Climate Leadership Initiative Publications

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https://hdl.handle.net/1794/13132

The Global Warming and Society program is focused on developing public education and communication strategies as well as promoting the Climate Change Resource Center, an initiative aimed at providing GHG quantifications for local governments and communities, municipal and regional assessments of socio-economic consequences of global warming and abrupt climate change, mitigation and adaptation policy analysis and program development and water and watershed management policy.

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Open Access
Abrupt Climate Change and the Economy: A survey with application to Oregon
(Resource Innovations, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, University of Oregon, 2006) Climate Leadership Initiative; Goodstein, Eban S., 1960-; Doppelt, Bob
The general warming of the Earth that is expected over the next century will have serious economic consequences for humans and natural ecosystems across the world. The Pacific Northwest is already experiencing adverse affects and more are likely the warmer it gets. [Resource Innovations (2005)] This will be true even if warming proceeds gradually. Globally, temperatures are expected to rise between 1◦ and 5◦ c (2◦-10◦ F) over the next hundred years. [IPCC (2001)] Regional warming is expected to be 5.4 ◦ F by mid-century. [Institute of Natural Resources (2004)] To put these numbers in perspective, during the last Ice Age, global temperatures averaged 9◦ F cooler than today, so a mid-range warming will approach a swing in global temperatures of Ice Age magnitude, only in the opposite direction. In Oregon, the most visible short run impacts will be felt through loss of snowpack and dramatic reductions in summer water supply for agriculture, and municipal and in-stream uses, as well as through sea level rise, and forest impacts. [Resource Innovations (2005)] This paper sketches the possibilities for more abrupt changes in the climate system, which would have potentially catastrophic impacts for the Oregon’s economy, and evaluates insurance motives for reducing global warming emissions in the state.
Open Access
Climate Change Health Preparedness in Oregon: an Assessment of Awareness, Preparation and Resource Needs for Potential Public Health Risks Associated with Climate Change
(2009-04) Climate Leadership Initiative; Oregon Coalition of Local Health Officials; Vynne, Stacy, 1979-; Doppelt, Bob
This report describes the findings of a survey of Oregon public health workers with the objective of determining their current knowledge of, level of preparation for, and the resources and training they believe are needed to respond to the health risks associated with climate change. The survey was distributed to public health workers across the state of Oregon in December 2008.
Open Access
Climate Change Preparedness of Oregon Municipal Water Providers in Snow-Transient Basins
(Institute for a Sustainable Environment, University of Oregon, 2007-11-30) Climate Leadership Initiative; Bartleson, Becca; Doppelt, Bob
In summer of 2007 the Climate Leadership Initiative (CLI) at the University of Oregon surveyed municipal water providers serving populations of over 4,500 people located within snow-transient basins in Oregon about their preparedness for the potential effects of climate change. Prior to the survey, maps were produced for CLI identifying low elevation watersheds in the state where slight temperature increases were likely to turn snow into rain, thus reducing snowpack and causing earlier snowmelt.1 Municipal water supplies in these "snow-transient basins" could experience changes to their water supply regimes if storage systems were not situated in locations capable of capturing rain runoff or if snowmelt occurring earlier in the year. The goals of the CLI survey were threefold: 1) to determine which water supply systems could potentially be at risk; 2) to determine the extent to which local providers were aware of the potential risks to their systems posed by rising temperatures; and 3) to ascertain how many providers had developed climate preparation plans or policies.
Open Access
Climate Communications and Behavior Change: A Guide for Practitioners
(2010) Climate Leadership Initiative; Pike, Cara; Doppelt, Bob; Herr, Meredith
Addressing global warming calls for changes in beliefs, assumptions and thinking about the environment, economy and our well-being. If you close your eyes and think about global warming, it is hard to picture. We can’t see carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases building up in the atmosphere. Carbon comes from endless sources, not just the obvious places that come to mind when we think about pollution such as smoke stacks. We hear the term global warming yet there are freak snowstorms and record low temperatures in places not expected. How can we get our head around a problem that we can’t see, touch or feel yet involves major risks to life on Earth as we know it?
