Insurance Industry Awakening to Climate Risks

Insurance Industry Awakening to Climate Risks (Published February 2, 2012)
Source: KQED Radio
Climate Change Topics: Sea-Level and Flood Risks: FEMA or Insurance Industry Responses /
(Posted February 3, 2012)

Joint Front Range Climate Change Vulnerability Study

Joint Front Range Climate Change Vulnerability Study - "Incorporates a unified regional approach to assess changes in the timing and volume of hydrologic runoff that might be expected from several climate change scenarios for the years 2040 and 2070. Calibrates and implements two hydrologic models, the WEAP (Water Evaluation and Planning) model and the Sacramento Soil Moisture model. Also draws on historical streamflow data from the Colorado Water Conservation Board, regionally downscaled projections from the Bureau of Reclamation, and discussions with Western Water Assessment." (Published February 1, 2012)
Source: Water Research Foundation
Climate Change Topics: Models and Tools / Water supply, changes in supply, snowpack / Water utilities guidance /
(Posted February 3, 2012)

U.S. EPA National Water Program Strategy: Response to Climate Change 2010-2011 National and Regional Highlights of Progress

U.S. EPA National Water Program Strategy: Response to Climate Change 2010-2011 National and Regional Highlights of Progress - Summary of EPA's efforts to work with the water sector to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Includes many links to more information on EPA's web sites. (Published January 20, 2012)
Source: United States. Environmental Protection Agency
Climate Change Topics: Adaptation / Energy management and conservation / Greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction, mitigation / Water utilities guidance /
(Posted January 31, 2012)

Sea Water Intrusion by Sea-Level Rise: Scenarios for the 21st Century

Sea Water Intrusion by Sea-Level Rise: Scenarios for the 21st Century - "This study presents a method to assess the contributions of 21st-century sea-level rise and groundwater extraction to sea water intrusion in coastal aquifers. Sea water intrusion is represented by the landward advance of the 10,000 mg/L iso-salinity line, a concentration of dissolved salts that renders groundwater unsuitable for human use. A mathematical formulation of the resolution of sea water intrusion among its causes was quantified via numerical simulation under scenarios of change in groundwater extraction and sea-level rise in the 21st century. The developed method is illustrated with simulations of sea water intrusion in the Seaside Area sub-basin near the City of Monterey, California (USA), where predictions of mean sea-level rise through the early 21st century range from 0.10 to 0.90 m due to increasing global mean surface temperature. The modeling simulation was carried out with a state-of-the-art numerical model that accounts for the effects of salinity on groundwater density and can approximate hydrostratigraphic geometry closely. Simulations of sea water intrusion corresponding to various combinations of groundwater extraction and sea-level rise established that groundwater extraction is the predominant driver of sea water intrusion in the study aquifer. The method presented in this work is applicable to coastal aquifers under a variety of other scenarios of change not considered in this work. For example, one could resolve what changes in groundwater extraction and/or sea level would cause specified levels of groundwater salinization at strategic locations and times." (Loaiciga, H. A., et al., 2012, Ground Water) (Published February 25, 2011)
Climate Change Topics: California, Bay-Delta, local issues / Groundwater / Sea level rise / Water quality /
(Posted January 24, 2012)

It's Official: 2011 a Record-Breaking Year for Climate Extremes

It's Official: 2011 a Record-Breaking Year for Climate Extremes (Published January 20, 2012)
Source: KQED Radio
Climate Change Topics: Rain, precipitation, flooding / Temperature /
(Posted January 23, 2012)

National climate change strategy proposed for wildlife

National climate change strategy proposed for wildlife
Related Link: http://www.wildlifeadaptationstrategy.gov
(Published January 21, 2012)
Source: Los Angeles Times
Climate Change Topics: Threatened species, habitat, ecology /
(Posted January 23, 2012)

National Strategy Proposed to Respond to Climate Change's Impacts on Fish, Wildlife, Plants

National Strategy Proposed to Respond to Climate Change's Impacts on Fish, Wildlife, Plants
Related Link: http://www.wildlifeadaptationstrategy.gov/
(Published January 19, 2012)
Source: U.S. Dept. of the Interior
Climate Change Topics: Threatened species, habitat, ecology /
(Posted January 20, 2012)

National Fish, Wildlife & Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy

National Fish, Wildlife & Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy - "In an unprecedented collaborative effort, federal, state, and tribal partners with input from many other diverse groups from across the nation are working together to develop a common strategy to respond to these challenges. The National Fish, Wildlife, and Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy will provide a unified approach -- reflecting shared principles and science-based practices -- for reducing the negative impacts of climate change on fish, wildlife, plants, and the natural systems upon which they depend." Comment period until March 5, 2012. (Published January 20, 2012)
Source: United States. Dept. of the Interior
Climate Change Topics: Threatened species, habitat, ecology /
(Posted January 20, 2012)

World not quite as hot in 2011; ranks 11th warmest

World not quite as hot in 2011; ranks 11th warmest (Published January 20, 2012)
Source: Associated Press
Climate Change Topics: Temperature /
(Posted January 19, 2012)

Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions from Large Facilities

Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions from Large Facilities - Track emissions by place, by specific gases, by types of facility, by specific facility. Keywords: ghgdata (Published January 11, 2012)
Source: United States. Environmental Protection Agency
Climate Change Topics: Greenhouse gas (GHG) increases / Greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction, mitigation /
(Posted January 18, 2012)

Rising home insurance rates point to climate change

Rising home insurance rates point to climate change (Published January 17, 2012)
Source: Los Angeles Times
Climate Change Topics: Sea-Level and Flood Risks: FEMA or Insurance Industry Responses /
(Posted January 17, 2012)

Bay Area tries to rein in greenhouse gases with growth/transportation plans

Bay Area tries to rein in greenhouse gases with growth/transportation plans (Published December 31, 2011)
Source: Contra Costa Times
Climate Change Topics: California, Bay-Delta, local issues / Land Use, environmental management systems, and regulation / SB 375 /
(Posted January 3, 2012)

