Download - Adaptation Planning at ODOT
Adaptation Planning Adaptation Planning at ODOTat ODOT
ODOT’s Climate Change Adaptation Strategy Report and Future
Planning Liz Hormann
Sustainability PlannerOregon Global Warming Commission
June 29, 2012
Mitigation Versus Mitigation Versus AdaptationAdaptation Mitigation is any action taken to eliminate
or reduce the long-term risk and hazards of climate change. - Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
Adaptation is adjustment in natural or human systems to a new or changing environment caused by climate change. - Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
Adapting is taking “practical steps to protect communities from the likely disruption and damage that will result from effects of climate change.”
- United Nations Convention on Climate Change Secretariat
Three Related Efforts Three Related Efforts Regarding Regarding AdaptationAdaptation in in
Oregon:Oregon:1. Oregon Climate Assessment
Report (OCAR)
2. Oregon Climate Change Adaptation Framework
3. ODOT’s Adaptation Efforts
Development of the StrategyDevelopment of the Strategy
• Research:– Climate Science– Best Adaptation Practices– ODOT internal interviews
• Consultation and input:– ODOT Climate Change Technical Advisory Committee– Subject matter experts within ODOT
KEY Message: Climate change will impact all aspects of the agency, therefore adaptation will require all ODOT staff to work together.
Potential Impacts to ODOT Assets and Systems Operations
Coastal Changes in Air Temperature
Changes in Precipitation
Storm Intensity
Sea Level Rise
Erosion
Wave Heights
Changes in vegetation and wildlife species
WildfireExtreme Storm
Events
Hazard Trees Flooding
Landslides and Rockfalls
Changes in Seasonal Flow Rates
Social Impacts
Population Movement
Precipitation, Flooding, Precipitation, Flooding, Landslides Landslides Climate Impacts• Summer precipitation
decrease by 5-15%• Winter precipitation
increase by 15-30% • Increase in extreme
daily precipitation events
What it Means for ODOT• Flooded and washed-out
roadways• Bridge scour• Landslides • Traffic delays - safety• Large financial cost
Wildfire RiskWildfire RiskClimate Impact• Expected increase
in wildfire activity in all major forest types
• Region forest area burned is estimated to increase between 180 and 300%
What it Means for ODOT
• Road closures• Erosion issues along
road slopes• Extreme heat
impacts• Driver safety issues
(smoke)
Adaptive CapacityAdaptive Capacity The general ability of institutions,
systems, and individuals to adjust to potential damage from climate change, to take advantage of opportunities, or to cope with the consequences. – IPCC, 2007
Examples of ODOT’s Existing Capacity
– Fish Passage Regulation– Alerts and Warnings– Pavement Technologies
Where can adaptation fit into Where can adaptation fit into existing programs? existing programs?
• Emergency Response– Tsunami Planning– Oregon Emergency Management (OEM)
• Design Standards– Earthquake Standards– Additional Safety Factors
• Asset Management – Inform vulnerability and risk assessments
Climate Science and Projections
In Oregon
Inventory ofODOT Assets
Analyze VulnerabilityOf ODOT’sAssets &
Operations
Assess Integrated
Risk of Climate
Change forODOT
ODOT Adaptation
Plan
Identify,Prioritize,ImplementAdaptationOptions for
ODOT
ODOT Adaptation Planning Framework
ODOTInterim
Adaptation Strategy
Evaluate, Monitor, Reassess
Next Steps: Vulnerability and Next Steps: Vulnerability and Risk AssessmentRisk Assessment • Where are we most vulnerable? • How can we aid future decision-
making? • Phase I – Statewide Assessment • Phase II – in-depth assessment of high vulnerable areas
Vulnerability and Risk Assessments Vulnerability and Risk Assessments
Questions?Questions?Liz HormannSustainability PlannerOregon Department of TransportationSustainability ProgramPhone: (503) 986-4184Email:
