Climate Mitigation and Adaptation News September 6, 2019

A biweekly newsletter of the Capital Region Climate Readiness Collaborative

This September, as leaders gather in New York for a climate summit, civil society – led by youth – will also be gathering on September 20 across the globe for the world’s largest global climate strikes to demand immediate, ambitious climate action. The youth recognize the importance   of presenting solutions that protect us from our changing climate, and preserving where we live for our own generation and the ones that follow. If you are passionate about a healthy environment for tomorrow's generation, please consider joining a climate strike near you. Join CRC at our upcoming webinar with ecoAmerica on Public Participation: How to Authentically Communicate about Climate using Research-Tested Tools on September 26th! Register. CRC members: Register today for CRC's Annual All-Members Forum on September 23rd! Register.

News

Valley Vision announces a major effort to empower at-risk communities

The havoc of natural disasters inevitably falls heaviest upon people who are socially isolated or live in poverty, have language barriers, or other access or functional needs challenges. The difference between life and death often comes down to having access to timely information in a way that can be practically understood and then acted upon. Valley Vision has been selected through a competitive process to work with the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and California Volunteers on “Listos (Ready) California,” which will organize hundreds of local non-profit and government agencies. The initiative will be responsible for reaching over one million disadvantaged and socially isolated Californians so that they, their families, and their communities are better prepared for natural disasters. ( Valley Vision ) Photo: Bill Mueller

How Latinos can help in the fight against climate change

Latinos are truly on the front lines of climate change. Construction, farming, manufacturing all draw heavily on Latino workers, and they are at greater risk when they must work in extreme weather conditions. In the context of changing climate, this pronounced inequality in healthcare has wrought terrible consequences on Latino families as well. Fortunately, Latinos in California are uniquely positioned to make a difference. ( CalMatters )

We aren’t terrified enough about losing the Amazon

With fires raging in the Brazilian Amazon this year, media reports have resurfaced a scary scenario known as “the Amazon dieback.” The idea is that a certain level of deforestation will push the world’s largest rainforest to a tipping point, where spiraling feedback effects convert much of the forest into savannah. That would be a monumental catastrophe. Like other climate tipping points, which are unpredictable and essentially irreversible once reached, we should err on the side of caution. A recent study stated that as little as 20% to 25% deforestation could begin to trigger such changes. So far, at least 17% of the Amazon has already been lost. “We believe that the sensible course is not only to strictly curb further deforestation, but also to build back a margin of safety against the Amazon tipping point, by reducing the deforested area to less than 20%, for the commonsense reason that there is no point in discovering the precise tipping point by tipping it.” ( MIT Technology Review ) Photo: AP Photo/Victor R. Caivano

The Amazon cannot be recovered once it’s gone

As a store of carbon, the Amazon is fundamental to the survival of every person. If destroyed or degraded, the Amazon, as a system, is simply beyond humanity’s ability to get back: Even if people were to replant half a continent’s worth of trees, the diversity of creatures across Amazonia, once lost, will not be replenished for roughly 10 million years. And that is 33 times longer than Homo sapiens, as a species, has existed. ( The Atlantic )

How to rebuild after a disaster: Move, don’t rebuild, study suggests

What should communities do as climate change escalates threats like sea-level rise? Until now, much of the focus has been on disaster response, with very little discussion of orderly, strategic retreat from areas at risk. But a paper published in the journal Science makes a case that, sometimes, retreating from nature instead of fighting it can actually open up new opportunities for communities. The new paper lays out ways communities could practice managed retreats that would address their broader needs. If communities could practice strategic retreats, the study says, doing so would not only reduce the need for people to choose among bad options, but also improve their circumstances. ( NYT ) Photo: Karsten Moran for The New York Times

Homelessness is already a crisis—but climate change makes it much worse

In a new report, the Center for American Progress analyses how responses to disasters like wildfires and floods have so far failed to consider how the dual crises of extreme weather and the shortage of affordable homes are impacting already vulnerable people. The CAP report makes the case that decades of disinvestment in affordable housing will compound in disaster for low-income communities affected by climate change—so the country should now be addressing both crises together. ( Fast Company )

