climate panel presentation- ccw conference
TRANSCRIPT
Managing the UnavoidableManaging the UnavoidableChoose Clean Water Conference
January 2010Andrew Fahlund
Every watershed has an historic Every watershed has an historic range of water conditionsrange of water conditions
Dry Wet
The new “normal” with The new “normal” with climate changeclimate change
Dry
More frequent and intense
droughts
More frequent and intense
storms
A shifting average.
Wet
September 2009
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
AtlantaAtlantaNovember 2007
What can we do?
IGNORE!IGNORE!
MOVE!MOVE!
ADAPT!ADAPT!
Adaptation for people Adaptation for people andand wildlife wildlife
Not very adaptable…Not very adaptable…
Our water infrastructure is crumblingOur water infrastructure is crumbling
Our “natural” water infrastructure Our “natural” water infrastructure is being lostis being lost
Prioritize flexible solutions that provide multiple benefits
““Green Infrastructure”Green Infrastructure”
ReplicateReplicate
ProtectProtect
RestoreRestore
Effective
Flexible
Scalable
Cheaper
Multiple benefits
Compatible with ecosystem adaptation
Benefits of “Green Infrastructure”Benefits of “Green Infrastructure”
www.americanrivers.org/naturalsecurity
Changes to PolicyChanges to Policy
• Integrate climate change in all decision making• Coordinate multiple authorities – science,
planning, investment, regulation • Invest in “green infrastructure” – e.g. Stimulus,
Appropriations, Cap and Trade, State Bonds• Address subsidies – e.g. flood insurance,
agriculture• Improve the science while moving forward with
“no regrets approaches”
“The problem with a traditional pipes and plants approach is that…you can’t hold a picnic or a tailgate party in a Deep Tunnel…“ Milwaukee Mayor, Tom Barrett
For more information go to For more information go to www.americanrivers.orgwww.americanrivers.org
Maryland: Green Street Project• Town of Edmonston,
Chesapeake Bay Trust, Low Impact Development Center
Photos: U.S. EPA Region III,Town of Edmonston
Restoration of the Restoration of the Rappahannock RiverRappahannock River