 |
Information on Climate Change
Climate Change in the Sierra Nevada
(Audio/Video files are not yet linked)
The anticipated effects of a changing climate are likely to have a significant impact on the Sierra Nevada Region. Given the critical role that the Region plays in the environmental and economic well-being of California, these issues are of great importance to not only the Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC), but all Californians.
On December 5, 2007, the SNC hosted a Symposium on Climate Change at the historic Miners Foundry in Nevada City. Nearly 300 individuals attended this one-day symposium featuring in-depth discussions with experts on the vital topic of climate change in the Sierra Nevada. The purpose of the Symposium was to provide information to a wide range of decision-makers and interested parties as to the likely effects of climate change on the Sierra and opportunities for those in the Region to contribute to reducing the adverse impacts.
Panelists included experts from government, academic, business and non-profit fields. The workshop panels discussed and explored the implications of changes in precipitation and temperature on water supply and management, vegetation, fish and wildlife habitat, fire frequency and intensity and recreation. There was also discussion regarding Sierra-specific tools and community strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to anticipated impacts in the Region.
Dr. Daniel R. Cayan, Researcher in the Climate Change Division of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) at the University of California, San Diego, and in the Water Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey, opened with a plenary overview of climate change impacts on the Sierra Region. You can view the Power Point presentation from Dr. Cayan’s plenary speech by clicking here or download and view the video tape of his presentation by clicking here [file not yet available].
Symposium participants raised the idea of developing a program for Climate Change in the Sierra. The SNC has joined with the Resources Agency, the California Tahoe Conservancy and the US Forest Service, as well as other State and federal agencies and key stakeholders, to identify an approach for creation of a Sierra Nevada Climate Change Action Plan.
The SNC will continue to foster discussion and take actions to address this issue. The following links provide valuable information relating to the issue of climate change:
To view the SNC Symposium Action list Click Here.
Additional Resources
Click on the links below for additional information
Symposium
Climate, Ecosystems and Resources in Eastern California
Bishop, CA November 5-8, 2008.
Assembly Bill 32 is California's comprehensive climate change legislation signed into law in 2006
For additional information contact us at symposium@sierranevada.ca.gov