Fresno judge invalidates part of state's greenhouse gas law

Fresno judge invalidates part of state's greenhouse gas law (Published December 30, 2011)
Source: Fresno Bee
Climate Change Topics: AB 32 / California, Bay-Delta, local issues / Greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction, mitigation /
(Posted January 3, 2012)

Harsh Political Reality Slows Climate Studies Despite Extreme Year

Harsh Political Reality Slows Climate Studies Despite Extreme Year (Published December 25, 2011)
Source: New York Times
Climate Change Topics: Rain, precipitation, flooding / Research / Skepticism / Temperature / Wildfires /
(Posted December 27, 2011)

The Coming Mega Drought: The southwestern U.S. looks a lot like Australia before its nine-year dry spell

The Coming Mega Drought: The southwestern U.S. looks a lot like Australia before its nine-year dry spell (Published December 23, 2011)
Source: Scientific American
Climate Change Topics: Drought /
(Posted December 22, 2011)

Climate Change and San Francisco Bay-Delta Tidal Wetlands

Climate Change and San Francisco Bay-Delta Tidal Wetlands - "Climate change will affect tidal wetlands with higher rates of sea-level rise and higher concentrations of salt in brackish and freshwater tidal systems, in addition to causing increases in atmospheric CO2 concentration, warmer temperatures, and shifts in precipitation. In the San Francisco Bay-Delta, the areas most likely to be affected -- brackish and freshwater tidal wetlands -- are also the sites with the majority of endemic plant species and the greater biodiversity and productivity. Effects on the San Francisco Bay-Delta estuary are complex and difficult to predict, but a few things are clear. Biodiversity of the tidal wetland system in the San Francisco Bay-Delta region will decline, with subsequent effects on ecosystem functioning and services. Altered plant production, physiological tolerances, and shifts in rates of mortality will modify wetland plant communities in ways not yet predictable. Lower ecosystem productivity from salinity increases will affect both primary and detrital-based food webs. Such changes will cascade via the food webs into invertebrate, bird, and pelagic systems. Tidal wetlands are especially sensitive to processes that climate change will alter. Several of these altered processes are exacerbated by water diversions from the Delta." (Parker, V. T., et al., 2011, San Francisco Estuary and Watershed Science) (Published December 22, 2011)
Climate Change Topics: California, Bay-Delta, local issues / Threatened species, habitat, ecology /
(Posted December 22, 2011)

Jerry Brown, Arnold Schwarzenegger urge green energy policies

Jerry Brown, Arnold Schwarzenegger urge green energy policies (Published December 16, 2011)
Source: Sacramento Bee
Climate Change Topics: Adaptation / California, Bay-Delta, local issues / Energy management and conservation / Skepticism /
(Posted December 19, 2011)

Governor Jerry Brown kicks off California climate change conference with attack on 'deniers'

Governor Jerry Brown kicks off California climate change conference with attack on 'deniers' (Published December 16, 2011)
Source: San Jose Mercury News
Climate Change Topics: California, Bay-Delta, local issues / Rain, precipitation, flooding / Sea-Level and Flood Risks: FEMA or Insurance Industry Responses / Skepticism /
(Posted December 19, 2011)

Energy Efficiency Best Practices For North American Drinking Water Utilities

Energy Efficiency Best Practices For North American Drinking Water Utilities - "A compendium of best practices in the energy efficient design and operation of water industry assets. Compile(s) successful strategies to help water utilities reduce energy consumption in water transmission, treatment, storage, and distribution." (Published December 1, 2011)
Source: Water Research Foundation
Climate Change Topics: Energy management and conservation / Water utilities guidance /
(Posted December 19, 2011)

Take Your Pick: Wetter, Drier, and Hotter for California

Take Your Pick: Wetter, Drier, and Hotter for California (Published December 14, 2011)
Source: KQED Radio
Climate Change Topics: California, Bay-Delta, local issues / Energy management and conservation / Rain, precipitation, flooding / Temperature / Wildfires /
(Posted December 15, 2011)

Integrated Science Project Explores Bay-Delta Responses to Climate Change

Integrated Science Project Explores Bay-Delta Responses to Climate Change (Published December 11, 2011)
Source: Delta Stewardship Council
Climate Change Topics: California, Bay-Delta, local issues / Research /
(Posted December 12, 2011)

Climate deal doesn't make things worse -- or better

Climate deal doesn't make things worse -- or better (Published December 12, 2011)
Source: Associated Press
Climate Change Topics: Politics, laws, United Nations, etc. /
(Posted December 12, 2011)

Adapting to climate is vital to state's future (Opinion)

Adapting to climate is vital to state's future (Opinion) (Published December 10, 2011)
Source: Sacramento Bee
Climate Change Topics: Adaptation / California, Bay-Delta, local issues / Water supply, changes in supply, snowpack /
(Posted December 12, 2011)

A methodology for predicting future coastal hazards due to sea-level rise on the California Coast

A methodology for predicting future coastal hazards due to sea-level rise on the California Coast - "The erosion method relates shoreline change rates to coastal geology then applies changes in total water levels in exceedance of the toe elevation to predict future erosion hazards. Results predict 214 km2 of land eroded by 2100 under a 1.4 m sea level rise scenario." (Revell, D. L., et al., 2011, Climatic Change) (Published December 10, 2011)
Climate Change Topics: California, Bay-Delta, local issues / Sea level rise /
(Posted December 12, 2011)

NOAA Chief Wants Nation 'Weather-Ready' for More Extreme Events

NOAA Chief Wants Nation 'Weather-Ready' for More Extreme Events (Published December 8, 2011)
Source: KQED Radio
Climate Change Topics: Adaptation / Drought / Rain, precipitation, flooding / Temperature /
(Posted December 9, 2011)

Advocacy group's extreme weather map brings climate change home

Advocacy group's extreme weather map brings climate change home
Related Link: http://www.nrdc.org/health/extremeweather/
(Published December 9, 2011)
Source: Los Angeles Times
Climate Change Topics: Drought / Rain, precipitation, flooding / Temperature /
(Posted December 9, 2011)

Ignoring a global warning (Editorial)

Ignoring a global warning (Editorial) (Published December 9, 2011)
Source: Los Angeles Times
Climate Change Topics: Politics, laws, United Nations, etc. /
(Posted December 9, 2011)

Sounding the Waters: Is the Bay Area Prepared for Sea Level Rise?

