Exploring Solutions Activity 2: Clearing the Air

Solutions to Climate Change Two broad categories of actions/solutions – Mitigation – Adaptation Policies and actions implemented by – Governments: international, national, state, local – Industry and business – Individuals – all of us!

Identifying Climate Change Solutions Project future conditions Assess the risks involved with various scenarios Decide on most appropriate strategies given risks – Lots of options, no “one” solution

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Reduce Emissions by Improving Efficiency Fuel efficiency of vehicles Indoor heating/cooling/lighting – Residential and commercial – Appliances Better ways to produce energy from fossil fuels – Increase efficiency of energy generation

Reduce Emissions through Conservation Improve transportation systems – Bicycle, carpool, public transportation Reduce fossil-fuel intensive systems – Buy local – Eat less meat – Use fewer fertilizers Conserve electricity Reduce, reuse, recycle

Use Carbon Neutral Energy Sources Renewable Energy – Solar – Biomass – Wind – Geothermal – Hydropower – Hydrogen Nuclear

Remove Carbon from Atmosphere Decrease rates of deforestation Increase rates of reforestation Manage forests for carbon sequestration Manage agricultural crops and soils for carbon sequestration Use carbon capture Substitute wood

The Bigger Picture Implement carbon polices International agreements – Kyoto Protocol Sustainable use of resources

Adaptation Strategies for Local Impacts Adaptation to Climate Change in Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (FAO, 2007) Prioritizing the greatest vulnerable areas Reduction of food security risk Adjusting agriculture research priorities Strengthening agriculture extension and communication systems New crop varieties Adjusting commodity and trade policy

Mitigation: Kansas City Power and Light Renewable energy projects Spearville Wind Generation Facility – megawatts of renewable energy – Serves 33,000 homes – Will provide energy for 100,000 homes when fully developed

Mitigation: Canary Initiative – A Local Plan for Action Aspen, Colorado Created in 2005 to address climate challenge Goal to decrease local GHG emissions by 30% by 2020 and 80% by 2050 – Policy, research, and education – Energy efficiency of buildings – Ground and air transportation – Electricity from renewable resources – Waste reduction and recycling – Carbon offsets

Mitigation: McNeil Biomass Plant Burlington, Vermont Began operation in megawatts net electrical generation Burns 76 tons of wood per hour – 70% low-quality trees and logging waste – 25% residues (chips and bark from local sawmills) – 5% clean recycled wood

Mitigation: The 10% Challenge Voluntary program Purpose – Raise public awareness about global climate change – Encourage households and businesses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 10%

Adaptation: California Climate Sustainable Agriculture Strategy Farmer Education & Outreach – Provides resources and training to farmers and ranchers Network Building – Links farmers to resources Policy Initiatives – Advances policies that support and encourage farming and ranching practices

Adaptation: City of Melbourne, Australia – Climate Change Adaptation Strategy Options - Technological (green/cool roofs) - Behavioral (safety in flood water) - Managerial (maintenance practices) - Policy (planning regulations) Two main actions to implement - Harvest storm water across the municipality - Increase the city’s passive cooling efficiency