responding to climate change at the local level
DESCRIPTION
Presentation from a Cary Institute of Ecosystems Studies public forum on climate change bTRANSCRIPT
Responding to Climate Changeat the Local Level
Allison M. Chatrchyan Cornell Cooperative ExtensionStatewide Energy & Climate Change Team
Interactive Panel Discussion:
Climate Change at a Local Level“Nation-states will be unable to meet their international commitments for addressing
climate change without local action.”
- Bulkeley and Betsill (2002) Importance of Local Government in NY:
• Home Rule State: 1605 counties, cities, towns and villages
• Local government has authority to address planning, zoning, land use, and local environment protection
Local Governments are Key Climate Actors
• Consume energy in operations• Manage solid waste• Authority over local land use (NY) • Invest in development• Involve local citizens
Climate Change Mitigation• Actions that will reduce the ultimate
magnitude of climate change.• Individuals: Figure out your Carbon Footprint
and Reduce your Energy Use
dec.ny.gov
Climate Change Adaptation
Adopting actions to reduce the impacts/risks of changes that will occur.
nyredcross.org
NYS DEC Climate Smart Communities Pledge
1. Designate Lead Agency, Create Task Force/Committee, join ICLEI or similar program
2. Set Goals, Inventory Emissions, Move to Action3. Decrease Energy Demand for Local Government Operations4. Encourage Renewable Energy for Local Government
Operations5. Realize Benefits of Recycling and Climate Smart Solid Waste
Management6. Promote Climate Protection Through Community Land Use
Tools7. Plan for Adaptation to Unavoidable Climate Change8. Support a Green Innovation Economy9. Educate and Inform the Public 10. Evaluate & Commit to an Evolving Process
96 New York Communities Adopted to Date:
What Communities Can Do
Climate Change Mitigation
Community Planning Decisions – Smart Growth:• Update Comprehensive Plans• Encourage more dense land use development • Transit-oriented development, reducing vehicle
miles traveled• Plan more pedestrian and
bicycle-friendly environments
Dutchess County Greenway Compact & Centers and Green Spaces Plan:http://www.co.dutchess.ny.us/countygov/departments/planning/17329.htm
What Communities Can Do
• Update Comprehensive Plans • Support Local Watershed Planning• Adopt in Local Ordinances: Aquifers, Floodplains,
Stream Buffers, Wetlands, Open Space & Farmland• Promote On Site Stormwater Mgmt & Green
Infrastructure• Inventory Infrastructure: Bridges/Water Treatment Plants• Prepare Natural Resource Inventory’s: http
://www.co.dutchess.ny.us/CountyGov/Departments/Planning/16138.htm
What Communities Can Do
Climate Change Adaptation: Win-Win Solutions
Fringe Benefits• Reduce Risks & Prepare for Disasters• Improve Operations • Upgrade Infrastructure • Save Taxpayer Dollars • Promote Economic Growth – Green Jobs• Create Desirable, Sustainable communities:
Smart Growth & Low Impact Development
Resources for Communities
Cornell Climate Change PWT:
www.climatechange.cornell.eduNYS DEC Office of Climate Change:
http://www.dec.ny.gov/about/43166.htmlNYS Climate Action Council:
www.nyclimatechange.usClimate Smart Communities:
http://www.dec.ny.gov/energy/50845.htmlNYSERDA:
http://www.nyserda.org/municipalitiesNYS Energy Efficiency Clearinghouse:
http://www.nyserda.org/clearinghouse/localgov.aspHow Green is my Town?
http://www.grassrootsinfo.org/hgimtindex.html ICLEI-Local Govt’s for Sustainability:
http://www.icleiusa.org/
Questions for our Panel?
Allison Chatrchyan, Ph.D. CCE Dutchess County
CCE Energy & Climate Change TeamCornell Climate Change Program Work Team
email: [email protected]: 845.677.8223 x 136
http://www.climatechange.cornell.edu