Climate Leadership Initiative Publications

Permanent URI for this collection

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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Now showing 1 - 20 of 38

Open Access
Ready for Change : Preparing Public Health Agencies for the Impacts of Climate Change
(2010-05) Climate Leadership Initiative; Oregon Coalition of Local Health Officials
Global climate change poses a significant and emerging threat to public health.1 Drought, heat waves, flooding, storm damage and disease are all exacerbated by climate change. Across the globe, hundreds of thousands of deaths annually have been directly linked to the changing climate. It is also indirectly affecting the health of a comparable number of people each year. With programs that reach across a variety of sectors and populations, the public health community can play a pivotal role in preparing communities to cope with the serious and urgent health consequences of climate change. For instance, increased instances of heat illness, spread of vector- and water-borne disease, and heightened mental health stresses. Public health agencies can also set an example for their community by actively reducing the greenhouse gas emissions generated by their facilities and operations that contribute to changes in the global climate. In 2008, the University of Oregon’s Climate Leadership Initiative and the Oregon Coalition of Local Health Officials surveyed Oregon public health departments on their knowledge of climate change, the impacts on public health, actions being taken to prepare for these impacts, and resource needs to take action. Many respondents expressed an interest in taking action to prepare their departments and communities for climate change, but felt they did not have the knowledge, tools, financial or staffing capacity, or organizational commitment to do so. This manual is a response to those concerns. It provides guidance on how to prioritize and implement the operational changes that allow public agencies to prepare their employees and communities for climate change. Additionally, it provides guidance about how to demonstrate and communicate a commitment to reducing risks and building resilience.
Open Access
Leading By Example : Emission Reductions in Public Health Agencies
(2010-05) Climate Leadership Initiative; Oregon Coalition of Local Health Officials
Climate change poses a significant and emerging threat to public health.1 Drought, heat waves, flooding, and disease are all exacerbated by climate change. Across the globe, hundreds of thousands of deaths annually have been directly linked to a changing climate, while also indirectly affecting the health of a comparable number of people each year. In 1995, for example, a six-day heat wave in Chicago resulted in 525 heat-related fatalities, 208 deaths from health problems further complicated by heat exposure, and thousands of hospitalizations from heat-related symptoms.2 Public health agencies and organizations can play a vital role in helping to prepare the public for these kinds of impacts, as well as reducing emissions that lead to further changes in our global climate. They are particularly well equipped to serve the most vulnerable populations in our communities such as low-income families who face disproportionate impacts of climate change, while having fewer resources to respond to these changes. In addition to the physical changes that will result from a changing climate, climate change and rising energy prices also have the potential to exacerbate social and health inequities. This manual is a response to those concerns. It provides guidance on how to prioritize and implement the operational changes that allow public agencies to shrink their climate impact, and it also provides guidance about how to demonstrate a commitment to a healthy future.
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
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
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
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
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
An Overview of Potential Economic Costs to Washington of a Business-As-Usual Approach to Climate Change
(2009-02-17) Climate Leadership Initiative; Niemi, Ernest G.; Buckley, Mark; Neculae, Cleo; Reich, Sarah
Extensive research shows that Washington and other western states already have experienced noticeable changes in climate and predicts that more change will occur in the future.1 Much of this change is having and will continue to have negative economic consequences. Some negative effects are readily recognized: warmer stream temperatures during summer stressing salmon and trout populations, prolonged drought destroying farmers’ crops, and rapidly growing insect populations attacking trees. In response, families, businesses, and communities are considering actions that would reduce the emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) that contribute to climate change. Amid all this activity, many have concluded that such actions should not be undertaken because their costs are too great. They reach this conclusion, however, without first seeing what the costs would be of not taking these actions and allowing climate change to continue unabated.
Open Access
An Overview of Potential Economic Costs to Oregon of a Business-As-Usual Approach to Climate Change
(2009-02-17) Climate Leadership Initiative; Niemi, Ernest G.; Buckley, Mark; Neculae, Cleo; Reich, Sarah
Extensive research shows that Oregon and other western states already have experienced noticeable changes in climate and predicts that more change will occur in the future.1 Much of this change is having and will continue to have negative economic consequences. Some negative effects are readily recognized: warmer stream temperatures during summer stressing salmon and trout populations, prolonged drought destroying farmers’ crops, and rapidly growing insect populations attacking trees. In response, families, businesses, and communities are considering actions that would reduce the emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) that contribute to climate change. Amid all this activity, many have concluded that such actions should not be undertaken because their costs are too great. They reach this conclusion, however, without first seeing what the costs would be of not taking these actions and allowing climate change to continue unabated.
Open Access
An Overview of Potential Economic Costs to New Mexico of a Business-As-Usual Approach to Climate Change
(2009-02-17) Climate Leadership Initiative; Niemi, Ernest G.; Buckley, Mark; Neculae, Cleo; Reich, Sarah
