An Integrated Climate Change Strategy for the Commonwealth. Katie Theoharides, Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs, Climate Program

Transcription

1 An Integrated Climate Change Strategy for the Commonwealth Katie Theoharides, Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs, Climate Program

2 In Massachusetts and around the world, climate change is a shared reality and our ability to rise and respond to this challenge will shape future generations. - Governor Charlie Baker, June 1, 2017

3 EXECUTIVE ORDER 569: AN INTEGRATED CLIMATE CHANGE STRATEGY FOR THE COMMONWEALTH MITIGATION: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change ADAPTATION: Protecting life, property, natural resources and our economy from the impacts of climate change State Plan Agency Vulnerability Assessments Municipal Support Climate Coordinators 3

4 ENVIRONMENTAL BOND BILL, $1.4 billion bond bill with focus on climate change resiliency $300 million for climate change adaptation Codifies EO 569 4

5 MITIGATE TO AVOID THE UNMANAGEABLE

6 ADAPT TO MANAGE THE UNAVOIDABLE Institutional capacity State Adaptation Plan Data and Science State Agency Assessments Municipal-State Partnerships

7 Science Is the Cornerstone: Open access, statewide coverage of climate data produced by the Northeast Climate Science Adaptation Center

8 Summer Days Over 90 F - Statewide baseline ( ): 4 days 6-22 more days by 2050s As many as 70 by the end of the century Expected Climate Changes: Extreme Heat Average Maximum Summer Temperature Statewide baseline ( ): 78.9 F Increase of F by 2030s (80.8 to 83.1 F) Increase of by F by 2050s (81.5 to 85.6 F)

9 Observed Changes: Extreme Precipitation Northeast saw a 55% increase in heavy precipitation (top 1% of all non-zero precipitation days) from

10 Expected Climate Changes for 2040: Sea Level Rise

11 II. Report on Progress State Climate Adaptation and Hazard Mitigation Plan ( Integrated Plan: First in the nation Climate Adaptation and Hazard Mitigation plan Mainstreaming climate change: Incorporating climate change into current planning, budgeting, and policy frameworks

12 Natural Hazards Assessed Primary Climate Change Interaction Natural Hazard Other Climate Change Interactions Representative Climate Change Impacts Sea Level Rise Coastal Flooding Coastal Erosion Tsunami Extreme Weather Changes in Precipitation Rising Temperatures Increase in tidal and coastal floods, storm surge, coastal erosion, marsh migration, inundation of coastal and marine ecosystems, loss and subsidence of wetlands Changes in Precipitation Inland Flooding (including Dam Overtopping) Landslide Extreme Weather Rising Temperatures, Extreme Weather Flash flooding, urban flooding, public health impacts from mold and worsened indoor air quality, vector-borne diseases from stagnant water, episodic drought, changes in snow-rain ratios, changes in extent and duration of snow cover Stakeholder Workshop Series 3 12

13 Primary Climate Change Interaction Rising Temperatures Natural Hazards Assessed Natural Hazard Average/Extreme Temperatures Drought Wildfires Invasive Species N/A Other Climate Change Interactions Changes in Precipitation Changes in Precipitation Changes in Precipitation, Extreme Weather Representative Climate Change Impacts Shifting in seasons (longer summer, early spring including earlier timing of spring peak flow), increase in length of growing season, increase of invasive species, energy brownouts from higher energy demands, more intense heat waves, public health impacts from high heat exposure and poor outdoor air quality Extreme Weather Hurricanes/ Tropical Storms Severe Winter Storm Nor'easter Tornados Other Severe Weather Rising Temperatures, Changes in Precipitation Rising Temperatures, Changes in Precipitation Rising Temperatures, Changes in Precipitation Rising Temperatures, Changes in Precipitation Rising Temperatures, Changes in Precipitation Increase in frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, resulting in greater damage to natural resources, property, and infrastructure, as well as increased potential for loss of life Non-Climate Influenced Hazards Earthquake N/A There is no established correlation between climate change and this hazard Stakeholder Workshop Series 3 13

14 State Agency Vulnerability To identify how each agency s mission, functions, services and physical assets may be impacted by natural hazards and climate change impacts Assessments 70+ agencies currently going through the process

15 State Capability & Adaptive Capacity state capabilities: authorities, laws, policies, programs, staff, funding, & other resources adaptive capacity: the ability of state agencies (key assets, functions, missions, & services) to adjust or modify their operations, policies, or functions in order to adapt to changing natural hazards and climate change impacts, in the short- and long-term

16 Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Baker-Polito Admin funded over $7 million in 2018 for MVP Planning and Action Grants State and local partnership to build resiliency to climate change 1. Engage Community 2. Identify CC impacts and hazards 3. Complete assessment of vulnerabilities & strengths 4. Develop and prioritize actions 5. Take Action

17 MVP Principles Community-led process that employs local knowledge Accessibility Partnerships and leveraging existing efforts Mainstream climate change Communities as local innovators Frame coordinated statewide efforts.

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