Sounding the Waters: Is the Bay Area Prepared for Sea Level Rise? (Published December 8, 2011)
Source: KQED Radio
Climate Change Topics: California, Bay-Delta, local issues / Sea level rise /
(Posted December 9, 2011)

Can Rocks Really Store Enough CO2 to Keep it Out of the Atmosphere? (carbon sequestration)

Can Rocks Really Store Enough CO2 to Keep it Out of the Atmosphere? (carbon sequestration) (Published December 7, 2011)
Source: KQED Radio
Climate Change Topics: Greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction, mitigation /
(Posted December 8, 2011)

S.F. judge OKs cap and trade for emissions law

S.F. judge OKs cap and trade for emissions law (Published December 8, 2011)
Source: San Francisco Chronicle
Climate Change Topics: AB 32 / California, Bay-Delta, local issues / Greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction, mitigation /
(Posted December 8, 2011)

NASA: Climate Changes Coming Faster Than We Thought

NASA: Climate Changes Coming Faster Than We Thought (Published December 6, 2011)
Source: KQED Radio
Climate Change Topics: Greenhouse gas (GHG) increases /
(Posted December 7, 2011)

Calif. Takes Big Step Toward Greenhouse Gas Limits

Calif. Takes Big Step Toward Greenhouse Gas Limits (Published December 6, 2011)
Source: National Public Radio
Climate Change Topics: AB 32 / California, Bay-Delta, local issues / Greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction, mitigation /
(Posted December 7, 2011)

Risks and Markets for Ecosystem Services

Risks and Markets for Ecosystem Services - "Market-based environmental regulations (e.g., cap and trade, 'payments for ecosystem services') are increasingly common. However, few detailed studies of operating ecosystem markets have lent understanding to how such policies affect incentive structures for improving environmental quality. The largest U.S. market stems from the Clean Water Act provisions requiring ecosystem restoration to offset aquatic ecosystems damaged during development. We describe and test how variations in the rules governing this ecosystem market shift risk between regulators and entrepreneurs to promote ecological restoration. We analyze extensive national scale data to assess how two critical aspects of market structure -- (a) the geographic scale of markets and (b) policies dictating the release of credits -- affect the willingness of entrepreneurs to enter specific markets and produce credits. We find no discernible relationship between policies attempting to ease market entry and either the number of individual producers or total credits produced. Rather, market entry is primarily related to regional geography (the prevalence of aquatic ecosystems) and regional economic growth. Any improvements to policies governing ecosystem markets require explicit evaluation of the interplay between policy and risk elements affecting both regulators and entrepreneurial credit providers. Our findings extend to emerging, regulated ecosystem markets, including proposed carbon offset mechanisms, biodiversity banking, and water quality trading programs." (BenDor, T. K., et al., 2011, Environmental Science and Technology) (Published November 1, 2011)
Climate Change Topics: Ecosystem Services and Climate Change /
(Posted December 6, 2011)

The impact of climate change on California's ecosystem services

The impact of climate change on California's ecosystem services - "This study examines the impact of climate change on the terrestrial distribution and the subsequent production and value of two key ecosystem services in California: (1) carbon sequestration and (2) natural (i.e. non-irrigated) forage production for livestock. Under various scenarios of future climate change, we predict that the provision and value of ecosystem services decline under most, but not all, future greenhouse gas trajectories. The predicted changes would result in decreases in the economic output for the state and global economy and illustrate some of the hidden costs of climate change. Since existing information is insufficient to conduct impact analysis across most ecosystem services, a comprehensive research program focused on estimating the impacts of climate change on ecosystem services will be important for understanding, mitigating and adapting to future losses in ecosystem service production and the economic value they provide." (Shaw, M. R., et al., 2011, Climatic Change) (Published November 24, 2011)
Climate Change Topics: California, Bay-Delta, local issues / Ecosystem Services and Climate Change /
(Posted December 6, 2011)

Local governments address climate change

Local governments address climate change (Published December 5, 2011)
Source: Monterey County Herald
Climate Change Topics: Adaptation / California, Bay-Delta, local issues / Land Use, environmental management systems, and regulation / Sea level rise /
(Posted December 5, 2011)

Pollution from Asia shaping California storms

Pollution from Asia shaping California storms (Published December 5, 2011)
Source: San Diego Union Tribune
Climate Change Topics: California, Bay-Delta, local issues / Clouds, aerosols, air pollution, ozone, humidity / Rain, precipitation, flooding /
(Posted December 5, 2011)

A global cooling to the U.S. position on climate change

A global cooling to the U.S. position on climate change (Published December 4, 2011)
Source: Los Angeles Times
Climate Change Topics: Greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction, mitigation / Politics, laws, United Nations, etc. /
(Posted December 5, 2011)

The Greatest Water Crisis in the History of Civilization: Coming to the American West? (Opinion)

The Greatest Water Crisis in the History of Civilization: Coming to the American West? (Opinion) (Published December 5, 2011)
Source: Alternet
Climate Change Topics: Drought / Water supply, changes in supply, snowpack /
(Posted December 5, 2011)

Second California Assessment: integrated climate change impacts assessment of natural and managed systems. Guest editorial

