Preparing the Pacific Northwest for Climate Change : A Framework for Integrative Preparation Planning for Natural, Human, Built and Economic Systems

32 p.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