Climate Change Education and Initiatives at Northern Arizona University and the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals William M. Auberle, P.E., Professor Calbert Seciwa, Director, ITEP

Northern Arizona University Campus climate initiatives

ACUP Climate Commitment * President John Haeger was charter signatory Become “carbon neutral” by 2020 LEED platinum certification NAU Carbon Footprint Project Campus Climate Challenge

Office of Campus Sustainability Implement sustainable practices Create strategic partnerships Bring practical applications of NAU research to the campus, the nation, and the world Carbon-neutral campus –environmentally preferable purchasing policies –improved recycling –sustainability ambassadors network –“NAREG”

Center for Sustainable Environments Environmental Science, Studies, and Policy undergraduate and graduate degree programs Coordination with campus research institutes, non-profit organizations, federal agencies and community partners

Climate Mitigation Classes Carbon Footprint Project Spring 2007: recommendations Spring 2008: implementation plan

NAU Research Snapshot Ecological Monitoring & Assessment Program Merriam Powell Center for Env. Research Ecological Restoration Institute Navigating the Green Road: a guide to NAU’s environmental resources National Center for Climate Change Research Climate History of Flagstaff, AZ

NAU Eco-House Sustainability Learning Community Preferred status for relevant courses Opportunities to participate in campus climate and environmental projects

ITEP’s Climate Education and Outreach Initiative

Supporting EPA Strategic Plan Reduce climate change risks and impacts Work with tribal organizations and communities Develop a plan to disseminate information to key audiences

ITEP Strategy ITEP, EPA, other climate researchers, and tribal organizations Regions based on relevant issues –For example, changes in precipitation; changes in fish and wildlife migration and reproduction patterns; sea level; forest, grassland, and air quality management Research and report: –Recommendations from tribes on challenges and opportunities for addressing climate change issues Create website to share information, strategies and best practices

Outputs Compile information and results Outreach materials Dissemination plan –Website provides policy and legislation information, additional resources, and an open forum for sharing strategies and experiences send%20message%20about%20climate%20change.gif

Outcomes Better understanding of climate change impacts on native communities and lands –Applicable adaptation/ mitigation strategies Improved communication of impacts and strategies Improved communication between EPA and tribal entities regarding climate change

Climate Science Impact Branch of EPA’s Climate Change Division: Communicating science of risks & impacts assessing issues and options for adaptation Coordinating international/interagency process for assessing CCS and role of aerosols Integrating research into broader analytical framework Assessing issues associated with climate science and working to minimize risks