Second California Assessment: integrated climate change impacts assessment of natural and managed systems. Guest editorial - "We provide here a brief introduction to the papers included in this Special Issue [on California] focusing on how they are coordinated and support each other. We describe the common set of downscaled climate and sea-level rise scenarios used in this assessment that came from six different global climate models (GCMs) run under two greenhouse gas emissions scenarios: B1 (low emissions) and A2 (a medium-high emissions). Recommendations for future state assessments, some of which are being implemented in an on-going new assessment that will be completed in 2012, are offered." (Franco, G., et al., 2011, Climatic Change) (Published December 1, 2011)
Climate Change Topics: Agriculture / California, Bay-Delta, local issues / Rain, precipitation, flooding / Sea level rise / Temperature / Water supply, changes in supply, snowpack /
(Posted December 5, 2011)

Algae blooms' sudden spread stumps scientists

Algae blooms' sudden spread stumps scientists (Published November 27, 2011)
Source: San Francisco Chronicle
Climate Change Topics: Water quality /
(Posted December 2, 2011)

WMO: 2011 one of hottest years on record

WMO: 2011 one of hottest years on record (Published November 28, 2011)
Source: Reuters
Climate Change Topics: Temperature /
(Posted December 2, 2011)

Federal-state partnership helps water managers plan for climate change

Federal-state partnership helps water managers plan for climate change
Related Link: http://www.water.ca.gov/climatechange/CCHandbook.cfm
(Published December 1, 2011)
Source: California Dept. of Water Resources
Climate Change Topics: California, Bay-Delta, local issues / Rain, precipitation, flooding / Sea level rise / Temperature / Water quality / Water supply, changes in supply, snowpack / Water utilities guidance /
(Posted December 1, 2011)

Stormwater Strategies: Cities Prepare Aging Infrastructure for Climate Change

Stormwater Strategies: Cities Prepare Aging Infrastructure for Climate Change - Projected increases in extreme precipitation are causing cities to re-examine their stormwater systems. (Kessler, R., 2011, Environmental Health Perspectives) (Published December 1, 2011)
Climate Change Topics: Rain, precipitation, flooding / Water quality / Water utilities guidance /
(Posted December 1, 2011)

Climate Change Handbook for Regional Water Planning

Climate Change Handbook for Regional Water Planning - "Developed cooperatively by DWR, The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Resources Legacy Fund, and The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Climate Change Handbook for Regional Water Planning provides a framework for considering climate change in water management planning. Key decision considerations, resources, tools, and decision options are presented that will guide resource managers and planners as they develop means of adapting their programs to a changing climate. The handbook uses DWR's Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) planning framework as a model into which analysis of climate change impacts and planning for adaptation and mitigation can be integrated." (Published December 1, 2011)
Source: California. Dept. of Water Resources
Climate Change Topics: Adaptation / California, Bay-Delta, local issues / Greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction, mitigation / Rain, precipitation, flooding / Sea level rise / Threatened species, habitat, ecology / Water quality / Water supply, changes in supply, snowpack / Water utilities guidance /
(Posted December 1, 2011)

Salt marshes confirmed as carbon sink

Salt marshes confirmed as carbon sink (Published November 25, 2011)
Source: Environmental Research Web
Climate Change Topics: Greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction, mitigation / Threatened species, habitat, ecology /
(Posted November 30, 2011)

Climate Change Ushers in New Era of Uncertainty for Water Resource Management

Climate Change Ushers in New Era of Uncertainty for Water Resource Management (Published November 30, 2011)
Source: Marten Law
Climate Change Topics: Water supply, changes in supply, snowpack /
(Posted November 30, 2011)

World temps maintain the heat of global warming

World temps maintain the heat of global warming (Published November 29, 2011)
Source: San Francisco Chronicle
Climate Change Topics: Temperature /
(Posted November 29, 2011)

California energy report says state can slash greenhouse gases by another 80 percent

California energy report says state can slash greenhouse gases by another 80 percent (Published November 25, 2011)
Source: Contra Costa Times
Climate Change Topics: California, Bay-Delta, local issues / Energy management and conservation / Greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction, mitigation /
(Posted November 28, 2011)

CO2 sensitivity possibly less than most extreme projections

CO2 sensitivity possibly less than most extreme projections (Published November 26, 2011)
Source: Los Angeles Times
Climate Change Topics: Greenhouse gas (GHG) increases / Research /
(Posted November 28, 2011)

Adapting California's water system to warm vs. dry climates

Adapting California's water system to warm vs. dry climates - "This paper explores the independent and combined effects of changes in temperature and runoff volume on California's water supply and potential water management adaptations. Least-cost water supply system adaptation is explored for two climate scenarios: 1) warmer-drier conditions, and 2) warmer conditions without change in total runoff, using the CALVIN economic-engineering optimization model of California's intertied water supply system for 2050 water demands." (Connell-Buck, C. R., et al., 2011, Climatic Change) (Published November 24, 2011)
Climate Change Topics: Adaptation / California, Bay-Delta, local issues / Water supply, changes in supply, snowpack /
(Posted November 28, 2011)

Current and future impacts of extreme events in California

Current and future impacts of extreme events in California - "In the next few decades, it is likely that California must face the challenge of coping with increased impacts from extreme events such as heat waves, wildfires, droughts, and floods. This study presents new projections of changes in the frequency and intensity of extreme events in the future across climate models, emissions scenarios, and downscaling methods, and for each California county. Consistent with other projections, this study finds significant increases in the frequency and magnitude of both high maximum and high minimum temperature extremes in many areas." (Mastrandrea, M. D., et al., 2011, Climatic Change) (Published November 24, 2011)
Climate Change Topics: California, Bay-Delta, local issues / Drought / Rain, precipitation, flooding / Temperature / Wildfires /
(Posted November 28, 2011)

