Global climate change reports and studies are influencing the way wetland scientists and state wetland managers think about wetlands. From wetlands protection to management, there are many new and emerging factors included in a growing body of knowledge about climate change and its effects on wetlands. Sea level rise, carbon sequestration and invasive species are among the many topics in recent discussion and reports on wetlands and climate change. ASWM has established this webpage to identify the issues and help wetland managers address the questions around how to reevaluate wetland management practices in consideration of global climate change. Several wetland managers and scientists have been gracious enough to help us get started and we would like to thank them for their valuable contributions to this webpage as ASWM develops it more fully over the coming months. It is ASWM's goal to facilitate a working dialogue and to establish an informative resource on this ever-increasingly important topic.

REPORTS/STUDIES/PROJECTS (Updated 11/24/08)

ASWM PUBLICATIONS

MEDIA COVERAGE (Updated 12/30/08)

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

STATE CLIMATE CHANGE ACTION PLANS

SCIENTISTS CONDUCTING RESEARCH ON WETLANDS & CLIMATE CHANGE

RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES (Updated 1/07/09)

CLIMATE CHANGE AND WETLAND EVENTS (Updated 11/25/08)

RESOURCES/PUBLICATIONS (Updated 12/18/08)

BIBLIOGRAPHIES (Added 6/23/08)

BLOG ON WETLANDS AND CLIMATE CHANGE (Updated 10/14/08)

USEFUL LINKS & RESOURCES (Updated 12/18/08)

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REPORTS/STUDIES/PROJECTS
Draft “Recommendations for a National Wetlands and Climate Change Initiative” Available for Comment ASWM has posted the draft “Recommendations for a National Wetlands and Climate Change Initiative” based on Wetlands 2008: Wetlands and Global Climate Change, held on September 16-18, 2008 in Portland, Oregon. The Association would appreciate receiving  comments by December 8, 2008 by e-mail to Jon Kusler at aswm@aswm.org. ASWM is recommending that federal agencies and Congress create a cooperative National Wetlands and Climate Change Initiative with the states, tribes, local governments, and the private sector. It would build upon existing coordination mechanisms. Please see: http://www.aswm.org/calendar/wetlands2008/recommendations_2008_112008.htm. For a printable version, please see: http://www.aswm.org/calendar/wetlands2008/recommendations_2008_112008.pdf.
Sea Level Rise
NWF’s Global Warming and the Chesapeake Bay Report
The National Wildlife Federation has released their report of the impact of Sea-Level Rise on the Coastal Habitats of the Chesapeake Bay.  The threats posed by global warming are real. The Chesapeake Bay region is already experiencing climate changes that stress human development and natural habitats alike. Without an effective response, these trends will undo decades of conservation work, leading to major changes in the bay and fewer opportunities for hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreation. Fortunately, solutions are available. But, for these solutions to work, the people of the bay region must call for action now. For a direct link to the report webpage (includes a 4-page summary as well as full report links), go to: http://www.nwf.org/sealevelrise/chesapeakebay.cfm
		Coastal erosion in Maine Maine Geological Society photo
Sea Level Rise: Implications to Coastal Engineering and Coastal Management An Interview with Leslie Ewing, P.E., M. ASCE – COPRI Waterways Spring 2008 http://email.asce.org/copri/SeaLevelRise.html Climate Change Will Have a Significant Impact on Transportation Infrastructure and Operations
Contacts: Maureen O'Leary – The National Academies – March 11, 2008 While every mode of transportation in the U.S. will be affected as the climate changes, potentially the greatest impact on transportation systems will be flooding of roads, railways, transit systems, and airport runways in coastal areas because of rising sea levels and surges brought on by more intense storms, says a new report from the National Research Council. Though the impacts of climate change will vary by region, it is certain they will be widespread and costly in human and economic terms, and will require significant changes in the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of transportation systems. For full news release, go to: http://www8.nationalacademies.org/onpinews/newsitem.aspx?RecordID=12179 Another study, led by the Environmental Protection Agency joined by other agencies, expresses a similar warning on infrastructure and adds a concern for beaches, wetlands and fresh-water supplies that also are threatened due to encroaching saltwater. For more information or to read the report on coastal sensitivity to sea level rise, visit: http://climatescience.gov/Library/sap/sap4-1/public-review-draft/
Washington State Sea Levels Could Rise Considerably By End of Century
By Vince Stricherz – University of Washington News Release – January 17, 2008 Melting glaciers in Greenland and Antarctica, combined with other effects of global climate change, are likely to raise sea levels in parts of Western Washington by the end of this century, though geological forces will offset the rising water in some areas. A new report suggests a moderate scenario is for sea levels on the Washington Coast and in the Puget Sound Basin to rise an average of 6 inches by 2050 and 14 inches by 2100. The analysis, conducted by the Pacific Northwest Climate Impacts Group at the University of Washington and the Washington State Department of Ecology, suggests that a worst-case scenario could raise sea levels in some places as much as 22 inches by 2050 and 50 inches -- more than 4 feet -- by 2100. For full press release, go to: http://uwnews.washington.edu/ni/article.asp?articleID=39136 For a direct link to the report, go to: http://www.cses.washington.edu/db/pdf/moteetalslr579.pdf
The Disappearance of Relict Permafrost in Boreal North America: Effects on Peatland Carbon Storage and Fluxes Authors: Merritt Turetsky, R. K. Weider, D.H. Vitt, R.J. Evans, K.D. Scott. Global Change Biology. (Online articles: doi:10.1111/j.1365-2486.2007.01381.x) Boreal peatlands in Canada have harbored relict permafrost since the Little Ice Age due to the strong insulating properties of peat. Ongoing climate change has triggered widespread degradation of localized permafrost in peatlands across continental Canada. Here, we explore the influence of differing permafrost regimes (bogs with no surface permafrost, localized permafrost features with surface permafrost, and internal lawns representing areas of permafrost degradation) on rates of peat accumulation at the southernmost limit of permafrost in continental Canada. Net organic matter accumulation generally was greater in unfrozen bogs and internal lawns than in the permafrost landforms, suggesting that surface permafrost inhibits peat accumulation and that degradation of surface permafrost stimulates net carbon storage in peatlands. To determine whether differences in substrate quality across permafrost regimes control trace gas emissions to the atmosphere, we used a reciprocal transplant study to experimentally evaluate environmental versus substrate controls on carbon emissions from bog, internal lawn, and permafrost peat. Emissions of CO2 were highest from peat incubated in the localized permafrost feature, suggesting that slow organic matter accumulation rates are due, at least in part, to rapid decomposition in surface permafrost peat. For more information, go to: http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2486.2007.01381.x
Simulating Sea Level Rise in Maine (2006-07) Peter A. Slovinsky and Stephen M. Dickson, Maine Geological Survey Abstract (only) is available at this time; final report to be published in spring 2007. http://www.aswm.org/member/wetlandnews/february/simulating_sea_level_rise_in_ maine.pdf
Sea Level Rise and the Hackensack Meadowlands By Dr. Beth Ravit http://www.hackensackriverkeeper.org/newsletters/Winter2007/12_Winter_2007.htm http://www.hackensackriverkeeper.org/newsletters/Summer2002/009_Summer_2002.htm
Protecting Maine’s Beaches for the Future: A Proposal to Create an Integrated Beach Management Program (2006)  (this led to the revision of the above sand dune rule) http://www.maine.gov/spo/mcp/downloads/beaches%20future/Protecting%20 Maines%20Beaches_Feb06.pdf
Impacts of Future Sea Level Rise on the Coastal Floodplain 2006 Study by Peter A. Slovinsky and Stephen M. Dickson A report prepared by the Maine Geological Survey for the Maine Coastal Program/ Maine State Planning Office in partnership with NOAA http://www.maine.gov/doc/nrimc/mgs/explore/marine/sea-level/mgs-open-file-06-14.pdf
Revised Coastal Sand Dune Rule (Chapter 355 of the Natural Resources Protection Act) http://www.maine.gov/dep/blwq/topic/dunes/CH355_4-20-06_revised_%20w_ leg_chgs_on%203_30.pdf
Hurricanes, Sea Level Rise, and New York City Columbia University, Center for Climate Systems Research http://www.ccsr.columbia.edu/information/hurricanes/
Coast 2050: A New Approach to Restoration of Louisiana Coastal Wetlands by Denise Reed & Lee Wilson (2004) University of New Orleans, LA http://www.ees.uno.edu/restoration/Reed%20and%20Wilson%202050.pdf
Potential Impacts of Sea Level Rise in Massachusetts (1987) Dr. Graham Giese, Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies in Massachusetts http://www.necci.sr.unh.edu/necci-report/giese.pdf
Sea Level Rise: Overview of Causes and Effects by James Titus and Michael Barth, EPA paper 1985 http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/effects/ downloads/greenhouse.pdf Paper from: Greenhouse Effect and Sea Level Rise: A Challenge for this Generation, edited by Michael C. Barth and James G. Titus, 1985 http://yosemite.epa.gov/oar/globalwarming.nsf/content/ResourceCenterPublicationsSLRChallenge.html
Effects on Wetlands & Management Issues
CSO Releases Climate Change Adaptation Report (September 2007) This week, the CSO Climate Change Work Group released a report entitled The Role of Coastal Zone Management Programs in Adaptation to Climate Change. The Work Group prepared this report to explore the current and future roles of state coastal zone management programs in addressing the increasing impacts of climate change to the coastal zone. This report aims to: Inform Congress and federal agencies of the role of state coastal zone management programs in addressing climate change; Inform efforts to reauthorize the Coastal Zone Management Act; Inform federal agencies of key research, information, and policy needs; and Provide for information of exchange among coastal states and territories. To download a copy of the report, please go to the following link: http://www.coastalstates.org/documents/CSO%20Climate%20Change%20Final%20 Report.pdf
Past and Future Changes in Climate and Hydrological Indicators in the US Northeast By Katharine Hayhoe, Cameron P. Wake, Thomas G. Huntington, Lifeng Luo, et. al. Clim Dyn (2007) 28:381–407; Published online: 16 November 2006, Springer-Verlag 2006. To assess the influence of global climate change at the regional scale, we examine past and future changes in key climate, hydrological, and biophysical indicators across the US Northeast (NE). http://www.aswm.org/science/climate_change/2007_climate_dynamics_ne.pdf
Climate Change and Consequences for Georgia: Rising Seas and Drying Rivers Dr. Ron Carroll, Director-Science, River Basin Center, UGA PowerPoint presented Jan. 12, 2007 http://www.rivercenter.uga.edu/education/carroll/climate_change.pdf
Great Lakes Coastal Wetland Communities: Vulnerabilities to Climate Change by Mortsch, L., J. Ingram, A. Hebb and S. Doka (eds). 2006. http://www.fes.uwaterloo.ca/research/aird/wetlands/index_files/page0012.htm
The Impacts of Climate Change in Coastal Marine Systems Christopher D. G. Harley, A. Randall Hughes, Kristin M. Hultgren, Benjamin G. Miner, Cascade J. B. Sorte, Carol S. Thornber, Laura F. Rodriguez, Lars Tomanek, Susan L. Williams (2006) Ecology Letters 9 (2), 228–241. http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1461-0248.2005.00871.x
Chesapeake Bay, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, “Living Shorelines” Natural Approaches to Shoreline Management, Erosion Control, etc. (July 2005) ftp://ftp-fc.sc.egov.usda.gov/MD/web_documents/programs/rcd/shore_esrcd.pdf Shoreline Changes online project http://shorelines.dnr.state.md.us/sc_online.asp
Vulnerability of Northern Prairie Wetlands to Climate Change by W. Carter Johnson,  Bruce V. Millett,  Tagir Gilmanov, et. al. 2005  http://www.naturalstatecoalition.org/report.pdf
Ontario (CAN) Ministry of Natural Resources’ Biodiversity Strategy 2005 report http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/MNR/pubs/biodiversity/OBS_english.pdf
Impact of U.S. Department of Interior and U.S. Department of Agriculture Programs and Ecological Services Derived from Restored Prairie Wetland and Adjacent Grasslands (2004) by Dr. Ned “Chip” Euliss, Jr. and Dr. Robert Gleason, both with Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, USGS; this report discusses sequestration, too ftp://ftp-fc.sc.egov.usda.gov/NHQ/nri/ceap/studyplanweb14dec06.pdf
Effects of Global Climate Change on Great Lakes Wetlands (1999-2003) Lead on project: Dr. Douglas Wilcox, USGS, Great Lakes Science Center http://www.nrel.colostate.edu/projects/brd_global_change/proj_31_great_lakes.html
Integrating the Effects of Land Use and Global Climate Change on Hydrology and Vegetation of Northern Great Plains Wetlands, United States (1999-2003) Lead on project: Glenn R. Guntenspergen, USGS, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center http://www.nrel.colostate.edu/projects/brd_global_change/proj_51_land_use.html
Potential Effects of Elevated Carbon Dioxide on the Structure and Function of Coastal Marshes (1999-2003) Lead on project: Dr. Karen L. McKee, USGS, National Wetlands Research Center http://www.nrel.colostate.edu/projects/brd_global_change/proj_41_marsh_co2.html

