Adaptation Planning at ODOT ODOT’s Climate Change Adaptation Strategy Report and Future Planning Liz Hormann Sustainability Planner Oregon Global Warming Commission June 29, 2012

Mitigation Versus Adaptation  Mitigation is any action taken to eliminate or reduce the long-term risk and hazards of climate change. - Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change  Adaptation is adjustment in natural or human systems to a new or changing environment caused by climate change. - Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Adapting is taking “practical steps to protect communities from the likely disruption and damage that will result from effects of climate change.” - United Nations Convention on Climate Change Secretariat

Three Related Efforts Regarding Adaptation in Oregon: 1.Oregon Climate Assessment Report (OCAR) 2.Oregon Climate Change Adaptation Framework 3.ODOT’s Adaptation Efforts

Development of the Strategy Research: –Climate Science –Best Adaptation Practices –ODOT internal interviews Consultation and input: –ODOT Climate Change Technical Advisory Committee –Subject matter experts within ODOT KEY Message: Climate change will impact all aspects of the agency, therefore adaptation will require all ODOT staff to work together.

Potential Impacts to ODOT Assets and Systems Operations Coastal Sea Level RiseErosionWave Heights Storm Intensity Extreme Storm EventsHazard Trees Changes in Air Temperature Changes in vegetation and wildlife species Wildfire Changes in Precipitation FloodingLandslides and Rockfalls Changes in Seasonal Flow Rates Social Impacts Population Movement

Precipitation, Flooding, Landslides Climate Impacts Summer precipitation decrease by 5-15% Winter precipitation increase by 15-30% Increase in extreme daily precipitation events What it Means for ODOT Flooded and washed-out roadways Bridge scour Landslides Traffic delays - safety Large financial cost

Wildfire Risk Climate Impact Expected increase in wildfire activity in all major forest types Region forest area burned is estimated to increase between 180 and 300% What it Means for ODOT Road closures Erosion issues along road slopes Extreme heat impacts Driver safety issues (smoke)

Adaptive Capacity The general ability of institutions, systems, and individuals to adjust to potential damage from climate change, to take advantage of opportunities, or to cope with the consequences. – IPCC, 2007 Examples of ODOT’s Existing Capacity –Fish Passage Regulation –Alerts and Warnings –Pavement Technologies

Where can adaptation fit into existing programs? Emergency Response –Tsunami Planning –Oregon Emergency Management (OEM) Design Standards –Earthquake Standards –Additional Safety Factors Asset Management –Inform vulnerability and risk assessments

Climate Science and Projections In Oregon Inventory of ODOT Assets Analyze Vulnerability Of ODOT’s Assets & Operations Assess Integrated Risk of Climate Change for ODOT Adaptation Plan Identify, Prioritize, Implement Adaptation Options for ODOT ODOT Adaptation Planning Framework ODOT Interim Adaptation Strategy Evaluate, Monitor, Reassess

Next Steps: Vulnerability and Risk Assessment Where are we most vulnerable? How can we aid future decision- making? Phase I – Statewide Assessment Phase II – in-depth assessment of high vulnerable areas

Vulnerability and Risk Assessments

Questions? Liz Hormann Sustainability Planner Oregon Department of Transportation Sustainability Program Phone: (503)