 winter season generated $6.9 billion in wages, while adding $11.3 billion in economic value to the national economy. Across the West this year, ski resorts from Colorado to California have seen slow starts to their seasons amid the warmer temperatures and minimal snowfall. (NPR)
|
| Much-needed Sierra Nevada snowfall on the way! But a Miracle March? Not so fast. |
How did California suddenly flip from near-record warmth to sudden record-cold this winter, while temperatures on the East Coast reached 80F in February? The California Weather Blog explains the topsy-turvy weather patterns this winter, from wavy atmospheric flows to astounding above-freezing temperatures in the Arctic to California's hopes for a late-winter precipitation boost. (Link)
|
| Sonoma County was ill-prepared, disorganized, and lacked solid fire alert plan |
|
|
|
|
Photo: AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez/ file
|
|
In a review of Sonoma County's emergency response to the fires last October, California's Office of Emergency Services found that multiple alert systems, overlapping responsibilities, and a failure to map out roles in an emergency "appear to have resulted in duplication, inconsistency and some confusion in messages transmitted to the public." Many residents reported finding out about the fires from neighbors or relatives, rather than official alerts. The County had prepared alerts for floods and evacuations but not for fire, leaving officials to write alerts on the fly. The report makes 11 recommendations, starting with creating an updated emergency plan that addresses how each of the warning systems should be used in an emergency. It also says many employees need much more training. (AP)
|
| Sacramento hopes to include low-income drivers in push for 70,000 EVs |
|
|
|
Photo: Ezra David Romero / Capital Public Radio |
The City of Sacramento's new electric vehicle strategy calls for 75,000 new zero-emissions vehicles(ZEVs) and 2,200 chargers across the city by 2025. The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District aims to increase access to ZEVs in low-income communities through community car share and other programs, while Volkswagen will also be spending 35 percent of its $44 million investment in Sacramento in low-income communities. It will take a wide-scale, targeted marketing and education campaign to help change the mindset in low-income communities and communities of color that ZEVs aren't for them. (Cap Radio)
|
| How a solar microgrid is helping a California tribe achieve resilience |
With funding and assistance from the California Energy Commission and UC Riverside, the Chemehuevi Indian Reservation at the edge of the Mojave Desert installed a microgrid that - in combination with their solar PV system - reduces energy costs and improves resilience. Microgrids in combination with battery storage can keep the lights on during outages, and also assist utilities with demand management, but market mechanisms to support their development is limited. AB 2868 (2016) encourages utilities to invest in storage serving public sector and low-income customers, and the Energy Commission is committing to investing in $44 million in additional microgrid projects in 2018. (
Link
)
|
Delivering Urban Resilience:
|
This report provides an in-depth analysis of the costs and benefits of applying "smart surface solutions," including cool roofs, green roofs, solar PV, and permeable and reflective pavements and road surfaces across three cities: El Paso, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. The report demonstrates that cities can strengthen resilience, improve health and comfort, expand jobs and slow global warming while securing billions of dollars in net financial benefits. Applied nationally, these strategies could potentially deliver half a trillion dollars in net financial benefits. (Link)
|
Community-Based Planning for a Sustainable California
|
This portal features 14 exemplary projects funded by the Strategic Growth Council's Sustainable Communities Planning Grant and Incentives Program. A total of 125 planning projects has been funded since 2010, resulting in significant changes in how communities conduct planning processes to achieve local and regional priorities while advancing the State's climate goals. By providing best practices and lessons learned, this report aims to empower other communities with approaches, methods, and tools to effectively chart their own plans. Among the featured projects is SACOG's Rural-Urban Connection Strategy and MTP implementation. (Link)
|
Geos Institute offers low-cost climate resilience support
|
To help local leaders build climate resilience at an affordable cost, the Geos Institute is launching the Climate Ready Communities program to ensure that communities of all sizes and wealth have effective climate resilience programs in place. In addition to a free planning guide, the Geos Institute is also offering a suite of support services available for a cost that includes tutorials and consulting, and are now seeking applications from communities interested in becoming one of 15 communities for the pilot phase. Deadline: March 15. (Link)