Carbon Sequestration

Peridotite Mineral Sequestration of Carbon Dioxide: Untested but Potentially Large Climate Change Mitigation Tool By Ryan D. Hottle – Global Climate Solutions – November 23, 2008 Researchers at Columbia University recently published an important paper describing a simple, safe, cost-effective, low-energy, and long-term carbon storage technique that could potentially capture upwards of 10 percent of annual anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions. For the full article, go to: http://globalclimatesolutions.org/  For the paper, “ In situ carbonation of peridotite for CO 2 storage” by Peter B. Kelemen and Jürg Matter, visit: http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2008/10/31/0805794105.abstract

U.S. Dept. of Energy – Carbon Sequestration (Sea) Fact Sheet April 2008 http://www.netl.doe.gov/publications/factsheets/project/Proj317.pdf

U.S. Dept. of Energy – Carbon Sequestration http://www.energy.gov/sciencetech/carbonsequestration.htm

Switchgrass Fuel Yields Bountiful Energy: Study By Timothy Gardner – Reuters News Service – January 10, 2008 Switchgrass, a crop touted by venture capitalists and environmentalists alike as a next-generation ethanol feedstock, yields about five times more energy than it takes to grow it, making the plant a far more efficient fuel source than corn, a new study said. In addition, the life cycle of the switchgrass ethanol -- which includes growing the crop, making the fuel, and burning it in vehicles -- emits about 94 percent less of planet-warming carbon dioxide than the life cycle of gasoline, said the study, published on Tuesday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. For full article, go to: http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/46338/story.htm For more on switchgrass and carbon sequestration, visit: http://www.agmrc.org/agmrc/commodity/biomass/switchgrass/switchgrassprofile.htm

RMFU Carbon Credit Program Expands Rocky Mountain Farmers Union Newsletter - May 3, 2007 Rocky Mountain Farmers Union (RMFU) announced today that the Chicago Climate Exchange has approved the expansion of its carbon credit program for agriculture producers in Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico. The program has been created through a partnership with the National Farmers Union (NFU) and approved by the Chicago Climate Exchange to enroll agriculture producers’ acres into blocks of credits that will be traded similarly to other agricultural commodities. The program, which was introduced last year on a limited basis, has expanded and will be available to 22 Colorado counties, 10 Wyoming counties and 16 New Mexico counties. Producers in these counties who qualify for the program can be compensated for establishing conservation tillage (including no-till) and long-term grass seeding practices (including alfalfa for hay). These practices store or “sequester” carbon and reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, reducing greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. "The Rocky Mountain Farmers Union's carbon credit program is an example of how the New Energy Economy can benefit our rural communities," said Colorado Governor Ritter. "Bringing a new revenue stream to agriculture that also works with our efforts to address climate change is a great example of how Colorado can benefit from these innovative programs." This year’s deadline to enroll in the program is August 15, 2007. For full story, go to: http://www.rmfu.org/News/Releases/ShowNews.cfm?ID=318

The Carbon Balance of North American Wetlands By Scott Bridgham, Patrick Megonigal, et. al. (This appeared in the December 2006 issue of Wetlands, from the Society of Wetland Scientists.) http://www.aswm.org/wbn/carbon_balance_of_north_american_wetlands.pdf

Northern American Prairie Wetlands are Important Nonforested Land-based Carbon Storage Sites by Dr. Robert Gleason and Dr. Ned “Chip” Euliss, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, USGS (2005) http://www.aswm.org/member/wetlandnews/north_american_prairie.pdf