Climate crisis reducing land’s ability to sustain humanity, says IPCC

The climate crisis is damaging the ability of the land to sustain humanity, with cascading risks becoming increasingly severe as global temperatures rise, according to a landmark UN report compiled by some of the world’s top scientists. Continued destruction of forests and huge emissions from cattle and other intensive farming practices will intensify the climate crisis, making the impacts on land still worse. However, action now to allow soils and forests to regenerate and store carbon, and to cut meat consumption by people and food waste, could play a big role in tackling the climate crisis. Human activity now affects directly nearly three-quarters of ice-free land. The report recommends strong action from governments and business, including ending deforestation and enabling new forests to grow, reforming farming subsidies, supporting small farmers and breeding more resilient crops. Consumers in rich nations could act immediately by reducing their consumption of intensively produced meat and dairy foods – products that have a huge environmental impact. ( Guardian ) Photo: Andre Penner/AP

The air conditioning trap: how cold air is heating the world

The warmer it gets, the more we use air conditioning. The more we use air conditioning, the warmer it gets. Is there any way out of this trap? The global dominance of air conditioning was not inevitable. As recently as 1990, there were only about 400m air conditioning units in the world, mostly in the US. Originally built for industrial use, air conditioning eventually came to be seen as essential, a symbol of modernity and comfort. Then air conditioning went global. Today, as with other drivers of the climate crisis, we race to find solutions – and puzzle over how we ended up so closely tied to a technology that turns out to be drowning us. ( Guardian )

Menlo Park will require most commercial buildings to be all-electric

The Menlo Park City Council decided to adopt reach codes that would require the vast majority of new nonresidential buildings to be all-electric. While the council initially recommended an exception for for-profit restaurants, it ultimately agreed to eliminate the exception. Staff members reported that they had conducted market research and argued that using electric induction stoves is an increasing trend in the food service industry; they are safer, two to three times more efficient, and offer higher performance than gas and traditional electric cooktops. Switching to all-electric systems can offer major savings in construction and operational costs. ( Almanac )

Wealthy nations won’t be spared economic climate impacts, new study finds

Failing to adequately address climate change could do significant damage to the U.S. economy and to global markets by the end of the century, new research shows. The study, published in the National Bureau of Economic Research , is among the most comprehensive to focus on the sheer scope of potential impacts, emphasizing that climate change will have severe implications for even very wealthy nations. In a “business as usual” scenario, the US faces a 10.5% decline in real GDP by 2100. But in a scenario where we reach the Paris climate goals, global GDP loss could be limited to around 1.1%, and the US’s GDP would decline less than 2%. ( Think Progress )

Death, blackouts, melting asphalt: ways the climate crisis will change how we live

US cities, where more than 80% of the nation’s population lives, are disproportionately hit by climate changes, not only because of their huge populations but because of their existing – often inadequate – infrastructure. Here are the main ways that US cities are affected by climate change, and examples of what actions cities are taking to respond. ( Guardian ) Photo: Bloomberg/Bloomberg via Getty Images

What it means to be human in an age of climate change

We don’t often take to heart the full implications of climate change. When we do, we may find ourselves feeling profoundly unsettled, questioning the ways we have made meaning of our place in the cosmos, on our old Earth, and in our own lives. Every now and then an essay comes along that can help illuminate such philosophical explorations – and, in so doing, strengthen and deepen our spirit. Consider these. ( Yale Climate Connections )

A Step-by-Step Guide to Fighting Climate Change.