Potential impacts of increased coastal flooding in California due to sea-level rise

Potential impacts of increased coastal flooding in California due to sea-level rise - "California is likely to experience increased coastal flooding and erosion caused by sea-level rise over the next century, affecting the state's population, infrastructure, and environment. As part of a set of studies on climate change impacts to California, this paper analyzes the potential impacts from projected sea-level rise if no actions are taken to protect the coast (a 'no-adaptation scenario'), focusing on impacts to the state's population and infrastructure. Heberger et al. (2009) also covered effects on wetlands, costs of coastal defenses, and social and environmental justice related to sea-level rise. We analyzed the effect of a medium-high greenhouse gas emissions scenario (Special Report on Emissions Scenarios A2 in IPCC 2000) and included updated projections of sea-level rise based on work by Rahmstorf (Science 315(5810): 368, 2007). Under this scenario, sea levels rise by 1.4 m by the year 2100, far exceeding historical observed water level increases. By the end of this century, coastal flooding would, under this scenario, threaten regions that currently are home to approximately 480,000 people and $100 billion worth of property. Among those especially vulnerable are large numbers of low-income people and communities of color. A wide range of critical infrastructure, such as roads, hospitals, schools, emergency facilities, wastewater treatment plants, and power plants will also be at risk. Sea-level rise will inevitably change the character of California's coast; practices and policies should be put in place to mitigate the potentially costly and life-threatening impacts of sea-level rise." (Heberger, M., et al., 2011, Climatic Change) Errata. (Published November 24, 2011)
Source: Pacific Institute
Climate Change Topics: California, Bay-Delta, local issues / Rain, precipitation, flooding / Sea level rise /
(Posted November 28, 2011)

Potential increase in floods in California's Sierra Nevada under future climate projections

Potential increase in floods in California's Sierra Nevada under future climate projections - "California's mountainous topography, exposure to occasional heavily moisture-laden storm systems, and varied communities and infrastructures in low lying areas make it highly vulnerable to floods. An important question facing the state -- in terms of protecting the public and formulating water management responses to climate change -- is 'how might future climate changes affect flood characteristics in California?' To help address this, we simulate floods on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the state's primary catchment, based on downscaled daily precipitation and temperature projections from three General Circulation Models (GCMs)." (Das, T., et al., 2011, Climatic Change) (Published November 24, 2011)
Climate Change Topics: California, Bay-Delta, local issues / Rain, precipitation, flooding / Water supply, changes in supply, snowpack /
(Posted November 28, 2011)

A simple technique for estimating an allowance for uncertain sea-level rise

A simple technique for estimating an allowance for uncertain sea-level rise - "Projections of climate change are inherently uncertain, leading to considerable debate over suitable allowances for future changes such as sea-level rise (an 'allowance' is, in this context, the amount by which something, such as the height of coastal infrastructure, needs to be altered to cope with climate change). Words such as 'plausible' and 'high-end' abound, with little objective or statistically valid support. It is firstly shown that, in cases in which extreme events are modified by an uncertain change in the average (e.g. flooding caused by a rise in mean sea level), it is preferable to base future allowances on estimates of the expected frequency of exceedances rather than on the probability of at least one exceedance. A simple method of determining a future sea-level rise allowance is then derived, based on the projected rise in mean sea level and its uncertainty, and on the variability of present tides and storm surges ('storm tides'). The method preserves the expected frequency of flooding events under a given projection of sea-level rise." (Hunter, J., 2011, Climatic Change) (Published November 23, 2011)
Climate Change Topics: Models and Tools / Sea level rise /
(Posted November 28, 2011)

Drought and rising temperatures will challenge state's farmers, experts say

Drought and rising temperatures will challenge state's farmers, experts say (Published November 23, 2011)
Source: Contra Costa Times
Climate Change Topics: Agriculture / California, Bay-Delta, local issues / Drought / Temperature /
(Posted November 23, 2011)

Greenhouse gases, water vapor and you

Greenhouse gases, water vapor and you (Published November 18, 2011)
Source: Los Angeles Times
Climate Change Topics: Clouds, aerosols, air pollution, ozone, humidity / Greenhouse gas (GHG) increases /
(Posted November 22, 2011)

UN Panel Says More Severe Weather On the Way

UN Panel Says More Severe Weather On the Way
Related Link: http://ipcc-wg2.gov/SREX/
(Published November 18, 2011)
Source: KQED Radio
Climate Change Topics: Adaptation / Global issues, human impacts / Rain, precipitation, flooding / Temperature /
(Posted November 21, 2011)

Climate changes in California come into focus

Climate changes in California come into focus (Published November 21, 2011)
Source: San Diego Union Tribune
Climate Change Topics: California, Bay-Delta, local issues / Threatened species, habitat, ecology / Water supply, changes in supply, snowpack /
(Posted November 21, 2011)

What will climate change mean for California?

What will climate change mean for California? (Published November 20, 2011)
Source: Sacramento Bee
Climate Change Topics: California, Bay-Delta, local issues / Threatened species, habitat, ecology / Water supply, changes in supply, snowpack /
(Posted November 21, 2011)

Special Report: Managing the Risks of Extreme Events and Disasters to Advance Climate Change Adaptation

Special Report: Managing the Risks of Extreme Events and Disasters to Advance Climate Change Adaptation - (Summary for policymakers released Nov. 2011, full report due in Feb. 2012) (Published November 18, 2011)
Source: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
Climate Change Topics: Adaptation / Global issues, human impacts / Rain, precipitation, flooding / Temperature /
(Posted November 21, 2011)

Rising Air Pollution Worsens Drought, Flooding, New Study Finds

Rising Air Pollution Worsens Drought, Flooding, New Study Finds (Published November 13, 2011)
Source: Science Daily
Climate Change Topics: Clouds, aerosols, air pollution, ozone, humidity / Drought / Rain, precipitation, flooding /
(Posted November 17, 2011)