Economics of Sequestering Carbon in the U.S. Agricultural Sector By Jan Lewandrowski, Mark Peters, Carol Jones, Robert House, Mark Sperow, Marlen Eve, and Keith Paustian -- Economic Research Service -- Technical Bulletin No. (TB1909) 69 pp, March 2004 Atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases can be reduced by withdrawing carbon from the atmosphere and sequestering it in soils and biomass. This report analyzes the performance of alternative incentive designs and payment levels if farmers were paid to adopt land uses and management practices that raise soil carbon levels. At payment levels below $10 per metric ton for permanently sequestered carbon, analysis suggests landowners would find it more cost effective to adopt changes in rotations and tillage practices. At higher payment levels, afforestation dominates sequestration activities, mostly through conversion of pastureland. For full report, go to: http://www.ers.usda.gov/Publications/TB1909/ Or for direct link to full report PDF: http://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/tb1909/tb1909.pdf

Prairie Wetlands and Carbon Sequestration-- Assessing Sinks Under the Kyoto Protocol Edited by David Wylynko; summary from Oak Hammock Marsh meeting in Winnipeg, sponsored by Ducks Unlimited Canada, Wetlands International and the International Institute for Sustainable Development (1999) http://www.iisd.org/wetlands/wrkshp_summ.pdf

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ASWM PUBLICATIONS

Wetlands and Global Climate Change, by Leah Stetson (February 2007)

Seas rise and reshape barrier islands, coastal shorelines and estuaries. Wetlands store a significant amount of carbon.  In response to global climate change, wetland scientists and decision-makers have posed the questions:  How do we manage wetlands with added understanding about climate change and its direct, indirect and long-range effects? Are there ways to mitigate the effects of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere in order to protect wetlands? What are the effects of rising sea levels on coastal wetlands? What other climate change factors will have an impact on wetlands? Who is studying these effects and impacts to wetlands? [For full story in PDF format, click here.]

Wetlands and Climate Change: Management Options, by Jon Kusler, ASWM (2007) (PDF)
Common Questions: Wetland, Climate Change, and Carbon Sequestering by Jon Kusler,, Association of State Wetland Managers, Inc. (06/26/06)

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MEDIA COVERAGE

Would burying CO2 help in climate crisis?

USA Today – December 6, 2008 (Poland) Could the world solve part of its climate crisis by simply burying the problem? Backers say carbon capture and storage could make an important contribution to cutting emissions by mid-century. The idea involves capturing carbon dioxide as power stations spew it out, then pumping it into empty gas and oil wells or aquifers, where it will remain forever. But, as delegates from some 190 countries meet in Poland to begin thrashing out a new global climate change treaty, environmentalists are divided. Some see the still-unproven and expensive technology as a distraction from renewable energy; others say it deserves a chance because dirty and cheap coal-fired power isn't about to disappear. The top U.N. climate official, Yvo de Boer, said he believes it will be "critical" for countries such as China and India to use coal as they expand their economies and fight poverty. For full story, go to: http://www.usatoday.com/weather/climate/globalwarming/2008-12-06-poland-climate-change_N.htm

Climate Change takes centre stage at the Ramsar COP

IUCN News Story – November 5, 2008 At the opening of the 10th Conference of the Contracting Parties (CoP) of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, held from October 28th to November 4th, IUCN Director General Julia Marton Lefèvre called on governments to make conserving wetlands and sustainable use of water the basis for a sustainable future. With wetlands the most threatened of all ecosystems, and water “the irreplaceable source of life”, Marton-Lefèvre said, “The Ramsar Convention must be willing to lead. Urgency truly does demand that the Convention is updated, that Parties use it to build solutions and provoke action that leads to transformation.” As the CoP drew to a close on November 4, it was time to take stock of how much progress was made. The CoP is the forum held every three years when all 158 member countries assemble to update priorities for the Convention and adopt new commitments. Since the Convention was first agreed in 1971, understanding has grown of the importance of rivers, lakes and wetlands for human well-being and for building and sustaining economic prosperity. Member governments have gradually agreed to integrate wetland conservation into economic development. For full story, go to: http://cms.iucn.org/what/ecosystems/water/index.cfm?uNewsID=2196

Minister Says Ramsar Convention Will Spur Green Growth

By Bae Ji-sook – The Korea Times – October 27, 2008 Environment Minister Lee Maan-ee said the largest gathering of 2,000 environmentalists from 158 countries in Changwon today will be a major catalyst to spur sustainable ``Green Growth'' in Korea. In an exclusive interview with The Korea Times ahead of the opening of the Ramsar Convention, Lee said the ``Environment Olympics'' will be a guide for Korea's future policies and help Koreans get more insight into the importance of the environment in their lives. ``For a very long time we were unable to catch up with world standards in environment preservation and a growing call for natural sustainability. The convention will help us realize the importance of the environment and provide us with a vision for the wise use of wetlands for sustainable green growth,'' he said. For full story, go to: http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2008/10/260_33369.html For the Ramsar Convention’s bulletin board with daily postings, go to: http://www.ramsar.org/index_bulletin.htm

Study sees long-term problems in wetlands

By Jim Bradshaw – The Advertiser – October 17, 2008 Conditions that we have not seen for thousands of years are combining to submerge large swaths of wetlands along the Gulf Coast, according to a major new study. John B. Anderson of Rice University, lead researcher on the project, says that the combination of rising sea level and wetlands subsidence in South Louisiana will have "dramatic consequences" by the end of this century. Unless something is done, he said, coastal problems "will only get worse." Most of the problems are man-made, he said. "Following the natural climate cycle, we should be heading toward another Ice Age," he said. "Instead, we are going in the opposite direction. He and colleagues from other universities have just finished what has been described as "the most comprehensive geological review ever undertaken of the U.S. Gulf Coast. The findings were presented last week at the annual meeting of the Geological Society of America in Houston. For full story, go to: http://www.theadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081017/NEWS01/810170317 For a link to information about the primary researcher, John Anderson, PhD, go to: http://cohesion.rice.edu/naturalsciences/earthscience/facultyDetail.cfm?riceid=1003

Climate Change and Wildfires

By Sadie Babits – The Environment Report – October 13, 2008 Twenty years ago this year, the country watched its oldest national park go up in flames. Looking back, scientists believe the 1988 fires of Yellowstone National Park were the signal fire of climate change. Researchers have been working ever since to understand this relationship between climate and wildfire. Sadie Babits reports on two scientists searching for clues to ancient climates, using trees as their guide: Jennifer Pierce wears work boots as she plows down a steep slope in a ponderosa pine forest. For full story, go to: http://www.environmentreport.org/transcript.php3?story_id=4193

Tropical wetlands sequester 80% more carbon than temperate wetlands

Mongabay.com – October 8, 2008 Tropical wetlands store 80 percent more carbon than temperate wetlands, reports a new study that compared ecosystems in Costa Rica and Ohio. William Mitsch of Ohio State University and colleagues found that the tropical wetland in Costa Rica accumulated around 1 ton of carbon per acre [2.63 t/ha] per year, while the temperate wetland in Ohio accumulated 0.6 tons of carbon per acre [1.4 t/ha] per year. For full article, go to: http://news.mongabay.com/2008/1008-wetlands.html

U.S. Committee on Energy and Commerce Releases Draft Discussion on Climate Change Legislation

Energy and Commerce News Release – October 7, 2008 On October 7th, the Committee on Energy and Commerce released a discussion draft of climate change legislation.  This draft is the culmination of nearly two years of intensive work on climate change by the Committee and marks an important step in ongoing efforts to address this increasingly serious problem. For more information, visit: http://energycommerce.house.gov/Climate_Change/index.shtml

Climate Change Strategy to Help Manage Water Resources

(Washington, D.C. – Oct. 2, 2008) To assist in responding to potential effects of climate change, a new strategy focuses on 40 specific actions for the national water program to take to respond to climate change. EPA's "National Water Program Strategy: Response to Climate Change" describes steps for managers to adapt their clean water, drinking water, and ocean protection programs. "Water is key to clean energy and climate change," said Benjamin H. Grumbles, EPA's assistant administrator for water. "Our water and climate strategy charts a course for timely and practical action, connecting the dots, drops, and watts for coordinated, sustainable results." EPA water programs are already taking action related to climate change including the WaterSense water efficiency program, green infrastructure for wet weather management, Climate Ready Estuaries, and the proposed national rule for the injection of carbon dioxide underground. The water strategy identifies specific response actions in five areas:       Mitigation of greenhouse gases   Adaptation to climate change   Research related to water and climate change   Education on climate change   Water program management of climate change Potential impacts of climate change on water resources reviewed in the strategy include increases in certain water pollution problems, changes in availability of drinking water supplies, and collective impacts on coastal areas. The strategy reflects input provided during a public comment period earlier this year. EPA has been working with other federal agencies to coordinate work on climate change and water. Recently, EPA issued a joint memorandum with the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, and Interior to describe cooperative efforts on climate change and water issues. Information on the strategy: http://www.epa.gov/water/climatechange