|
| EPA: $3 million available for 2018 Environmental Education Local Grant Program |
EPA will award three to four grants of $50,000 to $100,000 each for locally focused environmental education projects in each of the 10 EPA regions. This grant program supports projects that promote environmental awareness and stewardship and provide people with the skills to take responsible actions to protect the environment. The 2018 program includes support for projects that reflect the intersection of environmental issues with agricultural best practices, conservation, food waste management, and natural disaster preparedness. Deadline: March 15. (
EPA)
|
Hazard Mitigation Grant Programs: Wildfire risk mitigation
|
Funding is available through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) as a result of the December 2017 California wildfires. HMGP can fund eligible project and planning activities for as much as $3 million for eligible subapplicants. Please submit a Notice of Interest to the Governor's Office of Emergency Services by March 15, 11.59pm PST. (
Link)
|
Partner with CivicSpark and receive support for your climate work
|
CivicSpark, a Governor's Initiative AmeriCorps program, is now accepting project applications for the 2018-19 Service Year! The program is offering three thematic tracks: Climate (50 openings), Water (20 openings), and a new Opportunity Access track (20 openings) that will focus on affordable housing, alternative transportation, and rural broadband. The first priority deadline is March 16, and May 1 is the second deadline. (
Link)
|
Low Carbon Transit Operations Program
|
The Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP) provides funding for operating and capital costs for transit agencies to reduce greenhouse gas emission and improve mobility, with a priority on serving disadvantaged communities. Approved projects in LCTOP will support new or expanded bus or rail services, expand intermodal transit facilities, and may include equipment acquisition, fueling, maintenance and other costs to operate those services or facilities, with each project reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Deadline: March 30, 2018. (
Link)
|
Help us Honor our City of Trees and its Tree Heroes!
|
Help the Sacramento Tree Foundation recognize the people and projects that make TREEmendous contributions to the City of Trees by nominating a Tree Hero. Tree Heroes showcase the tree-healthy behaviors supported and promoted by the Sacramento Tree Foundation. Awardees will be recognized at the annual Tree Hero Awards Celebration on May 30, 2018. Please consider nominating a Tree Hero for one of several awards by April 1. (
Link)
|
Round 2 Solicitation Open for the Urban Greening Grant Program
|
The California Natural Resources Agency is announcing the open solicitation period for the Urban Greening Grant Program. Please read the Guidelines, Application, and Forms in their entirety for information on project eligibility, evaluation criteria, and submission requirements. Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend a technical workshop (February 14), which will include breakout sessions to provide guidance in preparing applications. Deadline: April 11 at 5:00 pm. (
CNRA)
|
Strategic Growth Council: Climate Change Research Program
|
The Strategic Growth Council has released the solicitation for the first round of its new Climate Change Research Program. Interested parties are encouraged to send written questions to research@sgc.ca.gov by 5pm on Monday, March 12. Deadline: 5pm on April 13, 2018. (
SGC)
|
PG&E: Better Together Resilient Communities Grant Program
|
PG&E established the Better Together Resilient Grant Program to invest $2 million over five years - or $400,000 per year - in shareholder-funded grants to support local initiatives to build greater climate resilience throughout Northern and Central California. In 2018, PG&E is requesting grant proposals around the theme of increased extreme heat events. Eligible projects include research, planning or demonstration projects that better prepare communities for a future with more frequent and extreme heat events. Eligible applicants must have a local government within PG&E's northern and central California service area as a partner. Deadline: May 11. (
Link)
|
Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Mini Grant Program
|
SACOG will award mini-grants of up to $3,000 per project in support of small events and non-infrastructure programs or projects that encourage biking, walking, riding transit, carpooling, vanpooling and teleworking, as options for reducing car trips and vehicles miles traveled. Projects that focus on testing a new strategy or tactic for changing travel behavior will be prioritized. Applications considered on a rolling basis until $30,000 has been awarded for each of two application phases. The first phase will run from January 16 through June 30, 2018. The second phase will open July 15 through December 31, 2018. (
Link)
