Northwest regional climate hub assessment of climate change vulnerability and adaptation and mitigation strategies

Authors: CREIGHTON, J - Oregon State University; STROBEL, M - Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS, USDA); Hardegree, Stuart; STEELE, R - US Department Of Agriculture (USDA); VAN HORNE, B - Us Forest Service (FS); GRAVENMIER, B - Us Forest Service (FS); OWEN, W - Us Forest Service (FS); PETERSON, D - Us Forest Service (FS); HOANG, L - Us Forest Service (FS); LITTLE, N - Us Forest Service (FS); BOCHICCHIO, J - Department Agriculture & Rural Development - United Kingdom; HALL, W - Animal And Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS); COLE, M - Animal And Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS); HESTVIK, S - Environmental Risk Management; OLSEN, J - Farmer

Submitted to: Government Publication/Report
Publication Type: Government Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/1/2015
Publication Date: 8/1/2015
Citation: Creighton, J., Strobel, M., Hardegree, S.P., Steele, R., Van Horne, B., Gravenmier, B., Owen, W., Peterson, D., Hoang, L., Little, N., Bochicchio, J., Hall, W., Cole, M., Hestvik, S., Olsen, J. 2015. Northwest regional climate hub assessment of climate change vulnerability and adaptation and mitigation strategies. A. Perry, Ed., United States Department of Agriculture, 52 pp. (http://climatehubs.oce.usda.gov/sites/default/files/Northwest%20Vulnerability%20Assessment%20Final.pdf)

Interpretive Summary: USDA’s Regional Climate Hubs were established in February of 2014 to deliver science-based knowledge, practical information, and program support to farmers, ranchers, forest landowners, and resource managers to enable climate-informed decision-making in light of the increased risks and vulnerabilities associated with a changing climate. As part of their function, the Hubs were tasked with providing periodic regional assessments of risk and vulnerability to production sectors and rural economies, building on material provided under the National Climate Assessment conducted through the United States Global Research Program. With the publication of these Vulnerability Assessments, the Regional Climate Hubs are providing their stakeholders with an introduction to the region, regional sensitivities and adaptation strategies for working lands, a greenhouse gas emissions profile with mitigation opportunities, and an overview of how partner USDA agencies are being affected by a changing climate. These vulnerability assessments are an important first step in establishing a baseline “snapshot” of current climate vulnerabilities, and provides region-specific adaptation and mitigation strategies to increase the resilience of working lands in the region.

Technical Abstract: This assessment draws from a large bank of information developed by scientists and extension specialists in the Northwest to describe where we need to focus when dealing with climate risks to working landscapes. The changing climate has many secondary effects, such as irrigation water loss, increases in wildfire frequency, and increases in diseases and insect pest populations. Melting Arctic ice could lead to the increased prevalence of invasive species as well as more regional trade and shipping. This assessment sorts through these effects to highlight what we value, explore how those assets are at risk, and identify viable options for minimizing negative effects. It also seeks to identify where additional research or tools and outreach development is needed.