Some Marshes Pass Too Much Gas

By Robert Roy Britt – Live Science – September 24, 2008 Marshes pass a lot of gas, which adds to the whole global warming problem. One solution: Let them flood, a new study suggests. The idea is pretty simple. Both nature and humans create greenhouse gases. Humans do it when they burn carbon-based stuff. One aspect to nature's contribution involves bacteria in wetlands that produce methane while munching on organic meals. Methane is the major component of natural gas, and it's also a greenhouse gas that acts like a blanket to keep solar radiation trapped inside the atmosphere. Wetlands can be thought of as the kidneys of the environment, absorbing chemicals and gunk and organic matter, explains a team led by William Mitsch of Ohio State University.  For full article, go to: http://www.livescience.com/environment/080924-flood-wetlands.html

Palin, McCain Disagree on Causes of Global Warming

By Juliet Eilperin – Washington Post – September 23, 2008 No one, including Gov. Sarah Palin, questions that Alaska's climate is changing more rapidly than any other state's. But her skepticism about the causes and what needs to be done to address the consequences stands in sharp contrast to the views of her running mate, Sen. John McCain, and place her to the right of the Bush administration and several other Republican governors. For full article, go to: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/22/AR2008092202894.html?wpisrc=newsletter

Underground CO2 a Long Way Off

By Shawn Allee – The Environment Report – September 8, 2008 One of the cheapest, easiest ways to make electricity in America is to burn coal. But there's this little problem of global warming. The coal power industry is a major offender... because burning coal gives off carbon dioxide – the main greenhouse gas. It's enough to make you think - should we burn coal at all? Shawn Allee reports some scientists hope to prove we can put coal emissions out of sight, out of mind: A big part of our global warming problem starts right in coal country. Recently, I recorded this coal train leaving a coal mine, destined for some power plants. For full article, go to: http://environmentreport.org/transcript.php3?story_id=4154

Climate Ready Estuaries Website

EPA's Climate Ready Estuaries (CRE) is excited to announce its new website at http://www.epa.gov/cre  The CRE website is designed to provide users with information about the importance of coastal adaptation to climate change and provide tools for adaptation in its toolkit.  More specifically, the online toolkit features resources related to coastal vulnerability, adaptation planning, smart growth, data and monitoring, and sustainable financing, serving a range of needs - from community members to coastal managers.

MD: Temperatures, shoreline may rise, warns report

Associated Press – Delmarva Times – August 4, 2008 Climate change could push summer temperatures above 100 for more than three weeks a year under the worst-case climate change scenario painted for state lawmakers by the authors of a new report. An increase in the average annual temperature in Maryland of about 3 degrees by mid-century is "likely unavoidable," and if greenhouse gas emissions are not limited, summertime temperatures could rise by an average of nine degrees, with 24 days topping 100 degrees, the report said. The (Baltimore) Sun obtained a copy of the report, which was produced for the state Commission on Climate Change and was researched and written by a committee of 19 scientists from Maryland universities, the U.S. Geological Survey and two environmental groups. For full article, go to: http://www.delmarvanow.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080804/NEWS01/80804002/1002

New Farming Method to Help 'Grow' Wetlands in Delta Area (“Carbon Capture”)

By Danny Bernardini – The Reporter – July 30, 2008 Thanks to a grant from the California Department of Water Resources, a new farming method in the delta is attempting to "grow" wetlands. The DWR has invested $12.3 million to explore "carbon-capture" farming, which traps atmospheric carbon dioxide and rebuilds lost soils in the delta. A partnership with U.S. Geological Survey and U.C. Davis will take methods that have been used in a pilot program on Twitchell Island for 10 years and will use them in areas of the western delta. Carbon-capture works as carbon dioxide is taken out of the air by plants such as tules and cattails. As the plants die and decompose, they create new peat soil, building the land surface over time. For full story, go to: http://www.thereporter.com/news/ci_10042563

Wetlands Could Unleash "Carbon Bomb"

By Deborah Zabarenko – Reuters News Service – July 20, 2008 The world's wetlands, threatened by development, dehydration and climate change, could release a planet-warming "carbon bomb" if they are destroyed, ecological scientists said on Sunday. Wetlands contain 771 billion tons of greenhouse gases, one-fifth of all the carbon on Earth and about the same amount of carbon as is now in the atmosphere, the scientists said before an international conference linking wetlands and global warming. For full article, go to: http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSN1745905120080720

House Dems Plan Oil & Gas Drilling Vote

ESA Policy News Update – July 14, 2008 House Democratic leaders are planning a vote this week on legislation to expedite oil leasing in Alaska. The House drilling plan would require annual lease sales in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, a 23-million-acre area in northern Alaska first set aside in the 1920s. The Interior Department has been conducting leased sales every two years in recent years in the area and there are currently more than 300 leases in the reserve. For full article, go to: http://www.esa.org/pao/policyNews/pn2008/07142008.php

Archived News
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Caribbean Governments Urged to Set Climate Action Agenda By Andrea Downer – ENS – April 9, 2008 Regional scientists are calling on Caribbean governments to help develop an emerging research and action agenda that will prepare the islands for the effects of climate change. A preliminary agenda was reached after three teams of scientists carried out extensive research on climate change scenarios and modeling, coastal, marine and terrestrial biodiversity in the region. http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/apr2008/2008-04-09-04.asp

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STATE CLIMATE CHANGE ACTION PLANS

EPA lists climate change action plans for over 25 states with links to all but two state plans available. Some of these climate change action plans specifically address wetlands, identify impacts of climate change to wetlands, refer to wetlands as “carbon sinks” and sources of methane. A few states incorporate carbon sequestration in wetlands as part of the strategy to mitigate the effects of climate change. ASWM has created a preliminary list of the states’ climate change action plans that include reference to these wetland issues.

In addition to these climate change action plans, some states’ wetland divisions and environmental protection departments have begun or even completed significant wetlands research with respect to climate change. This list does not reflect research projects or wetlands divisions that have begun to develop programs or initiatives that the EPA has not yet identified under the state climate change action plan list. ASWM will update this list as further initiatives are identified and information becomes available. The full list of state climate change action plans is available on EPA’s website at: EPA’s list of State Climate Action Plans with links to over 25 State Plans http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/wycd/stateandlocalgov/state_action.html

Colorado: “Climate Change & Colorado: A Technical Assessment Examining Climate Change Science, Greenhouse Gas Production, Potential Impacts, and Mitigation” includes wetlands through Conservation Technical Assistance USDA program and the Conservation Farm Option. http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/ap/down/climatechange.pdf

Delaware: “Delaware Climate Change Action Plan” identifies wetlands as carbon sinks and incorporates carbon sequestration in wetlands as part of the strategy; the action plan also identifies sea level rise as an effect of climate change and as having an impact to wetlands. http://ceep.udel.edu/publications/globalenvironments/reports/deccap/fullreport.pdf

Hawaii: “Hawaii Climate Change Action Plan” identifies sea level rise as an effect of climate change and as having an impact to wetlands. http://www.hawaii.gov/dbedt/info/energy/publications/ccap.pdf

Iowa: “Iowa Greenhouse Gas Action Plan” mentions wetlands with respect to carbon and methane sequestration. http://atmos.cgrer.uiowa.edu/research/reports/iggap/FinalReport.pdf

Maryland:  “Maryland Climate Change Action Plan” addresses wetlands through the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program and incorporates sequestration into its strategy. The document is available in two parts; Part 1 is at: http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/wycd/stateandlocalgov/downloads/GHG%20Volume% 20I%20Final.pdf  and part 2 is at: http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/wycd/stateandlocalgov/downloads/GHG%20Volume% 20II%20Final.pdf

New England Coalition: “New England Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative” does mention wetlands but it does not specifically address wetland issues such as sea level rise, carbon sinks/sequestration or other wetland factors. Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Maine, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey all belong to this coalition. More specific information to be added later.