When people ask what they can do personally to fight climate change, the advice they get is normally not all that great. Riding your bike, avoiding drinking straws, eating less meat, boiling water more efficiently or undertaking any number of personal lifestyle actions is unlikely on its own to lead to the massive and immediate economic changes scientists calculate are required to avoid catastrophe. Reducing your comparatively tiny personal carbon footprint won't help, and in fact it could be counterproductive, some experts argue, because it distracts you from the need for systemic change. Here are five practical strategies. ( VICE )

Tools & Resources

Mapping Resilience: A Blueprint for Thriving in the Face of Climate Disasters

Developed by the Asian Pacific Environmental Network, the Mapping Resilience report aims to raise the public visibility of the needs of frontline communities within statewide climate adaptation and resilience efforts. The report provides key existing indicators, data, tools, and analytical frameworks for understanding the intersection of climate impacts, health and well-being outcomes, socioeconomic vulnerability, and adaptive capacity factors; and anticipated uses of indicators to advance key fields and policies, as well as opportunities for working with other nonprofits, academic institutions, and public agencies. ( APEN )

Playbook 1.0: How Cities Are Paying for Climate Resilience

This report identifies eight distinct strategies cities are using to pay for large-scale climate-resilience projects, mostly to address sea level rise and flooding. The report takes a close look at how eight US cities in seven states have been organizing the funding needed to implement their ambitious climate-resilience plans. ( Link )

Making Equity Real in Climate Adaption and Community Resilience Policies and Programs

The Greenlining Institute released a Guidebook offering policymakers a blueprint on how to operationalize equity in state polices and grant programs focused on climate adaptation and resilience. To prioritize the climate change and resilience needs of frontline communities and address historical neglect, California must move beyond embracing equity to making it real. This requires centering community needs and building social equity into the very fabric of policies and grant programs that focus on climate adaptation and resilience. ( Greenlining )

Upcoming Opportunities

Survey for Local Governments – Call for Participation

If you work for a local government in California, the California Governor's Office of Planning and Research (OPR) hopes you'll participate in its Specific Plan Survey and its Climate Action Capacity Survey. By completing the surveys, you help inform OPR's work so that it can best support local planning across the state. ( OPR )

Local Jurisdictions Adaptation and Resiliency Planning: SB 379

The Governor's Office of Planning and Research is conducting a mini-survey to learn about local adaptation and resiliency efforts. The results of this survey will help our office understand how local jurisdictions are meeting SB 379, as well as their obstacles, questions, and innovative strategies. SB 379 requires every local government in California to incorporate climate into the Safety Element of their General Plan, or by reference in other plans. ( SurveyMonkey )

Eco-Adapt Health and Climate Change Survey

EcoAdapt is assessing the state of climate adaptation planning and implementation for climate-related threats to health. This survey aims to assess the needs of health professionals working to prepare for and respond to multiple stresses, including climate change. The survey intends to assess understanding of climate change impacts among health professionals, and identify activities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from climate-related challenges. ( Survey )

Cal-Adapt User Survey

Cal-Adapt wants to hear from you! The Cal-Adapt team continually strives to make its climate data visualizations, interpretation, and download tools more useful. This survey will expand the team's understanding of who uses Cal-Adapt and why, to expand the tools available, build a seamless user experience, and support climate adaptation across California. Please fill out a survey to let us know what tools would help you understand climate change. ( Cal-Adapt )

Tribal Training Support for the Community and Tribal Air Quality Programs

EPA is requesting applications from eligible entities to provide training and technical support to tribes and the tribal community. The training and technical support should be designed to develop and/or enhance the capacity of tribes to successfully implement efficient and effective air quality management programs. Deadline: September 20, 2019. ( Grants.gov )

RFP: Technical Assistance Provider for Transformative Climate Communities Program

The Strategic Growth Council is releasing a Request for Proposals to enlist a technical assistance provider to help applicants for the Transformative Climate Communities grant program. If your team has experience providing technical assistance to applicants for State grant programs, as well as expertise in affordable housing, workforce development, and greenhouse gas reduction quantification methodologies, we’d love to hear from you. Deadline: September 20. ( SGC )