Climate change: Sea rise could kill vital marshes

Climate change: Sea rise could kill vital marshes
Related Link: http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0027388
(Published November 17, 2011)
Source: San Francisco Chronicle
Climate Change Topics: California, Bay-Delta, local issues / Threatened species, habitat, ecology /
(Posted November 17, 2011)

Rising bay water could drown marshlands

Rising bay water could drown marshlands
Related Link: http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0027388
(Published November 17, 2011)
Source: Contra Costa Times
Climate Change Topics: California, Bay-Delta, local issues / Threatened species, habitat, ecology /
(Posted November 17, 2011)

Water Risks a Looming Iceberg for Global, California Business

Water Risks a Looming Iceberg for Global, California Business (Published November 16, 2011)
Source: KQED Radio
Climate Change Topics: Sea-Level and Flood Risks: FEMA or Insurance Industry Responses / Water-Supply Related Risks: Insurance Industry Responses /
(Posted November 17, 2011)

Flow regime, temperature, and biotic interactions drive differential declines of trout species under climate change

Flow regime, temperature, and biotic interactions drive differential declines of trout species under climate change - "Despite some uncertainty, large declines in trout habitat are likely, but our findings point to opportunities for strategic targeting of mitigation efforts to appropriate stressors and locations." (Wenger, S. J., et al., 2011, Proceedings of the National Academy of Science) (Published August 15, 2011)
Climate Change Topics: Threatened species, habitat, ecology /
(Posted November 17, 2011)

Evaluating Tidal Marsh Sustainability in the Face of Sea-Level Rise: A Hybrid Modeling Approach Applied to San Francisco Bay

Evaluating Tidal Marsh Sustainability in the Face of Sea-Level Rise: A Hybrid Modeling Approach Applied to San Francisco Bay - "Results suggest a bleak prognosis for long-term natural tidal marsh sustainability under a high-SLR scenario. To minimize marsh loss, we recommend conserving adjacent uplands for marsh migration, redistributing dredged sediment to raise elevations, and concentrating restoration efforts in sediment-rich areas. To assist land managers, we developed a web-based decision support tool (www.prbo.org/sfbayslr)." (Stralberg, D., et al., 2011, PLoS One) (Published November 16, 2011)
Climate Change Topics: California, Bay-Delta, local issues / Threatened species, habitat, ecology / Sea level rise /
(Posted November 17, 2011)

Climate induced thermocline change has an effect on the methyl mercury cycle in small boreal lakes

Climate induced thermocline change has an effect on the methyl mercury cycle in small boreal lakes - "The results demonstrate that in-lake MeHg production can be manipulated in small lakes with anoxic hypolimnia during summer. The climate change induced changes in small boreal lakes most probably affect methyl mercury production and depend on the lake characteristics and stratification pattern. The results support the hypothesis that possible oxygen related changes caused by climate change are more important than possible temperature changes in small polyhumic lakes with regularly occurring oxygen deficiency in the hypolimnion." (Verta, M., et al., 2010, Science of the Total Environment) (Published June 7, 2010)
Climate Change Topics: Water quality /
(Posted November 17, 2011)

Global Warming, in Color

Global Warming, in Color (Published November 14, 2011)
Source: KQED Radio
Climate Change Topics: Temperature /
(Posted November 15, 2011)

Climate Change Adaptation: Federal Efforts to Provide Information Could Help Government Decision Making

Climate Change Adaptation: Federal Efforts to Provide Information Could Help Government Decision Making - "This testimony addresses (1) the data challenges that federal, state, and local officials face in their efforts to adapt to a changing climate, (2) the actions federal agencies could take to help address these challenges, and (3) federal climate change strategic planning efforts. The information in this testimony is based on prior work, largely on GAO's recent reports on climate change adaptation (GAO-10-113) and federal climate change funding (GAO-11-317)." (Published November 16, 2011)
Source: United States. Government Accountability Office
Climate Change Topics: Research / Water utilities guidance /
(Posted November 15, 2011)

A Climate of Change (12-min. video)

A Climate of Change (12-min. video) (Published November 7, 2011)
Source: California Dept. of Water Resources
Climate Change Topics: California, Bay-Delta, local issues / Rain, precipitation, flooding / Sea level rise / Water supply, changes in supply, snowpack / Wildfires / Adaptation /
(Posted November 14, 2011)

Greenhouse gases climbing, federal report finds

Greenhouse gases climbing, federal report finds
Related Link: http://www.esrl.noaa.gov/gmd/aggi/
(Published November 11, 2011)
Source: Los Angeles Times
Climate Change Topics: Greenhouse gas (GHG) increases /
(Posted November 14, 2011)

Increase of Extreme Events in a Warming World

Increase of Extreme Events in a Warming World - "We find that the number of record-breaking events increases approximately in proportion to the ratio of warming trend to short-term standard deviation. Short-term variability thus decreases the number of heat extremes, whereas a climatic warming increases it. For extremes exceeding a predefined threshold, the dependence on the warming trend is highly nonlinear. We further find that the sum of warm plus cold extremes increases with any climate change, whether warming or cooling. We estimate that climatic warming has increased the number of new global-mean temperature records expected in the last decade from 0.1 to 2.8. For July temperature in Moscow, we estimate that the local warming trend has increased the number of records expected in the past decade fivefold, which implies an approximate 80% probability that the 2010 July heat record would not have occurred without climate warming." (Rahmstorf, S. and D. Coumou, 2011, Proceedings of the National Academy of Science) (Published September 27, 2011)
Climate Change Topics: Rain, precipitation, flooding / Temperature /
(Posted November 14, 2011)

Marshes on the Move: A Manager's Guide to Understanding and Using Model Results Depicting Potential Impacts of Sea Level Rise on Coastal Wetlands