Open Access
Climate Master Research Results
(Institute for a Sustainable Environment, University of Oregon, 2008-05-07) Climate Leadership Initiative; Mazze, Sarah, 1977-; Doppelt, Bob; Stockard, Jean; Shaddrick, Abbie
In a 2007 pilot in Eugene, Oregon, the University of Oregon’s Climate Leadership Initiative trained 50 community members who conducted 600 hours of volunteer outreach reaching 1250 people through a program we developed called the Climate Master program. A portion of those outreach hours consisted of performing household “climate consultations” in 85 homes. Results from a pre- and post-survey of the most active program participants showed an increase in energy efficient purchases and energy saving behaviors, use of alternative transportation, purchase of local foods, volunteering with organizations involved with climate change and talking to others about climate change, along with a decrease in purchase of disposable goods and meat eating. Through these actions and others, participants reduced their personal greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 4,317 pounds, or approximately two tons. According to self-reports in interviews and program evaluations, the actions also led to an increased sense of wellbeing, empowerment and good health for participants, with some saying the program changed their life. The pool of survey respondents included both those who participated in the 30-hour Climate Master training course and those who received household consultations from Climate Masters. Forty-two people responded to both the pretest and posttest regarding greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate-related behavior, while 135 people participated in the program at the level of survey respondents. Another 1100 were reached through outreach efforts by Climate Masters like tabling, public speaking and distributing compact florescent lightbulbs, the impact of which were not measured.
Open Access
Climate protection in Eugene, Springfield, and Lane County: an assessment of potential consequences, emission trends, and strategy options
(Dept. of Planning, Public Policy and Management, University of Oregon, 2005-04-15) Davis, Ethan; Bollig, Shaun R.; Vasepalli, Renuka; Sanghavi, Swati; Onsgaard, Greta; Melton, Bart; Luke, Nicole; Doppelt, Bob; LeVan, Shanda
This document is the outcome of an applied research project conducted by a graduate research seminar in global warming and abrupt climate change at the University of Oregon. The report begins by explaining global warming and abrupt climate change and the elements of local climate protection action plans. It then outlines the potential ecological and socio-economic consequences of climate change for the Northwest and Lane County, Oregon. The quantity and types of greenhouse gas emissions produced by the internal operations of the City of Eugene are then analyzed. The report closes with preliminary recommendations for ways the City of Eugene could enhance its greenhouse gas emission reduction efforts and provides examples of how other communities as well as private companies are approaching this task and the benefits they are finding from these efforts.
Open Access
Executive Summary: Preparing for Climate Change in the Klamath Basin of Southern Oregon and Northern California
(2010-01) Climate Leadership Initiative; Barr, Brian R.; Koopman, Marni E.; Williams, Cindy Deacon; Doppelt, Bob; Hamilton, Roger; Vynne, Stacy, 1979-
The Klamath Basin of southern Oregon and northern California is rich in history, culture, and natural resources. This report explores how the local communities and natural resources of the Klamath Basin are expected to be affected by climate change and identifies approaches to preparing for such changes. Many impacts from climate change are already becoming apparent, such as an increasing average global temperature, rising sea levels, earlier snow melt, loss of snow pack, and changing precipitation patterns and storm frequency. Without severe cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, these impacts and others will continue to accelerate and negatively affect local communities and natural resources. While efforts to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases are essential to prevent the most severe impacts, we must also take proactive steps to prepare for the impacts of climate change already inevitable due to emissions that have previously been released. This report is the result of a collaborative effort. The USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station developed projections for the potential future climate of the Klamath Basin. The University of Oregon’s Climate Leadership Initiative and the National Center for Conservation Science & Policy presented these projections to local leaders and experts in the Klamath Basin through a series of workshops. Leaders and experts used these climate projections to identify likely changes to natural (aquatic and terrestrial species and habitats), built (infrastructure), economic (agriculture, forestry, business, etc), human (health, educators, and emergency services), and tribal (resources of cultural and indigenous community importance) systems. The leaders and experts then developed recommended strategies and actions to prepare communities and natural resources for those changes.