Bureau of Reclamation: Water Reclamation and Reuse Research

This funding opportunity invites entities to submit research proposals that address water supply challenges by establishing or expanding the use of water reclamation and reuse, improving existing water reuse facilities, and/or streamlining the implementation of state-of-the-art technology for new facilities. Deadline: September 23. ( USBR )

USDA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative - Sustainable Agricultural Systems Grant

The program seeks creative and visionary applications that take a systems approach, and that will significantly improve the supply of abundant, affordable, safe, nutritious, and accessible food, while providing sustainable opportunities for expansion of the bioeconomy. These approaches must demonstrate current and future social, behavioral, economic, health, and environmental impacts. Deadline: Sept. 26. ( USDA )

California Air Resources Board: Community Air Grant

This grant program will support community-based organizations to work actively with local governments to identify, evaluate, and reduce air pollution and exposure to harmful emissions in their communities. The program will help support AB 617, which established a community-based framework to improve air quality and reduce exposure to toxic air pollutants in California communities most impacted by air pollution. Deadline: Sept. 30. ( CARB )

Local Foods, Local Places 2019-2020 Grant

Local Foods, Local Places helps communities revitalize neighborhoods through development of local food systems. The program aims to support projects that create livable, walkable, economically vibrant main streets and mixed-use neighborhoods; boost economic opportunities for local farmers and main street businesses; and improve access to healthy, local food, especially among disadvantaged populations. The program will provide communities planning assistance that centers around a two-day community workshop. Communities with projects in federal Opportunity Zones will receive special consideration. Deadline: 5pm ET, September 30. ( EPA )

Recreational Trails and Greenways Grant Program

All projects must provide non-motorized recreational infrastructure development and enhancements that promote new or alternate access to parks, waterways, outdoor recreational pursuits, and forested or other natural environments to encourage health-related active transportation and opportunities for Californians to reconnect with nature. An in-person/webcast workshop will be held in Sacramento on September 25. Deadline: October 11. ( CNRA )

Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Grants

The Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program was created to support the California Department of Transportation’s (Caltrans) Mission: Provide a safe, sustainable, integrated and efficient transportation system to enhance California’s economy and livability. Projects should benefit the multimodal transportation system and achieve other community benefits such as improving equity, public health, and the environment. Deadline: October 11 at 5pm. ( Link )

Urban Flood Protection Program Draft Guidelines

The California Natural Resources Agency is releasing for public comment its draft guidelines for the Urban Flood Protection grant program. This program will fund multi-benefit projects in urbanized areas to address flooding. The program will emphasize and give priority to projects that serve severely disadvantaged communities. A public hearing will be held in Sacramento on October 2. Deadline: October 14. ( CNRA )

WaterSMART Drought Response Program: Drought Resiliency Projects

This grant invites states, tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, and other organizations with water or power delivery authority 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 supplies; improve water management; and provide benefits for fish, wildlife, and the environment to mitigate impacts caused by drought. Deadline for FY 2020 funding: October 16. ( Grants.gov )

CARB: Grant Solicitation for the Clean Mobility in Schools Pilot Project

The California Air Resources Board has released a competitive grant solicitation to implement the Clean Mobility in Schools Pilot Project. This solicitation is open to California public school districts and County offices of education that operate at least one school, located in a disadvantaged community. The grant offers school communities an opportunity to showcase their ability to create meaningful spaces that inspire future generations, realize impactful air quality improvements, and develop real solutions to the climate crisis. Deadline: 5pm, Monday, October 21. ( CARB )

National Institutes of Health Funding Opportunity – Environmental Influences on Aging: Effects of Extreme Weather & Disaster Events on Aging Populations

This funding opportunity announcement (FOA) aims to advance our understanding of the impact of extreme weather and disaster events on aging human populations. Together with companion FOA PAR- 19-249 that focuses on underlying mechanisms of aging utilizing animal models, these two FOAs will help to explicate the behavioral, biological, and socioecological processes that occur during extreme weather or disaster events and that affect aging processes. The goal is to improve the health and well-being of older adults via increased knowledge about extreme weather and disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Deadline: Nov. 4. ( NIH )