Marshes on the Move: A Manager's Guide to Understanding and Using Model Results Depicting Potential Impacts of Sea Level Rise on Coastal Wetlands - (NOAA and Nature Conservancy, Oct. 2011) (Published October 31, 2011)
Source: United States. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Climate Change Topics: Sea level rise / Threatened species, habitat, ecology /
(Posted November 14, 2011)

San Francisco Plans for Sea Level Rise

San Francisco Plans for Sea Level Rise (Published November 7, 2011)
Source: KQED Radio
Climate Change Topics: California, Bay-Delta, local issues / Sea level rise /
(Posted November 10, 2011)

New IPCC Report Connects Extreme Weather to Climate Change--and Forecasts More (Opinion)

New IPCC Report Connects Extreme Weather to Climate Change--and Forecasts More (Opinion) (Published November 3, 2011)
Source: Natural Resources Defense Council
Climate Change Topics: Rain, precipitation, flooding /
(Posted November 10, 2011)

Are birds getting bigger because of global climate change?

Are birds getting bigger because of global climate change? (Published November 8, 2011)
Source: Los Angeles Times
Climate Change Topics: Threatened species, habitat, ecology /
(Posted November 10, 2011)

IEA: Time running out to limit earth's warming

IEA: Time running out to limit earth's warming (Published November 9, 2011)
Source: Contra Costa Times
Climate Change Topics: Greenhouse gas (GHG) increases /
(Posted November 9, 2011)

What's the Price of Climate Change? $14 Billion in Lost Lives and Healthcare

What's the Price of Climate Change? $14 Billion in Lost Lives and Healthcare (Published November 8, 2011)
Source: Scientific American
Climate Change Topics: Economic aspects, Costs / Global issues, human impacts /
(Posted November 8, 2011)

Global carbon dioxide output soars in 2010

Global carbon dioxide output soars in 2010 (Published November 4, 2011)
Source: San Francisco Chronicle
Climate Change Topics: Greenhouse gas (GHG) increases /
(Posted November 4, 2011)

Climate change effect on Delta detailed in new study

Climate change effect on Delta detailed in new study
Related Link: http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0024465
(Published November 3, 2011)
Source: Contra Costa Times
Climate Change Topics: California, Bay-Delta, local issues / Rain, precipitation, flooding / Sea level rise / Threatened species, habitat, ecology / Water quality / Water supply, changes in supply, snowpack /
(Posted November 3, 2011)

Govt. Study Affirms Delta Fears, Water Risks for California

Govt. Study Affirms Delta Fears, Water Risks for California (Published November 2, 2011)
Source: KQED Radio
Climate Change Topics: California, Bay-Delta, local issues / Rain, precipitation, flooding / Sea level rise / Water quality / Water supply, changes in supply, snowpack /
(Posted November 3, 2011)

Flash Forward 100 Years: Climate Change Scenarios in California's Bay-Delta

Flash Forward 100 Years: Climate Change Scenarios in California's Bay-Delta (Published November 2, 2011)
Source: U.S. Geological Survey
Climate Change Topics: California, Bay-Delta, local issues / Threatened species, habitat, ecology / Water supply, changes in supply, snowpack /
(Posted November 3, 2011)

USGS Study Describes Climate Change Impacts for Bay-Delta

USGS Study Describes Climate Change Impacts for Bay-Delta (Published November 2, 2011)
Source: Association of California Water Agencies
Climate Change Topics: California, Bay-Delta, local issues / Threatened species, habitat, ecology / Water supply, changes in supply, snowpack /
(Posted November 3, 2011)

Panel says wild weather worsens

Panel says wild weather worsens (Published November 2, 2011)
Source: Associated Press
Climate Change Topics: Drought / Rain, precipitation, flooding / Temperature /
(Posted November 2, 2011)

Consequences of Global Climate Change: Water Quality Impacts, Ecological Impacts & Nonlinear Responses

Consequences of Global Climate Change: Water Quality Impacts, Ecological Impacts & Nonlinear Responses - Papers from a Sept. 2011 conference on "Nonlinear Responses to Global Change in Linked Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecosystems and Effects of Multiple Factors on Terrestrial Ecosystems: A Joint Research Solicitation between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) ; Ecological Impacts from the Interactions of Climate Change, Land Use Change and Invasive Species: A Joint Research Solicitation between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) ; Consequences of Global Change for Water Quality." (Published September 21, 2011)
Source: United States. Environmental Protection Agency
Climate Change Topics: Threatened species, habitat, ecology / Water quality /
(Posted November 2, 2011)

National Action Plan: Priorities for Managing Freshwater Resources in a Changing Climate

National Action Plan: Priorities for Managing Freshwater Resources in a Changing Climate - Interagency report on what the federal government can do to help assure adequate water supplies. (October 2011) (Published October 28, 2011)
Source: United States. White House Council on Environmental Quality
Climate Change Topics: Rain, precipitation, flooding / Threatened species, habitat, ecology / Water quality / Water supply, changes in supply, snowpack / Water utilities guidance /
(Posted November 1, 2011)

California coastal management with a changing climate

California coastal management with a changing climate - "With over 2,000 miles (3,218 km) of ocean and estuarine coastline, California faces significant coastal management challenges as a result of climate change-induced sea level rise. Under high emission scenarios, recent models predict 1.4 m or more of sea level rise by 2100, accompanied by increasing storm surges. This article investigates the most important issues facing coastal managers, explores the policy tools available for adapting to the impacts of climate change, assesses institutional constraints to adaptation, and identifies priorities for future research and policy action. We find that adaptation tools exist for dealing with anticipated increases in coastal erosion and flooding, but they involve significant costs and tradeoffs. In particular, coastal armoring, such as seawalls, can protect developed coastal lands, but destroys beaches and habitat. Although California already has policies and institutions that aim to balance the competing objectives for coastal development, management agencies are at the early stages of understanding how to facilitate adaptation. Research priorities to inform coastal adaptation planning include: (i) inventorying coastal resources to provide a firmer basis for balancing decisions on property and habitat protection, (ii) identifying opportunities for coastal habitat migration, (iii) assessing the vulnerabilities of existing and planned coastal infrastructure, and (iv) experimenting with alternatives to armoring as a way of managing the changing coastline." (Hanak, E. and G. Moreno, 2011, Climatic Change) (Published October 25, 2011)
Climate Change Topics: Adaptation / California, Bay-Delta, local issues / Sea level rise /
(Posted November 1, 2011)