Minnesota: “Minnesota Climate Change Action Plan: A Framework for Climate Change Action” identifies the significance of the prairie pothole region, wetlands as a source of methane and carbon and methane sequestration as part of the strategy. http://www.pca.state.mn.us/publications/reports/mn climate-action-plan.pdf

Missouri: “Missouri Action Options for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions” identifies impacts to wetlands from climate change as well as wetlands as a source for methane. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/pubs/pub1447.pdf

New Mexico: “New Mexico Greenhouse Gas State Action Plan” identifies wetlands as an ecotype but does not specifically address wetlands as part of the strategy or plan. http://www.werc.net/outreach/greenhouse_gas.htm

Rhode Island: “Rhode Island Greenhouse Gas Action Plan” addresses wetlands through the “Conversion of Marginal Cropland to Wetland Initiative.” The plan also poses a question about wetlands as a source of methane and the implications therein for climate change action. http://righg.raabassociates.org/Articles/GHGPlanBody7-19-02FINAL.pdf

Tennessee:  “Tennessee Greenhouse Gas Emissions Mitigation Strategies” identifies sea level rise as an effect of climate change and as having an impact to wetlands. http://www.state.tn.us/ecd/energy_init.htm

Washington: “Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Options for Washington State” identifies sea level rise as an effect of climate change and as having an impact to wetlands. http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/wycd/stateandlocalgov/downloads/WA_Action_Plan.pdf

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SCIENTISTS CONDUCTING RESEARCH ON WETLANDS & CLIMATE CHANGE

Professor Kelman Wieder, Ph.D, Villanova University, carbon sequestration, northern forested wetlands research

http://www13.homepage.villanova.edu/kelman.wieder/CurriculumVitae2.htm#Publications%20 in%20Refereed%20Journals

Professor Nigel Roulet at McGill University, Department of Geography, climate change and carbon sequestration research interests and publications

http://www.geog.mcgill.ca/faculty/roulet/

Professor Scott Bridgham, University of Oregon, Center for Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies Program. Research interests: Carbon and nutrient cycling, wetland ecology, trace gas production, climate change, biogeochemistry, microbial ecology, plant community structure, plant-nutrient interactions, restoration

http://evolution.uoregon.edu/bridgham.htm

Virginia Burkett, Ph.D., USGS research on global climate change and wetlands

http://www.nwrc.usgs.gov/about/directorate/burkett.htm

Dr. Merritt Turetsky, Michigan State University

Research interests include: carbon sequestration, peatlands

http://www.plantbiology.msu.edu/turetsky/research.htm

Robert A. Gleason, Ph.D., Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, USGS

Research interests include: carbon sequestration, prairie pothole region

http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/staff/gleason.htm

Ned H. “Chip” Euliss, Jr. Ph.D., Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, USGS

Research interests include: wetlands as carbon stores, sequestration

http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/staff/eulissn.htm

Dr. Graham Giese, Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies

Research interests include: shoreline change

http://coastalstudies.org/what-we-do/land-sea/index.htm

Peter A. Slovinsky and Stephen M. Dickson, Maine Geological Survey

Research interests include: sea level rise

http://www.maine.gov/doc/nrimc/mgs/about/contacts.htm

Denise J. Reed, Ph.D., University of New Orleans

Research interests include: coastal subsistence, sea level rise

http://www.ees.uno.edu/restoration/d_j_reed.htm

Kevin Knuuti, P.E., Army Corps Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory, Waterways Experiment Station, Research interests inlclude: sea level rise’s effect on inlets, estuaries

http://chl.erdc.usace.army.mil/CHL.aspx?p=s&a=PERSONS;264

Dr. Pascal Badiou, a research scientist with Ducks Unlimited Canada's Institute for Wetland and Waterfowl Research http://www.ducks.ca/conserve/research/team/staff/badiou.html

Interview: The Future of Water in a Warmer World GLRC (MI) Lester Graham talks with Peter H. Gleick, President and co-founder of the Pacific Institute, who is concerned that without reducing greenhouse gas emissions, global warming will have dire impact on water resources. April 16, 2007 (University of Michigan) http://www.glrc.org/story.php3?story_id=3399

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RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES

Postdoctoral Associate for large-scale coastal ecosystem flooding experiment

The Division of Earth and Ecological Sciences at Tulane University is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate to help lead a DOE-funded Gulf Coast ecosystem sea level rise and storm surge experiment.  The experiment will utilize large enclosures, ecophysiological sensors, and advanced command and control systems, to manipulate water height and salinity levels and test hypotheses associated with marsh and coastal forest response to climate change.  Highly motivated individuals interested in playing a key role in developing a large-scale experimental manipulation study are encouraged to apply.  Research experience with one or more of the following is desired: wetlands science, field ecology, ecophysiological studies, data acquisition and control, environmental sensors, and computer programming.  Applicants must have a Ph.D. in ecological or earth sciences, or a related discipline, and the appointment will be for two years with an anticipated start date of March 2009 (flexible).  Applicants should send an email with a cover letter, CV, statement of research interests, and names and contact information for three referees, with the title “NICCR experiment postdoc” to Dr. Jeffrey Chambers chambers@tulane.edu  Tulane University is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to excellence through diversity.

Seeking Post-Doctoral Research Associate for Climate Central

Climate Center (http://www.climatecentral.org) is seeking one or more research associates with strong writing abilities and a recent Ph.D. (or to be conferred by early 2009) in a relevant science or engineering field, including (but not limited to) atmospheric, cryospheric, environmental, and geophysical sciences, chemistry, physics, ecology, hydrology, oceanography, and chemical, civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering. Appointment would be for a two-year term, with possibility of extension. Our expectation is to offer a salary commensurate with starting post-doctoral positions at major research universities. The main responsibility for this position will be providing scientific support for Climate Central's video and web production. The applicant will be involved in brainstorming ideas for video documentaries, helping craft both general narratives and detailed scripts, and will be primarily responsible for researching and creating companion web resources that use the underlying scientific literature to fully document scripts (see example annotation supporting a 10 minute video that appeared on the 10/31/08 installment of PBS's NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, http://www.climatecentral.org/video/montana-trout-drought/annotated-transcript.html). Climate Central has headquarters in Princeton, NJ and offices in Palo Alto, CA and St. Paul, MN. The position(s) will be based at the Princeton or St. Paul office. Climate Central is an equal-opportunity employer; women and members of underrepresented minorities are encouraged to apply. To apply, please email a cover letter, CV, list of three references, and writing sample (see below) to jobs@climatecentral.org; please send as a single PDF file with subject line POSTDOC. Review of applications will begin 12/15/08 and continue until the position(s) are filled. For a writing sample, applicants should supply no more than one page supporting one of the following three statements: (1) experts believe that coastal areas will experience more erosion because of climate change; (2) experts believe corn-based ethanol provides only modest reductions in greenhouse gas emissions over the petroleum it replaces (even if carbon releases associated with land-use change are neglected); and (3) Energy storage is a major obstacle to large-scale deployment of power generation technologies that use renewable but intermittent energy sources like wind and solar. The writing sample should be written in a style accessible to the general public-see the annotation example described above as a guide.

Graduate Student Position in Stream and Watershed Biogeochemistry

Funding is available for a either a M.S. or Ph.D. student in the Department of Biology and Wildlife at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.  The student will join a broader research project examining stream and watershed hydro-biogeochemistry in the boreal forest of Alaska.  Discontinuous permafrost underlies much of the boreal forest of interior Alaska and has a major effect on watershed carbon and nutrient fluxes by controlling watershed hydrology and the storage of organic matter in soil.  With climatic warming, permafrost is thawing, which will alter watershed hydrology and release soil carbon and nutrients to streams and the atmosphere.  Our research examines the implications of climate change on watershed hydrology, nutrient fluxes and stream biogeochemistry.  This work is funded through the Bonanza Creek Long Term Ecological Program ( http://www.lter.uaf.edu/ ) and is focused in the Caribou-Poker Creeks Research Watersheds (CPCRW) located near Fairbanks.  Additional information about research in my lab can be found at http://users.iab.uaf.edu/~jay_jones/ .  Review of applications by the Department of Biology and Wildlife at the University of Alaska Fairbanks begins January 15, 2009.  For more information, please contact Dr. Jay Jones at ffjbj@uaf.edu  or 907-474-7972.

Research Assistantship – Studying Nitrogen Retention

A Ph.D. Research Assistantship is available beginning in the fall of 2009 to study variation in nitrogen retention among diverse managed and unmanaged ecosystems in central PA.  The student will be advised by Dr. Jason Kaye (http://kayelab.psu.edu) in conducting isotope tracer experiments and will collaborate with a postdoc and PI (Dr. Enid Martinez; http://cropsoil.psu.edu/people/faculty/martinezce.cfm) using spectroscopy to identify soil organic N forms.  Collaborations on education and outreach components of the project are also expected.  Students with a MS degree in ecology, environmental science, or soil science are especially encouraged to apply, though applicants with Bachelor’s degrees and significant undergraduate research experience will also be considered.  Interested applicants should call (841-863-1614) or email jpk@psu.edu  Dr. Kaye and apply to the Graduate Program in Soil Science http://cropsoil.psu.edu/academic/soilscienceg.cfm) or the Inter-College Degree Program in Ecology (http://www.huck.psu.edu/education/ecology). Either of these degrees can be combined with the new Biogeochemistry Dual Title Degree program.