American Geophysical Union: Thriving Earth Exchange

The American Geophysical Union (AGU)’s Thriving Earth Exchange is seeking several US communities interested in advancing their priorities through collaborative science. For example, communities have worked with AGU scientists to develop a drought vulnerability assessment; assess flood vulnerability of a food distribution center; and save millions in unnecessary remediation costs when creating a recreational park. Join over 98 communities that are advancing their priorities in climate resilience, pollution, natural resource management, or natural hazards! Learn more about our program here . Applications for the December cohort are considered on a rolling basis until 15 November 2019. ( Thriving Earth Exchange )

SB 2: $123 million available for Housing Planning Grants

The Department of Housing and Community Development has $123 million available under the SB2 Planning Grants Program (PGP). The PGP will help local governments prepare, adopt, and implement plans that accelerate housing production; streamline the approval of housing development affordable to owner and renter households at all income levels; facilitate housing affordability, particularly for lower- and moderate-income households; and promote development consistent with the State Planning Priorities. This a is a non-competitive, over-the-counter grant program. Applications will be accepted until November 30, 2019. ( HCD )

Upcoming Events

2019 Sacramento ACT Environmental Justice Fundraiser Saturday, September 7, 12.30-3.30pm South Sacramento Christian Church, 7710 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento

Rev. Dr. Ambrose Carroll is an ordained Baptist minister, Pastor of the church by the side of the road in Berkeley, and the Co-Founder of the Green the Church Campaign. His work is to educate church leaders and religious academics on biblical teachings that support the green movement and to create green ministries in churches. He seeks to ensure that the new green economy is inclusive and that communities of color are at the forefront of the movement. Join us for a wonderful event full of information, light refreshments and good company. ( Tickets )

Webinar – Killer Heat in the United States: The Future of Dangerously Hot Days Monday, September 9, 10.15-11.45am PDT

The United States is facing a potentially staggering expansion of dangerous heat over the coming decades. A Union of Concerned Scientist analysis, “Killer Heat in the United States,” shows the rapid, widespread increases in extreme heat that are projected to occur due to climate change, including conditions so extreme that a heat index cannot be measured. Join report authors to learn more about the report methodology, projections and concepts for adaptation. ( Register )

Webinar: Energy Resilience in the Age of Climate Change  Tuesday, September 10, 10-11am

Extreme weather and wildfires are impacting energy infrastructure across the country. Emerging technologies such as behind-the-meter energy storage and intelligent software can help anticipate outages and keep the power flowing. Experts will address how companies are planning for climate risks that could challenge energy infrastructure, arguments that bolster the business case for resiliency, and distributed energy resources that ensure continuity of operations. ( Register )

Webinar: Power to the People with Minigrids Wednesday, September 11, 10.15-11.45am

Universal access to modern energy services is a prerequisite for poverty eradication and an enabler of human and economic development. However, that requires equity investments in impoverished communities. Who would make those investments and is it possible to structure them to recover capital costs and get a return on the investment? ( Register )

Webinar: Equity in Smart Mobility Thursday, September 12, 10-11.30am

The smart mobility revolution is here, and holds the promise to reduce emissions and make it easier than ever before for people to efficiently and cheaply get where they need to go. While smart mobility creates opportunities, is it maintaining, or even increasing, existing inequities in our transportation systems? ( Register )

Webinar: Local Energy Codes: Tools for Reaching Your Climate Action Goals Monday, September 16, 10-11.15am

Reach codes (local energy ordinances) are one of the tools local governments can use to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as well as save energy and money. This webinar will discuss the local goals that can be addressed with reach codes, including decarbonization, and will provide an overview of various reach code strategies and options local governments can consider. ( Register )

Webinar: Children's Environmental Health Network Education to Action Series Monday, September 16, 10-11am

This webinar will highlight two leaders and organizations who work to mobilize advocates towards creating and defending healthy and just communities, where all children and future generations will have the greatest chance to achieve wellness and reach their full potential. ( Register )