Open Access
Impacts of Climate Change on Washington’s Economy : A Preliminary Assessment of Risks and Opportunities
(Department of Ecology and Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development, State of Washington, 2006-11) Bauman, Yoram; Doppelt, Bob; Mazze, Sarah, 1977-; Wolf, Edward C.; Climate Leadership Initiative; Washington Economic Steering Committee
In early 2006, Washington’s Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development and Department of Ecology commissioned the Climate Leadership Initiative (CLI) at the University of Oregon to analyze the current and likely future effects of global climate change on Washington’s economy. The assessment was launched at a symposium at SeaTac airport on May 4, 2006 at which scientists, economists, and stakeholders shared and discussed current research on the topic. With oversight from a steering committee comprising economists and scientists from Washington universities, the private sector, and government, a CLI research team spent six months evaluating research and information about the economic effects of climate change in Washington and the Pacific Northwest. The team reached three conclusions about the effects of climate change on Washington’s economy: 1. Climate change impacts are visible in Washington State and their economic effects are becoming apparent. 2. The economic effects of climate change in Washington will grow over time as temperatures and sea levels rise. 3. Although climate change will mean increasing economic effects, it also opens the door to new economic opportunities. Scientists expect the Pacific Northwest climate to warm approximately 0.5ºF every ten years over the next several decades, a rate more than three times faster than the warming experienced during the twentieth century.
Open Access
Literature review of the socioeconomic consequences of global warming and abrupt climate change in the Pacific Northwest
(Resource Innovations, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, University of Oregon, 2004-02) Vasepalli, Renuka; Onsgaard, Greta; LeVan, Shanda; Doppelt, Bob
This document examines some of the major research that has been conducted on the socio-economic consequences of global warming and abrupt climate change in the Pacific Northwest. The purpose is to: 1) identify and describe the research topics, methods, and conclusions that have been developed; and 2) to identify the gaps and future research needs related to understanding the potential range of socio-economic consequences of climate change in the Pacific Northwest. A majority of scientists and leading scientific organizations believe that human generated greenhouse gas emissions have contributed to a general warming trend of the earth’s climate. The environmental consequences of global warming in the Pacific Northwest may include, among other changes, reduced snowpack and thus less runoff from snow melt and reduced spring and summer streamflows; an increase in the intensity of storms and flooding concentrated in mid-winter months, drier and hotter summers, and sea level increase. The socio-economic studies reviewed in this document seek to understand and outline a range of possible socio-economic consequences resulting from these environmental changes. The study assess the potential consequences of climate change on agriculture, forests, estuaries and tidal marshes, salmon, the ocean and coastal communities, storm water and flooding, municipal and industrial water supplies, energy supplies, recreation, flooding, landslides, and human health impacts.
Open Access
Preparing for Climate Change in the Klamath Basin
(2010-03) Climate Leadership Initiative; Barr, Brian R.; Koopman, Marni E.; Williams, Cindy Deacon; Vynne, Stacy, 1979-; Hamilton, Roger; Doppelt, Bob; National Center for Conservation Science and Policy
The Klamath Basin of southern Oregon and northern California is rich in history, culture, and natural resources. This report explores how the local communities and natural resources of the Klamath Basin are expected to be affected by climate change and identifies approaches to preparing for such changes. Many of the impacts from climate change are already becoming apparent, such as an increasing average global temperature, rising sea levels, earlier snow melt, loss of snow pack, and changing precipitation patterns and storm frequency. Without severe cuts in greenhouse-gas emissions, these impacts and others will continue to accelerate and negatively affect local communities and natural resources. While efforts to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases are essential to prevent the most severe impacts, we must also take steps to prepare for the impacts of climate change already inevitable due to emissions that have previously been released.