PhD Positions Available – Studying Wetlands & Climate Change

Two PhD positions are available for qualified individuals to study peatland ecology at Michigan Technological University http://www.forest.mtu.edu  One position will work on a DOE-NICCR climate change project. The student will work closely with both PI’s (Rod Chimner at Michigan Tech and Merritt Turetsky at U. of Guelph) to study fundamental questions regarding the interactive effects of warming and long-term water manipulations on peatland carbon cycling and how they are modified by peat chemistry and vegetation changes. Consideration of applications begins immediately and will continue until the positions are filled. Start date is flexible. Please send a cover letter that states your research interests, your curriculum vitae, and any other relevant materials, and provide the names and contact information for three references, by email to Rod Chimner at rchimner@mtu.edu

Postdoctoral Position in Soil Carbon Assessment for Alaska at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Institute of Arctic Biology Applications for this position can be submitted at the following URL: http://www.uakjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=63077 or by going to http://www.uakjobs.com and entering posting number 0055332.  Applications will be received until the position is filled, but review of applications will begin on 26 June 2008.  More information on the nature of the position can be obtained by contacting Dr. A. David McGuire, 907-474-6242, ffadm@uaf.edu, or Dr. Jennifer Harden, 650-329-4949, jharden@usgs.gov.

SEEDS Spring Field Trip 2008: Alaska Ecology on the Edge: Polar Ecosystems and their Response to a Changing Climate" May 25 - 31 at the Bonanza Creek Long Term Ecological Research site (LTER) For more information about this organization, visit: http://www.lter.uaf.edu/ This field trip provides a unique opportunity to learn from, and perhaps contribute to, the scientific research programs taking place at the Earth's poles and is taking place during International Polar Year (2008). During the field trip, students will tour Alaskan boreal forests, muskegs and wetlands, and the floodplains of the Tanana River. Students will conduct an ecological investigation, and present results on the effects of fires in Alaska. For more information on this trip, please visit http://esa.org/seeds/fieldtrips/upcoming.php

Climate Adaptation Specialists- Freshwater and Terrestrial

World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the global conservation organization seeks two Climate Adaptation Specialists, one to work on freshwater ecosystems, the other on terrestrial ecosystems. This Senior Program Officer position plans, manages, communicates, and implements project as part of the EpiCenter of Climate Adaptaiton and Resilience Building. Leads the development of successful adaptation field projects and manages other strategic efforts to build WWF’s profile and knowledge around adaptation/resilience-building in order to protect nature from the impacts of climate change. Works under the supervision of the Chief Climate Change Scientist/Director of the EpiCenter of Climate Adaptation and Resilience Building and is part of the WWF Climate Change Global Program Unit. For more information, visit: http://www.worldwildlife.org/jobs

Master's or PhD Position to Study Carbon Budgets of Peatland in Michigan's UP A fully funded PhD (or Master's) position is available to investigate the water and carbon budgets of peatlands in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. This research is needed as peatlands store an enormous reserve of terrestrial carbon, are sensitive to changes in regional hydrology and are primarily located in areas expected to experience dramatic climate warming. The successful applicant will join the graduate program in the School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science at Michigan Technological University (MTU). Desirable qualifications in the applicant include a degree in Ecology, Forestry or Hydrology. A strong interest in field based research, experimental design and statistics is highly desired. Consideration of applications begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Please send a cover letter that states your research interests and provides the names and contact information for three references, your curriculum vitae, and any other relevant materials by email to Tom Pypker (tgpypker@mtu.edu), School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931 - Dr. Tom Pypker, Tel: 906-487-1089, e-mail: tgpypker@mtu.edu For more information, visit: http://forest.mtu.edu/faculty/pypker/index.html

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CLIMATE CHANGE AND WETLAND EVENTS

EPA sponsors climate change symposium for tribes

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 is sponsoring a symposium on Climate Change in the Great Lakes Basin for tribal officials and others December 1-4, 2008 at the Forest County Potawatomi Bingo Casino, 1721 W. Canal St., Milwaukee.  The symposium will provide an opportunity to discuss health and cultural effects of climate change in tribal communities around the Great Lakes such as its impact on water supplies and threats to native species important to indigenous cultures and economies. Symposium agenda and registration information are available at http://www.epa.gov/region5/air/tribes/TCCSymposium.htm

Carbon in Northern Forests Conference

Carbon in Northern Forests: Integration of Research and Management will take place on June 10-11, 2009 at the Hagerty Center in Traverse City, Michigan. This goal of this conference is  to explore the breadth of forest carbon science in the Lake States and Northeast regions and provide an opportunity for scientists to: (1) share and discuss research on carbon  pools and cycling in temperate and  boreal forests; (2) identify research needs in forest carbon science given natural and human disturbances and environmental change; and (3) highlight potential effects of management on carbon dynamics and suggest methods to increase carbon stored in forests and wood products. Focus areas include:  - Disturbance Effects on Forest Carbon Pools  - Management Interaction with Forest Carbon Pools  - Valuing Carbon as an Ecosystem Service  - Bioenergy for Fossil Fuel Substitution and Carbon Sequestration Abstracts for oral and poster presentations will be accepted until April 3, 2009.  Additionally, presenters will have the opportunity to submit manuscripts for a special issue of the journal FOREST SCIENCE. Additional information is available online at the conference website: www.forest.mtu.edu/cinf

Effects of Climate Change on Natural Resources in California--A Series of Seminars http://www.edaw.com/ClimateChange/

29-31 July 2008. Impact of Climate Change on the Great Lakes Ecosystem - A NOAA Science Needs Assessment Workshop to Meet Emerging Challenges will be held at the School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Michigan Central Campus, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Information on the workshop is available at: http://www.glerl.noaa.gov/res/Programs/climate_change/cc_workshop.html

Wetlands 2008: Wetlands and Global Climate Change ASWM will hold Wetlands 2008: Wetlands and Global Climate Change in Portland, Oregon on September 16-18 at the Doubletree Hotel. There will be a field trip on Monday, September 15 and Thursday, September 18. See Field Trips. On Friday, September 19 there will be additional workshops sponsored by Pacific Northwest Chapter of the Society of Wetland Scientists. See Workshops. Global climate change will be the primary topic at ASWM's annual conference. Carbon sequestration and wetlands, sea level change, and strategies for managing wetlands in response to long term changes in temperature and precipitation will be important topics. Other related topics will include wetland research priorities, monitoring trends in wetlands and related resources, management strategies, invasive species, biodiversity and policy responses to a changing environment. The purpose of this symposium is to describe challenges, identify opportunities, and share cooperative strategies for protecting, restoring and conserving wetlands in response to climate change. For information, please visit the Wetlands 2008 website or contact Laura at laura@aswm.org or 207-892-3399. Now Posted: Field Trips and Workshops

American Public Works Association (APWA) Symposium on Climate Change April 9-10, 2008 Tempe, Arizona. APWA will host its first-ever Climate Change Symposium this Spring. Join us to explore mitigation and adaptation concepts impacting today’s public works departments, highlighting how local governments can impact the level of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. For more information, visit www.apwa.net/SuperPush/index.asp?ID=99

Climate Change in the Great Lakes Region: Starting a Discussion http://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/climatechange/

Wetlands in the 21st Century: Altered Landscapes and Changing Climates Wisconsin Wetlands Association’s 13th Annual Conference: Jan. 31 & Feb. 1, 2008 Abstract Deadline: Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - In 2008, Wisconsin Wetlands Association will convene members of the regional wetland community for the 13th annual conference to discuss the latest in wetland science, management, restoration and protection issues as they relate to anthropogenic alterations that affect wetlands. The program for this 2-day conference will have a special focus on the theme Wetlands in the 21st Century: Altered Landscapes and Changing Climates, and will include a keynote address, topical oral sessions, a poster session, working groups, a banquet and wetland field trips. For more information, visit the conference website at: www.wisconsinwetlands.org/2008conference.htm

INTERNATIONAL EVENTS

International Conference on Health, Safety & the Environment: Carbon Sequestration & Climate Change – Key topics The Society of Petroleum Engineers invites experts interested in climate issues to attend its International Conference on Health, Safety & Environment (HSE), scheduled for 15-17 April in Nice, France. The event will discuss matters related to climate change, public health needs in developing countries, and other pressing social responsibility issues. Key topics will include carbon sequestration and carbon storage; sensitive environments; human rights. For more information, visit: http://www.spe.org/hse08

