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Workshop Report:
Alvarez, Ricardo A. and Stephen P Leatherman, The Need For Action To Confront Potential Consequences Of Global Climate Change On A Regional Basis (North Miami, Florida: International Hurricane Center, 1998). White Paper in support of Climate Change and Extreme Events Workshop held 21-23 July 1998 in North Miami, Florida. Related Articles from the National Assessment's Newsletter, Acclimations.
Links to other Relevant Material
The WorkshopThe International Hurricane Center at Florida International University hosted the Climate Change and Extreme Events workshop, July 21-23, 1998. This workshop was part of the series of US Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) regional climate change workshops. This series of workshops was seen as an important step in a U.S. national assessment of the potential consequences of climate variability and change. Few regions have the combination of special characteristics found in the coastal areas and in the islands. The interaction of critical issues, such as sea level rise, storms, beach erosion, salt water intrusion, urban development and demographics on the transition zone where land meets ocean, creates conditions for potential adverse climate change effects on the largest segments of the population in this region. The consensus among the workshop's ninety-seven registered participants and guests included: a) recognition of the importance of climate change as a global issue; b) appreciation for the effort of bringing together regional public and private sector stakeholders to engage in a productive dialog; and c) eagerness to participate in the regional assessment and to continue to be involved in the National Assessment. Much knowledge and information were exchanged during the workshop and new questions arose as answers to old ones were provided. Issues for AnalysisThe coastal region and islands possess special characteristics. These include: a high and still increasing rate of urbanization, high population density, distinctive demographics, conflicting human and ecological requirements, in addition to processes driven by storms and sea level rise such as beach erosion, salt water intrusion, ecosystem redistribution or retreat, among others. Learning how all of these respond to climate change impacts is paramount to this region. The proposed assessment would consider a number of the key issues that are critical to the South Atlantic Coast - Caribbean. The key issues include: Water Resources, Human Health, Coastal Impacts, Tourism, Agriculture, Ecosystems and Wildlife, and Urban Areas. Strategy for the AssessmentThe proposed assessment for this region would focus on an iterative, "learn by doing" approach in research. This includes an emphasis on education as a tool for converting research findings into practical knowledge to cope with and/or mitigate the effects of climate change. The strategy also attempts to describe and include:
The assessment effort would draw on the region's rich cumulative experience in vulnerability analysis, hazard assessment, hazard mitigation, emergency management, and on lessons learned during the response and recovery phases of several disasters. All of these aspects would support the inclusion of empirical knowledge in the socio-economic aspects of climate scenarios for the region. There are no specific plans for a National Assessment effort for this region at this time. Workshop Steering Committee
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