Open Access
Preparing for Climate Change in the Upper Willamette River Basin of Western Oregon : Co-Beneficial Planning for Communities and Ecosystems
(2009-03) Climate Leadership Initiative; Doppelt, Bob; Hamilton, Roger; Deacon, Cindy; Koopman, Marni E.; Vynne, Stacy, 1979-
In the fall of 2008, the University of Oregon’s Climate Leadership Initiative (CLI) and the National Center for Conservation Science & Policy (NCCSP), in partnership with the Mapped Atmosphere-Plant-Soil-System (MAPSS) Team at the U.S. Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station, initiated a project to assess the likely consequences of climate change for the Upper Willamette River Basin. The Basin is defined as the region from the confluence of the McKenzie and Willamette rivers south and east to the headwaters of the South Fork Willamette, Middle Fork Willamette, and McKenzie rivers. This report outlines a framework for climate preparation activities in the Basin, but specific details, locations and issues will need to be addressed by other groups, community leaders, and scientists.
Open Access
Projected future conditions in the Lower Willamette River Subbasin of northwest Oregon: Clackamas, Multnomah & Washington counties
(2009-12) Climate Leadership Initiative; Hamilton, Roger; Doppelt, Bob; Adams, Steve; Vynne, Stacy, 1979-
This report is intended to provide an ecological overview of the Subbasin and localized projections of the consequences of climate change in the Lower Willamette Subbasin. It is provided to support climate preparedness and adaptation planning and policy development in the Lower Willamette. The climate change models presented in this report were mapped by scientists at the Oregon Climate Change Research Institute. The Climate Leadership Initiative at the University of Oregon helped develop this summary of the assessment.
Open Access
Projected future conditions in the Mid Willamette River Subbasin of western Oregon: Marion, Polk, Yamhill, Linn and Benton counties
(2010-02) Climate Leadership Initiative; Hamilton, Roger; Doppelt, Bob; Vynne, Stacy, 1979-
This report is intended to provide an ecological overview of the Subbasin and localized projections of the consequences of climate change in the Mid Willamette Subbasin. It is provided to support climate preparedness and adaptation, planning and policy development in the Mid Willamette. The climate change models presented in this report were mapped by scientists at the Oregon Climate Change Research Institute. The Climate Leadership Initiative at the University of Oregon helped develop this summary of the assessment.
Open Access
Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions through Behavioral Change : An Assessment of Past Research On Energy Use, Transportation and Water Consumption
(Institute for a Sustainable Environment, University of Oregon, 2009-01) Doppelt, Bob; Markowitz, Ezra M.; Climate Leadership Initiative
Behavioral changes are certain to be an important component in reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and combating climate change. However, relatively little research has been done to clarify what is known about the ability to motivate people to change their behavior in a way that reduces GHGs. This report provides a preliminary overview of the existing research on this critical question. It then provides a framework for thinking about how to plan and execute GHG reducing behavioral change interventions. This is not a comprehensive assessment. Instead, it highlights some of the most readily available relevant research on behavioral change and GHG reductions in three domains: energy use, transportation, and water consumption. Our intent is to offer a clear, simple, basic guide that can serve as a starting point for implementation of behavioral change programs and for further research into the topic.
Open Access
Researchers Map Impacts of Sea Level Rise in Oregon: Find That “Economically Reasonable” Policies To Reduce Global Warming Emissions Are Sound Investments
(Resource Innovations, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, University of Oregon, 2006-05-31) Climate Leadership Initiative; Goodstein, Eban S., 1960-; Doppelt, Bob
Researchers from Lewis and Clark College and the University of Oregon today released a report and maps describing the impacts of a potential catastrophic sea level rise in Oregon. The researchers found that a number of climate protection policies would be good investments to protect against the potential large scale impacts of sea level rise and other increasing risks posed by global warming.

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Browsing Climate Leadership Initiative Publications by Author "Doppelt, Bob"

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