Transcript WEATHERING CLIMATE CHANGE:

WEATHERING CLIMATE
CHANGE
SUGGESTIONS FOR A
STATEWIDE ADAPTATION
PLANNING PROCESS
Weathering Climate Change: Perspectives On
Adaptation From Conservation Leaders & Experts
Interviews Focused on Four Areas:
 Importance of climate change impacts to their
organization’s mission
 How their organization is responding to climate
change impacts
 Most important challenges and opportunities for
responding to climate change impacts
 Suggestions for developing statewide
adaptation strategies
Weathering Climate Change: Key Findings
 Strong Sense Among Those Interviewed That
Climate Change Is Real And May Already Be Having
Impacts
 Education About Climate Change, Including Clear
Examples of Impacts, is Key To Gaining Staff and
Public Support For Action
 Identifying Existing Relevant Data and Prioritizing
Data Gaps Recognized As Key Early Action
 Focus on Existing Stresses Makes Sense Even If We
Are Uncertain About Degree of Climate Change
Perspectives On A Statewide Climate Change
Adaptation Process
 Many believe adaptation should be integrated into
existing organizational planning processes whenever
possible,
But …
 Addressing climate change impacts fully is beyond
the capacity of any individual organization or agency
We Won’t Be Able to Address Climate Change Alone
or In Isolation From Our Everyday Activities
Perspectives On A Statewide Climate Change
Adaptation Process
 Interdisciplinary - Broad Engagement With
Diverse But Knowledgeable Participants
 Prioritization – Limited Time and Money

Pragmatic – Emphasize Practical Actions That Can Be
Achieved With Existing or Re-targeted Resources

No Regrets – Emphasize Actions That Have Benefits
Regardless of the Extent and Severity of Climate Change
Impacts
 Collaborative – Competitive Grant Environment
 Public Engagement- Ongoing and Expanding
Weathering Climate Change: Framing Strategies to Minimize
Impacts on Pennsylvania Ecosystems and Wildlife
For More Information Contact:
Sally Just - DCNR
[email protected]
Nels Johnson – The Nature Conservancy
[email protected]