Preparing the Pacific Northwest for Climate Change : A Framework for Integrative Preparation Planning for Natural, Human, Built and Economic Systems
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Date
2008-02-04
Authors
Climate Leadership Initiative
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Institute for a Sustainable Environment, University of Oregon
Abstract
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.
Description
32 p.