International Tundra Experiment Focusing on impact of climate change on tundra ecosystems (including permafrost) Conferences and workshops happening in the U.S. and in other countries http://www.geog.ubc.ca/itex/

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RESOURCES/PUBLICATIONS

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change publication list is available at http://unfccc.int/essential_background/background_publications_htmlpdf/items/2625.php

Analysis of Natural Resources Protection Provisions in Climate Security Act (S. 3036) National Wildlife Federation Fact Sheet - May 27, 2008 http://www.nwf.org/nwfwebadmin/binaryVault/NWFAnalysisOfCSANaturalResourceProvisions.pdf

Attributing physical and biological impacts to anthropogenic climate change By Cynthia Rosenzweig, David Karoly, et. al. – Nature – May 15, 2008 Significant changes in physical and biological systems are occurring on all continents and in most oceans, with a concentration of available data in Europe and North America. Correspondence: Email Cynthia Rosenzweig at crosenzweig@giss.nasa.gov  For more information, go to: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v453/n7193/full/nature06937.html

The American Agricultural Economics Association has posted the first quarter issue of Choices online at www.choicesmagazine.org/ The theme for this issue is Resources and the Environment.  Guest Editor Jason F. Shogren brings together nine papers under the title "Climate Change Economics."  This thematic package in Choices celebrates the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) work, its Nobel prize and the significant contributions of agricultural and resources Economists to the IPCC process and reports. These nine papers present work which overviews the major aspects of climate change and its implications for agriculture and natural resources written by people who have been intimately involved with the IPCC. This issue of Choices also features an article by Leigh Raymond and Gerald Shively titled "Market-Based Approaches to CO2 Emissions Reductions." Choices is an online peer-reviewed magazine published by the AAEA for readers interested in the policy and management of agriculture, the food industry, natural resources, rural communities, and the environment. If you would like to contribute to future issues, please visit http://www.choicesmagazine.org/submissions.htm

Solving Climate Change Saves Billions By Kristina Kershner – ENN – April 10, 2008 According to Edward Mazria, founder of Architecture 2030, “Although difficult, the economic and global warming crises are the motivation we need as a nation to retool our thinking. If we’re smart enough to jump on this opportunity, we will not only solve global warming, we will set the US up for unprecedented economic success.” For full article, go to: http://www.enn.com/press_releases/2437 For direct link to the study, go to: http://www.architecture2030.org/pdfs/2030Blueprint.pdf

National Water Program Strategy: Response to Climate Change Draft Comments Welcome The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Water has made available for comment a public review draft of the National Water Program Strategy: Response to Climate Change. This draft document represents the National Water Program’s initial effort to identify potential impacts of climate change for clean water and drinking water programs and define actions to respond to these impacts. A March 28, 2008, memorandum signed by the Assistant Administrator for Water requests comments on the draft strategy. For the request for comments, see: http://www.epa.gov/water/climatechange/docs/3-28-08_memo_to_interested_parties.pdf  For the draft document open to public comment, go to: http://www.epa.gov/water/climatechange/docs/3-27-08_ccdraftstrategy_final.pdf The comment period has been extended. Please submit comments to the following e-mail address: Water_Climate_Change@epa.gov by June 10, 2008. You also can mail your comments to the following address: Attention: National Water Program Draft Climate Change Strategy, U.S. EPA, Office of Water, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Mail Code: 4101M - Washington, DC 20460

Government Report Warns of Sea-Rise Threat to U.S. Coasts (March 2008) A report released by the National Research Council's Transportation Research board explores the threat to transportation networks due to climate change sea level rise. According to the report, tens of thousands of miles of highway and rail corridor will become vulnerable to erosion, chronic flooding and other stresses over the next century as a warming climate causes an increase in extreme weather conditions. The report predicts that some of the nation's busiest airports could see increased service interruptions and runway closures because of sea level rise and storm surges. The report expects an increase in very hot days and heat waves, increases in Arctic temperatures, increases in hurricane activity, increases in intense precipitation events, and rising sea levels. Those factors, coupled with an expected population growth in coastal zones, will create a greater demand on the transportation infrastructure. The report notes there is a need for innovative and collaborative thinking and planning on the parts of planners, engineers, and managers to address this growing problem. Another study, led by the Environmental Protection Agency joined by other agencies, expresses a similar warning on infrastructure and adds a concern for beaches, wetlands and fresh-water supplies that also are threatened due to encroaching saltwater. For more information or to read the report: http://www.nationalacademies.org/morenews/20080311.html; http://climatescience.gov/Library/sap/sap4-1/public-review-draft/

NOAA Requests Comments on Draft Sea Level Rise Report

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is seeking comments on the draft report, U.S. Climate Change Science Program Synthesis and Assessment Product 4.1: Coastal elevation and sensitivity to sea level rise (73, Federal Register, p.10005, February 25).  The report analyzes information from the ongoing mapping efforts by federal and non-federal researchers related to the implications of rising sea level. The report will also develop a plan for sea level rise research to answer the questions that are most urgent for near-term decision-making. The deadline for comments is April 10, 2008.  For more information, visit http://www.climatescience.gov/Library/sap/sap4-1/public-review-draft/

A Landowners Guide to Carbon Sequestration Credits University of Minnesota, CINRAM (2007) http://www.cinram.umn.edu/Landownerguide.html http://www.cinram.umn.edu/publications/landowners_guide1.5-1.pdf

Coastal Wetlands and Global Climate Change By Robert Twilley – Pew Center on Global Climate Change – December 2007 In 2007, the science of climate change achieved an unfortunate milestone: the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reached a consensus position that human-induced global warming is already causing physical and biological impacts worldwide. For direct link to this study, go to: http://www.pewclimate.org/docUploads/Regional-Impacts-Gulf.pdf

AMWA Releases Report on Threats to Water Systems From Global Warming December 2007 Global warming will raise the risk of water pollution and flood damage to urban water systems, the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA) said in a report yesterday titled "Implications of Climate Change for Urban Water Utilities". The association of publicly owned drinking-water systems predicts rising temperatures will increase evaporation and rainfall and decrease snowpack. Nationwide, increased precipitation and flooding could overwhelm wastewater treatment facilities, the report says. Citing U.S. EPA research, the report says most treatment plants and overflow-control programs were designed according to historic water flows and do not take into account sea level rise spurred by rising temperatures. "As a result, it is conceivable that water suppliers will face a continually increased influent challenge from sewage overflows producing high concentrations of Giardia, Cryptosporidium and coliforms," the report says. The report urges planners to consider methods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including a re-examination of water transmission and distribution methods to reduce electricity use during peak periods, as well as integrating renewable energy sources like solar or wind-powered pumping. To see the report go to: http://www.amwa.net/galleries/climate-change/AMWA_Climate_Change_Paper_12.13 .07.pdf

CSO Releases Climate Change Adaptation Report CSO Weekly Report – October 2007 This week, the CSO Climate Change Work Group released a report entitled The Role of Coastal Zone Management Programs in Adaptation to Climate Change. The Work Group prepared this report to explore the current and future roles of state coastal zone management programs in addressing the increasing impacts of climate change to the coastal zone. This report aims to: Inform Congress and federal agencies of the role of state coastal zone management programs in addressing climate change; Inform efforts to reauthorize the Coastal Zone Management Act; Inform federal agencies of key research, information, and policy needs; and Provide for information of exchange among coastal states and territories. To download a copy of the report, please go to the following link: http://www.coastalstates.org/documents/CSO%20Climate%20Change%20Final%20 Report.pdf

Adapting to a Changing Climate: Water, Energy, People,” an address by G. Tracy Mehan, III, Former Assistant Administrator for Water U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, given at a recent reception (October 2007) in Washington, DC. [View in PDF]

NOAA Climate Change Documents Seek Public Comment The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is seeking public comments on two draft climate change publications. The first is The Effects of Climate Change on Agriculture, Land Resources, Water Resources, and Biodiversity found at: http://www.climatescience.gov/Library/sap/sap4-3/public-review-draft/default.htm. Comments are due by October 26, 2007. The second is Uses and Limitations of Observations, Data, Forecasts, and other Projections in Decision Support for Selected Sectors and Regions which can be found at: http://www.climatescience.gov/Library/sap/sap5-1/public-review-draft/default.htm. Comments are due by November 8. Instructions for commenting are provided on each publication's web page

The Climate Impacts Group, King County, Washington, and ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability are pleased to announce the release of Preparing for Climate Change: A Guidebook for Local, Regional, and State Governments. The guidebook is designed to facilitate planning for climate impacts at the local level by specifying practical steps and strategies that can be used to build community resilience into the future. These steps include creating a climate change preparedness team; identifying community vulnerabilities to climate change; and identifying, selecting, and implementing adaptation options. An electronic copy of the guidebook is available at http://www.cses.washington.edu/cig/fpt/guidebook.shtml (September 2007) Hard copies of the guidebook will be available in October. To request a hard copy, please send me an email (lwb123@u.washington.edu).