Event/Webinar: Improving Energy Efficiency in Existing Buildings Wednesday, September 18, 8.30am-12pm Bay Area Metro Center, 375 Beale Street, San Francisco

Improving the energy efficiency of existing buildings will be a vital part of addressing climate change. This event will focus on tools local governments can use to reduce energy use and GHG emissions from existing residential buildings, such as climate action plans, benchmarking, time-of-sale ordinances, reach codes, and incentives. (Registration: webinar or in-person event )

Global Climate Strike / Global Week of Climate Action September 20

This September, millions of us will walk out of our workplaces and homes to join young climate strikers on the streets and demand an end to the age of fossil fuels. Our house is on fire — let’s act like it. We demand climate justice for everyone. Find a climate strike near you or organize your own, and get some graphics. In addition, 350 Sacramento is also organizing other events for the Global Week of Climate Action. ( Global Climate Strike)

Webinar: How to Effectively Communicate About Climate Using Research-Tested Tools Thursday, September 26th, 10-11am

Join the Capital Climate Readiness Collaborative and ecoAmerica for an interactive webinar on how to effectively engage constituents on climate change. ( Register )

California's Active Transportation Program: Getting Started Thursday, September 26, 11am-noon

The Safe Routes Partnership is hosting a webinar series to encourage jurisdictions to apply for Cycle 5 of the Active Transportation Program and provide insight from successful applicants. The first webinar in the series, Getting Started, will focus on identifying communities in need, understanding the gaps in your biking and walking network, and building a team. ( Register )

Cleantech Meetup: Bringing Cleantech to Disadvantaged Communities Thursday, September 26, 5.30-8.30pm Hacker Lab, 2533 R St., Suite 120, Sacramento

Cleantech Meetup is a technology-focused monthly gathering that features presentations about products and technologies from companies already in operation as well as early-stage startups. This month's focus is on bringing clean tech to disadvantaged communities, with speakers from SMUD, the California Energy Commission, and The Greenlining Institute. ( Eventbrite )

APA Sacramento Valley Speaker Series: Making Communities Stronger Through Housing Affordability – Focus on ADUs Friday, September 27, 8.30-10.30am West Sacramento Community Center, 1075 West Capitol Ave, West Sacramento

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are an innovative, affordable, and effective option for adding much-needed housing in California. How can communities encourage the development of ADUs? The American Institute of Architects California has developed a website to assist homeowners. Come learn about the new website, discuss real life challenges, and discover how local governments are addressing ADU issues, including impact fees, entitlements, policy and financing options, and potential code and regulatory changes. Cost: $20-$30. ( SVSAPA )

Getting to Zero Forum October 9-11, 2019, Oakland

The Getting to Zero Forum is a solutions-focused event dedicated to a zero energy and zero carbon built environment. Continuing the work of the Global Climate Action Summit, the Forum has a specific focus on scaling energy and zero-carbon buildings by developing tangible pathways for building owners, cities, communities, and states to meet their energy and climate goals, boost economic growth, and achieve the goals set out in the Paris Agreement. ( Register )

Mayors’ Climate Commission High School Student Climate Change Summit Saturday, October 19, 9am-1pm River City High School, 1 Raider Lane, West Sacramento

West Sacramento Mayor Cabaldon and Sacramento Mayor Steinberg invite the region’s high school students to share your vision of a sustainable future. Join us to learn how climate change is affecting our community, meet high school students from our area, and brainstorm actions to reach carbon zero by 2045. ( Register )

Active Transportation Program 2019 Symposium  October 29-30, Ziggurat, 707 3rd Street, West Sacramento

This symposium will share and gather information on relevant active transportation topics and issues and allow stakeholders to connect with the State in an alternate setting. The symposium will showcase inspiring speakers, engaging panel sessions, and provide networking opportunities. Topics will include benefits, equity, safety, and non-infrastructure projects. ( 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 .