|
| Webinar: Working with diverse communities
Thursday, March 8, 10-11.30am
|
Please join this Department of Energy Better Buildings Network Peer Exchange Call to discuss best practices and lessons learned from marketing strategies for various segments and communities. (Register)
|
| Forest Landscape Restoration and Water Peer Learning Session
Thursday, March 8, 11am-12.30pm
|
Recognizing the importance of Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Programs and other landscapes in providing high quality freshwater to downstream communities and instream biota, this webinar seeks to: 1) Discuss the effects on water quality, quantity, and timing from different forest management and restoration activities (thinning, prescribed fire, roads, etc.); 2) Enhance understanding of the regional variabilities in responses of water quality and quantity to forest management; and 3) Provide an overview of monitoring methods and case studies to better understand the link between forest management activities and water quality and quantity. (Link)
|
| CivicSpark 2018-19 Project Partner Informational Webinar
Friday, March 9, 9-10am, and Wednesday, March 14, 9.30-10.30am
|
Learn more about being a project partner with CivicSpark for the 2018-19 Service Year, and having a CivicSpark AmeriCorps member work on climate, water, or opportunity access projects in your community. This webinar will cover the program structure, application process and local match costs. (Link)
|
| ARCCA Learning Session: Safeguarding California
Friday, March 9, 1-2pm
|
The State of California's climate adaptation strategy, the Safeguarding California Plan, lays out a roadmap of everything state agencies are doing and will do to protect communities, infrastructure, services, and the natural environment from climate impacts. This webinar will highlight takeaways from the 2018 update and feature speakers from the Natural Resources Agency. (Register)
|
| CRC Quarterly Meeting: Adverse Childhood Experiences and Climate Change
Monday, March 12, 1-4pm
Sacramento County Primary Care Center, 4600 Broadway, 2/F Room PCC2020, Sacramento
|
This meeting will feature presentations and discussion on the public health and climate adaptation connection, and highlight how Adverse Childhood Experiences generated by climate change can affect the well-being and productivity of communities if left unaddressed. Participants will have the opportunity to hear from new CRC members and to share their adaptation efforts. (Register)
|
| Webinars: Transformational Resilience for climate traumas and toxic stresses
Tuesdays, March 13, 20, and 27, and April 3, noon-1pm
|
The International Transformational Resilience Coalition is offering a four-part webinar series to help individuals and groups constructively cope with the traumas and toxic stresses of climate impacts, and use them as catalysts to increase wellbeing. The webinars provide an overview of the Resilient Growth model that can build wellbeing and resilience in response to climate trauma, in the context of individuals, organizations, and communities. (Register)
|
| Webinar: The increasing connection between energy efficiency & real estate
Thursday, March 15, 10-11.30am
|
Please join this Department of Energy Better Buildings Network Peer Exchange Call to discuss ways energy efficiency programs can leverage real estate transactions and various aspects of home improvement to promote energy efficiency opportunities and encourage upgrades. (Link)
|
| The Regional Change Public Dialogue Series: Livability
Friday, March 16, 4.30-6.30pm
Sol Collective, 2574 21st Street, Sacramento
|
How do we make the Sacramento region more livable, healthy, and equitable? How can research be a resource to support these strategies? This event is presented by the UC Davis Center for Regional Change and features faculty from UC Davis. (Link)
|
| ARCCA Learning Session: Cost-Benefit Analysis for Sea Level Rise Adaptation Scenarios
Wednesday, March 21, 1-2pm
|
The Resilient Coastlines Project of Greater San Diego road-tested a NOAA framework for cost-benefit analysis through two local city case studies. This webinar will share lessons learned about applying the cost-benefit framework to a range of adaptation scenarios over time and communicating the cost-benefit, and local speakers will provide insight in its application in their sea level rise planning processes. (Link)
|
| Save the date for the 3rd California Adaptation Forum
August 27-29, 2018, Sacramento, CA
|
Join the Local Government Commission and the State of California at the 3rd California Adaptation Forum taking place August 27-29 (with pre-forum workshops on August 27), 2018, in Downtown Sacramento. The Forum gathers a multidisciplinary audience of 600+ climate leaders to foster knowledge exchange, innovation, and mutual support to transition from adaptation awareness to planning and action through a series of engaging plenaries, sessions, workshops, networking activities, and more. (
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.
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