New Fundamentals of Urban Runoff Management Document Now Available July 2007 A second edition of a popular publication, Fundamentals of Urban Runoff Management: Technical and Institutional Issues, was recently published by the North American Lake Management Society. This document revises an earlier 1994 edition and was prepared with support from EPA's Office of Wastewater Management and the Nonpoint Source Control Branch in EPA's Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds. The update is important because of the tremendous amount of new information available as well as the significant shift in stormwater program direction from the historic mitigation-based approach to a more source-based approach. Copies of the document can be found at: http://www.nalms.org:80/Resources/FundamentalsOfUrbanRunoffManagement.aspx

Ecology's "Issue Up Close" New Brochure on Climate Change for Washington July 2007 The eight-page brochure is available at the climate change web portal that Ecology hosts for state agencies and state residents: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/pubs/0701023.pdf

Sea-level Rise and Coastal Habitats in the Pacific Northwest An Analysis for Puget Sound, Southwestern Washington, and Northwestern Oregon (July 2007) By Patty Glick, NWF, Jonathan Clough, Warren Pinnacle Consulting, Inc. and Brad Nunley, NWF http://www.nwf.org/sealevelrise/pdfs/PacificNWSeaLevelRise.pdf

Testimony of Hon. Eileen Claussen, President, Pew Center on Global Climate Change at the U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Ways and Means -- February 28, 2007 Regarding The Effects of Global Warming (mentions carbon sequestration among the action steps) http://www.pewclimate.org/what_s_being_done/in_the_congress/testimony_feb2807.cfm

Climate Change Affects Water Availability [pdf] Washington State Department of Ecology's "Issue Up Close: Managing our Water Successfully"; page 3. (January 2007)

Climate Change 2007 – Fourth IPCC Assessment Report Released The IPCC Fourth Assessment Report (AR4), was recently completed. Earlier this year, the three IPCC Working Groups contributions to the AR4 were released. On the 17 of November, the last part of the AR4 was launched: “The Synthesis Report.” For a direct link to the fourth report, go to: http://www.ipcc.ch/pdf/assessment-report/ar4/syr/ar4_syr_spm.pdf To access online copies of the other three assessment reports, visit: http://www.ipcc.ch/#

A Skeptic’s Guide to Debunking Global Warming Alarmism By Senator James Inhofe, Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (September 2006) This report includes a challenge to journalists who cover global warming. For a direct link to this report, go to: http://epw.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Files.View&FileStore_id=56dd129d-e40a-4bad-abd9-68c808e8809e

An Unfavorable Tide—Global Warming, Coastal Habitats and Sportfishing in Florida By Patty Glick, NWF and Jonathan Clough, Warren Pinnacle Consulting, Inc. (June 2006) http://www.targetglobalwarming.org/files/AnUnfavorableTideReport.pdf

Pacific Institute – Climate Change Impacts to Water http://www.pacinst.org/topics/water_and_sustainability/climate_change/

NASA Climate Data http://gcmd.nasa.gov/KeywordSearch/Home.do?Portal=NASA&MetadataType=0&homepg

New Yale Forum on Climate Change The Yale Forum on Climate Change & The Media, at www.yaleclimatemediaforum.org, just launched on October 1. For more information, visit the new online journal at the above link. This is a collaboration between Yale and environmental writers association. It is edited by Bud Ward who is very well known at NOAA for editing speeches and articles and writing OpEds.

Nova Program on Hurricanes - Is global warming making hurricanes more intense? See a slide show on a presentation by Kerry Emanuel from October 2005 as well as more recent discussion links. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sciencenow/3302/07.html

Sea Level Rise and Coastal Disasters -- A Roundtable Discussion Summary, Washington DC, 2001 http://books.nap.edu/html/ndr/sea_level_rise.pdf

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BIBLIOGRAPHIES

SLAMM Bibliography – list of publications related to the Sea Level Affecting Marsh Model (SLAMM) http://warrenpinnacle.com/prof/SLAMM/Bibliography.html

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BLOGS ON WETLANDS AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Global Climate Solutions http://globalclimatesolutions.org/

Water & Climate Change blog (Climate Ark) http://www.climateark.org/blog/

JPG Magazine: Global Warming and Wetland Destruction Photo Essay By Diane Sangalang http://www.jpgmag.com/stories/4656/

350.org “350 is the red line for human beings, the most important number on the planet. The most recent science tells us that unless we can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to 350 parts per million, we will cause huge and irreversible damage to the earth.” http://www.350.org/4/

Wetlands and Climate Change By Tom Pelton – Baltimore Sun.com – October 9, 2007 I had a story in today's paper about the planting of wetlands as a tool to fight climate change. Maryland in 2009 will start a "cap and trade" system for reducing carbon dioxide pollution from power plants. And both the state and Maryland's biggest power company are interested in the idea of using pollution credits -- essentially fines to power companies for spewing too much carbon dioxide -- to pay for the planting of acres of wetlands, which absorb carbon dioxide. Whether or not planting more marsh grass in the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge will do much to stop global warming is a matter of debate. Probably, it could play a small role -- when combined with large cuts in actual carbon dioxide emissions. But pollution credit systems are a hot topic not only in Annapolis, but also in DC and around the world. For example, Barack Obama yesterday outlined his support of a national pollution credit trading system to limit carbon dioxide pollution. "No business will be allowed to emit any greenhouse gases for free,” Mr. Obama said while campaigning Portsmouth, N.H, according to The New York Times. “Businesses don’t own the sky, the public does, and if we want them to stop polluting it, we have to put a price on all pollution.” Constellation Energy, the state's largest owner of power plants, is one of several power companies across the country that support a national cap-and-trade system for cutting down greenhouse gas pollution. In fact, a large coalition of both industrial corporations -- like General Motors and Duke Energy -- and environmental groups -- like the Natural Resources Defense Council -- support a national pollution credit system for attacking climate change. To view this blog, go to: http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bay_environment/blog/2007/10/wetlands_and_climate_change.html

RealClimate - Climate science from climate scientists http://www.realclimate.org/

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USEFUL LINKS & RESOURCES

Canada

Environment Canada, Wetlands & Climate Change

http://www.ec.gc.ca/water/en/nature/wetlan/e_clim.htm

United States

U.S. Committee on Energy and Commerce’s Climate Change Legislation Discussions http://energycommerce.house.gov/Climate_Change/index.shtml

USGS Global Climate Change webpage http://biology.usgs.gov:80/ecosystems/global_change/index.html

USGS, Global Climate Change & Wetlands, National Wetlands Research Center

http://www.nwrc.usgs.gov/about/web/climate.htm

Ducks Unlimited, Wetlands & Climate Change

http://www.iisd.org/wetlands/

Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Policy, University of Alaska, Fairbanks

http://www.uaf.edu/accap/

Bonanza Creek Long-Term Ecological Research, Affiliate of University of Alaska http://www.lter.uaf.edu/

Global Warming in the South, Southern Environmental Law Center http://www.southernenvironment.org/cases/global_warming/index.htm

Future Climate Data Download Available From IPPC IPPC 3rd Assessment data. Future climate projections, calibrated and statistically downscaled using the WorldClim data for 'current' conditions. http://www.worldclim.org/futdown.htm

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change [UNFCC] http://www.unfccc.int GHG data: http://unfccc.int/ghg_data/ghg_data_unfccc/items/4146.php

U.S. Wetlands & Carbon Sequestration Links

Big Sky Carbon Sequestration Partnership (has good list of recent publications & reports)

http://www.bigskyco2.org/ Reports list: http://www.bigskyco2.org/publications.htm

Conservation Fund Carbon Sequestration Program

http://www.conservationfund.org/?article=3127

Duck’s Unlimited Carbon Sequestration Program

http://www.ducks.org/Conservation/EcoAssets/1306/CarbonSequestration.html

Great Britian

Peatlands, Climate Change & Global Carbon Stores

http://biology.bangor.ac.uk/~bss113/wetland1.htm

International Organizations

United Nations Climate Change http://www.unep.org/themes/climatechange/

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

http://www.ipcc.ch/

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