Extensive research shows that New Mexico and other western states already have experienced noticeable changes in climate and predicts that more change will occur in the future.1 Much of this change is having and will continue to have negative economic consequences. Some negative effects are readily recognized: warmer stream temperatures during summer stressing fish populations, prolonged drought destroying farmers’ crops, and rapidly growing insect populations attacking trees. In response, families, businesses, and communities are considering actions that would reduce the emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) that contribute to climate change. Amid all this activity, many have concluded that such actions should not be undertaken because their costs are too great. They reach this conclusion, however, without first seeing what the costs would be of not taking these actions and allowing climate change to continue unabated.
Open Access
Climate Master Handbook: A guide to shrinking your climate footprint and motivating others to do the same
(2009) Climate Leadership Initiative; Mazze, Sarah, 1977-
This handbook is intended for participants in the Climate Master training program. It is designed to provide a basic level of knowledge for each of the topic areas covered. At the end of each section you will find local resources and supplementary activities to deepen your understanding of the topic as it relates to your own life and to help you reduce your personal greenhouse-gas emissions and motivate others to do the same.
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
Climate Master Handbook: A Step-by-Step Guide to Help People Curb Their Household Climate Impact
(2009) Climate Leadership Initiative
Global warming is the most pressing issue facing the world today. The latest report from the largest group of scientists ever to study an issue, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), states that greenhouse-gas emissions must peak by 2015 and decrease by 80 percent or more by 2050 in order to avoid dramatic temperature increases and the severe economic, social, and environmental impact that would accompany such increases. According to the IPCC, making this shift requires action within the next two to three years at all levels of society.
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
SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT Responses To Common Challenges To Climate Science
(2009-01) Climate Leadership Initiative
A good deal of misinformation has appeared in recent months challenging the reality, causes and trajectory of human-induced climate change. This document provides scientifically credible responses to some of the most commonly heard challenges.
Open Access
Climate Master Training Handbook : A guide to shrinking your climate footprint and motivating others to do the same
(Institute for a Sustainable Environment, University of Oregon, 2008) Climate Leadership Initiative
This handbook is intended for participants in the Climate Master training program. It is designed to provide a basic level of knowledge for each of the topic areas covered. At the end of each section you will find local resources and supplementary activities to deepen your understanding of the topic as it relates to your own life and to help you reduce your personal greenhouse-gas emissions.
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
Preparing the Pacific Northwest for Climate Change : A Framework for Integrative Preparation Planning for Natural, Human, Built and Economic Systems
(Institute for a Sustainable Environment, University of Oregon, 2008-02-04) Climate Leadership Initiative
This framework is the result of our research as well as meetings with and feedback from experts and stakeholders in four defined sectors that are projected to be affected in various ways and degrees by climate change in the Pacific Northwest. The meetings, surveys, and analyses were conducted over the summer and the fall of 2007 by the Climate Leadership Initiative at the University of Oregon as part of its long-term climate preparation program. The four sectors include: 1) natural systems, defined for the purposes of this project as ecosystems and biodiversity; 2) built systems, defined as buildings, road, energy and water systems and other critical infrastructure; 3) human systems, defined as public health, emergency management, and social service functions; and 4) economic systems, defined as forestry, agriculture, high tech and other industries. Preparing each of these sectors for climate change is important for its own sake. Just as important is the integration of each of the preparation efforts because activities in one will affect activities in others. The development of this framework was co-sponsored by Oregon Governor Kulongoski's Climate Change Integration Group, an advisory committee appointed by the governor charged with making recommendations on climate change impacts, mitigation and preparation strategies. Many of the principle guidelines, strategies, policies and data needs identified herein have been delivered to the Governor and the new State of Oregon Global Warming Commission. However, this framework is intended to assist climate preparation efforts by public agencies, non-profits and private companies throughout the Pacific Northwest. We will also use it to guide our efforts to develop ecoregion specific climate preparation and adaptation strategy and policy recommendations. Note that the information and findings in this document will be expanded and refined as the project unfolds, with many more people representing different fields, organizations states and geographic areas involved. A series of "Climate Future Forums" are planned in different climate and ecological zones of the Northwest for this purpose. The goal is to test, refine and finalize the framework and develop specific policy and programmatic recommendations for preparing natural, built, human, and economic systems for climate change.
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 Masters : Blaze a path to climate action
(Institute for a Sustainable Environment, University of Oregon, 2008) Climate Leadership Initiative
The Climate Leadership Initiative developed a highly successful model for educating citizens about climate change and engaging them in activities in their household and community to help resolve the issue. That model, initiated as a research project, includes two primary components: the Climate Masters train-the-trainer course and the household climate consultations conducted by trained climate masters.