1. Climate Change Adaptation: Ideas, Tips, and Resources for Effective Communication Lesley Jantarasami US EPA, Office of Air & Radiation National Tribal Forum May 2, 2013

2. Starting the Climate Conversation We know that many tribes are on the front lines of climate change. Climate change adaptation is about preparing for current and projected changes in climate. The first step in adaptation planning is to build and maintain support for taking action.

3. Ideas & Tips for Communicating on Climate Adaptation Effective communication is key to building and maintaining support to prepare for climate change. But where to begin? Lessons learned and best practices are still evolving, but early examples have common themes. Photo: USFWS/Gary Peeples

4. Take a Global Issue…

5. …and make it local Photo: USFWS/Steve Hillebrand

6. Make the Message Manageable Climate adaptation is a response to changes that are already occurring and are expected to continue –Acknowledge that it is a long-term issue –But avoid getting bogged down with what will happen 100 years from now Focus on local information, near-term impacts of climate change, and near-term benefits of being prepared Goal is to leave your audience with impression that adaptation is both achievable and desirable

7. Emphasize the Economics Planning for future changes can benefit tribal government today. Proactive planning is more effective and less costly than reacting to impacts as they occur. It’s like insurance for an uncertain future. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” →Prevention Pays →‘No Regrets’ Actions →Risk Management / Disaster Preparedness

8. Integrate Cultural Values Frame the issue or “story” for local culture Consider Traditional Ecological Knowledge –Example: Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Photos: Mark Henle/The Arizona Republic →Better future →Health, Safety, and Well-Being →Security for Air, Water, Food →Sustainability of Livelihoods and Culture

9. Photo: USDA Implementation Tips Seek buy-in early and often Get local, credible messengers on board Set milestones; take step-by-step Be ready for windows of opportunity –As appropriate, use climate-related events to communicate need to adapt –Integrate with existing planning processes Photo: Ontario MNR

10. U.S. EPA Resources U.S. EPA Climate Change Website Accessible scientific information about the causes and impacts of climate change www.epa.gov/climatechange www.epa.gov/climatechange Specific information about the impacts and adaptation options by region and sector for the U.S. www.epa.gov/climatechange/impacts-adaptation/www.epa.gov/climatechange/impacts-adaptation/ U.S. EPA Climate Change Indicators Report EPA report on set of 26 indicators used to track the signs of climate change www.epa.gov/climatechange/science/indicators/index.html www.epa.gov/climatechange/science/indicators/index.html U.S. EPA State and Local Climate and Energy Program Website Links to state adaptation plans, resources, and tools www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/state/topics/impacts-adaption.html www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/state/topics/impacts-adaption.html Climate adaptation webcasts on impacts, planning frameworks, and federal resources http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/web-podcasts/local-webcasts.html#adap1 http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/web-podcasts/local-webcasts.html#adap1 Other U.S. EPA Programs Climate Ready Estuaries water.epa.gov/type/oceb/cre/index.cfmwater.epa.gov/type/oceb/cre/index.cfm Climate Ready Water Utilities water.epa.gov/infrastructure/watersecurity/climate/index.cfm water.epa.gov/infrastructure/watersecurity/climate/index.cfm

11. Other Resources Preparing for Climate Change: A Guidebook for Local, Regional, and State Governments. By the Climate Impacts Group; King County, Washington; and ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability USA. http://www.cses.washington.edu/db/ pdf/snoveretalgb574.pdf http://www.cses.washington.edu/db/ pdf/snoveretalgb574.pdf ITEP’s Tribal Climate Change Adaptation Plan Template. Available upon request from Sue Wotkyns. (susan.wotkyns@nau.edu)susan.wotkyns@nau.edu CAKE – Climate Adaptation Knowledge Exchange Case studies, virtual library, online community www.cakex.orgwww.cakex.org ICLEI – Free adaptation resources, adaptation training, ADAPT Tool, regional impacts www.icleiusa.org/climate_and_energy/Climate_Adaptation_Guidance National Wildlife Federation – Guidebooks and reports on conservation-focused adaptation strategies http://www.nwf.org/What-We-Do/Energy-and-Climate/Climate-Smart-Conservation/Adaptation-Reports.aspx Facing the Storm: Indian Tribes, Climate-Induced Weather Extremes, and the Future for Indian Country, 2011 http://www.bia.gov/cs/groups/xnifc/documents/text/idc015951.pdfhttp://www.bia.gov/cs/groups/xnifc/documents/text/idc015951.pdf Natural Resource Defense Council Climate Change and Health http://www.nrdc.org/health/climate/http://www.nrdc.org/health/climate/ U.S. Global Change Research Program National Climate Assessment, data, reports www.globalchange.gov/www.globalchange.gov/

12. Acknowledgements Cara Pike, The Social Capital Project / Climate Access Nancy Gilliam, Model Forest Policy Program / Climate Solutions University Gwen Griffith, Cumberland River Compact / Climate Solutions University Contact Information Lesley Jantarasami Office of Air & Radiation Office of Atmospheric Programs Climate Change Division Jantarasami.Lesley@epa.gov Lesley Jantarasami Office of Air & Radiation Office of Atmospheric Programs Climate Change Division Jantarasami.Lesley@epa.gov

13. Panel Discussion  Delbert Altaha Jr., White Mountain Apache Tribe  Joe Hostler, Yurok Tribe  Violet Yeaton, Port Graham Village

14. Southwest

16. Northern California

18. Alaska

20. Discussion Questions 1.What was your approach to making your adaptation project manageable and achievable? 2.Has anyone used an economics messaging approach? 3.What were some of the ways you integrated cultural values into your messages? 4.Do you have other tips for what communication approaches worked well and what didn’t?