Federal Actions for a Climate Resilient Nation: Progress Report of the Interagency Climate Change Adaptation Task Force

Federal Actions for a Climate Resilient Nation: Progress Report of the Interagency Climate Change Adaptation Task Force - What the Executive Branch of the federal government is doing. (Published October 28, 2011)
Climate Change Topics: Adaptation / Global issues, human impacts / Rain, precipitation, flooding / Research / Sea level rise / Sea-Level and Flood Risks: FEMA or Insurance Industry Responses / Threatened species, habitat, ecology / Water supply, changes in supply, snowpack /
(Posted November 1, 2011)

How climate change will hit home (Opinion)

How climate change will hit home (Opinion) (Published October 30, 2011)
Source: Sacramento Bee
Climate Change Topics: California, Bay-Delta, local issues / Drought / Rain, precipitation, flooding / Water supply, changes in supply, snowpack /
(Posted October 31, 2011)

California Governor Plans Year-End Climate Conference

California Governor Plans Year-End Climate Conference (Published October 27, 2011)
Source: KQED Radio
Climate Change Topics: California, Bay-Delta, local issues / Sea level rise / Water supply, changes in supply, snowpack /
(Posted October 28, 2011)

A Source of CO2 that Might Surprise You; That babbling brook out back has been holding out on you

A Source of CO2 that Might Surprise You; That babbling brook out back has been holding out on you (Published October 26, 2011)
Source: KQED Radio
Climate Change Topics: Greenhouse gas (GHG) increases /
(Posted October 27, 2011)

State and Local Guide to U.S. EPA Climate and Energy Resources

State and Local Guide to U.S. EPA Climate and Energy Resources - Summary of EPA programs, such as Climate Ready Water Utilities and Climate Ready Estuaries (Published October 3, 2011)
Source: United States. Environmental Protection Agency
Climate Change Topics: Energy management and conservation / Water utilities guidance /
(Posted October 25, 2011)

Berkeley Earth Surface Temperature

Berkeley Earth Surface Temperature - Study to reassess global warming using 1.6 billion temperature reports. In its analysis released Oct. 2011, the team found 1 degree C of warming since the mid-1950s. (Published October 20, 2011)
Source: University of California, Berkeley
Climate Change Topics: Research / Temperature /
(Posted October 25, 2011)

Conservation and management of ecological systems in a changing California

Conservation and management of ecological systems in a changing California - "Climate change in California is altering habitat conditions for many species and exacerbating stress from other factors such as alien invasive species, pollution, and habitat fragmentation. However, the current legal and planning framework for species protection does not explicitly take climate change into account. The regulatory framework is primarily reactive, kicking in only after species' health is gravely threatened. Neither federal nor state regulations require forward-looking, climate-sensitive species or ecosystem protection plans. Habitat planning is poorly funded and often piecemeal. In this context, the wrong lands may be protected, with development allowed to occur in areas that would be most beneficial for species conservation in the future. A more forward-looking approach to habitat conservation is needed, one based on a statewide strategy to identify and protect critical habitat areas, including corridors to enable species migration. The approach would also require development of assessment indicators and assistance strategies not dependent on current habitat structure, and a governance structure to implement regular, periodic updates of management plans in relation to agreed-upon performance indicators. Such a strategy should integrate habitat conservation planning with other state and regional plans and objectives, such as for transportation infrastructure, urban development, and mitigation of climate change." (Barbour, E. and L. M. Kueppers, 2011, Climatic Change) (Published October 15, 2011)
Climate Change Topics: California, Bay-Delta, local issues / Threatened species, habitat, ecology /
(Posted October 25, 2011)

Cooling the Warming Debate: Major New Analysis Confirms That Global Warming Is Real

Cooling the Warming Debate: Major New Analysis Confirms That Global Warming Is Real
Related Link: http://www.berkeleyearth.org/findings.php
(Published October 21, 2011)
Source: Science Daily
Climate Change Topics: Research / Temperature /
(Posted October 24, 2011)

Have Floods Changed with Increasing CO2 Levels?

Have Floods Changed with Increasing CO2 Levels? (Published October 24, 2011)
Source: U.S. Geological Survey
Climate Change Topics: Rain, precipitation, flooding /
(Posted October 24, 2011)

State's cap and trade program gets final approval

State's cap and trade program gets final approval (Published October 21, 2011)
Source: San Francisco Chronicle
Climate Change Topics: AB 32 / California, Bay-Delta, local issues / Greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction, mitigation /
(Posted October 21, 2011)

California approves carbon trading system to combat global warming

California approves carbon trading system to combat global warming (Published October 21, 2011)
Source: Sacramento Bee
Climate Change Topics: AB 32 / California, Bay-Delta, local issues / Greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction, mitigation /
(Posted October 20, 2011)

Government report calls for climate data integration

Government report calls for climate data integration (Published October 18, 2011)
Source: American Water Works Association
Climate Change Topics: Research /
(Posted October 20, 2011)

Wave of state actions could hike water rates; Possible air board vote, future projects mean more long-term costs

Wave of state actions could hike water rates; Possible air board vote, future projects mean more long-term costs (Published October 19, 2011)
Source: San Diego Union Tribune
Climate Change Topics: AB 32 / California, Bay-Delta, local issues / Greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction, mitigation /
(Posted October 20, 2011)

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