Madeline Gilbert

June 25, 2024 - By David Danelski- UC- Riverside, "A study led by a UC Riverside atmospheric scientist predicts that unchecked carbon emissions will force #tropicalrains to shift northward in the coming decades, which would profoundly impact #agriculture and economies near the Earth's equator. The northward rain shift would be caused by complex changes in the atmosphere spurred by carbon emissions that influence the formation of the intertropical convergence zones. Those zones are essentially atmospheric engines that drive about a third of the world’s precipitation, Liu and his co-authors report in a paper published (https://lnkd.in/eThYB9qf) Friday, June 28, in the journal “Nature Climate Change." #Tropicalregions on either side the equator, such as central African nations, northern South America, and Pacific island states, among other regions, would be the most affected. Major crops grown in the tropics include coffee, cocoa, palm oil, bananas, sugarcane, tea, mangoes, and pineapples. However, the northward shift will last for only about 20 years before greater forces stemming from warming southern oceans pull the convergence zones back southward and keep them there for another millennium, said Wei Liu, an associate professor of climate change and sustainability at UCR’s College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. Intertropical convergence zones are areas along or near the #equator where trade winds from the northern and southern hemispheres meet and shoot upward into the cooler elevations, sucking up great volumes of moisture from the oceans. As this humid air cools at higher elevations, thunderclouds form, allowing for drenching rainstorms. #Tropicalrainforests can have as much as 14 feet of rain a year. “The rainfall change is very important,” Liu said. “It's a very heavy rainfall region. So, a small shift will cause big changes in #agriculture and the #economy of the societies. It will affect many regions.” Liu and his colleagues used sophisticated computer models to predict the atmospheric influence of carbon dioxide emissions from continued burning of fossil fuels and other sources, Liu said. “This #climatemodel included many components of the atmosphere, ocean, sea ice, and land. All these components are interacting with each other,” he said. “Basically, we try to simulate the real world. In the model, we can increase our carbon dioxide emissions from pre-industrial levels to much higher levels.” The analysis accounted for how carbon emissions influence the amount of radiant energy at the top of atmosphere. It also considered changes in sea ice, water vapor and cloud formation. These and other factors resulted in conditions that push the rain-forming convergence zones northward by as much as 0.2 degrees on average... #climatechange #climatescience #CO2emissions #oceanscience Continue reading

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Check out this paper from Paul! Paul has years of ecological and environmental experience, which has given him a plethora of botanical knowledge (plus, he's a great person to chat with overall).

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🌊A new report from Pacific Institute dives into the potential of stormwater to be an invaluable resource rather than just runoff. 🌍 Amidst challenges from water scarcity, stormwater can be a key asset, offering solutions to water shortages in regions like the desert southwest. 💧 Read the full report to learn how stormwater capture projects can drive water resilience: https://lnkd.in/gtaeAarw  #Stormwater #WaterShortages #Drought #EnvironmentalSustainability #Sustainability #ClimateChange

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📽 Lights, camera, action! Our Climate Change Research Program, the Governor's Office of Planning and Research (OPR), California Natural Resources Agency and the California Department of Water Resources has started filming a collaborative multi-video project for California’s Fifth Climate Change Assessment (Fifth Assessment). The Fifth Assessment will leverage diverse expertise throughout the state to contribute to the scientific foundation for understanding climate-related vulnerability throughout California. It will support on-the-ground implementation and decision-making at the local, regional, tribal, and state levels, focusing on the needs of communities most vulnerable to #ClimateChange impacts. Can't wait to share the first video with you all soon! #ClimateResiliency #ClimateEquity #CaliforniaForAll

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New #PPICsurvey: We look at Californians’ views on a range of topics related to Californians and the #environment, from the top #environmental issues for Californians (#ClimateChange, #Wildfires, #Water) to views on #AlternativeEnergy. 📝 Full report ⬇️ https://bit.ly/3LszeNQ

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#Oregon's #wetlands are more than just marshes and swamps. They are a network of bogs, fens, and shallow waters that filter our water, prevent floods, and provide a haven for countless species of plants and animals. Here's why wetlands matter: 🔵 Crystal Clear Water: Wetlands act as nature's kidneys, filtering pollutants and sediments before they reach our rivers and streams, providing clean drinking water for communities across the state. 🔵 Flood Protection: During heavy rain and snowmelt, wetlands act like sponges, absorbing excess water and mitigating floods that threaten homes, businesses, and infrastructure. 🔵 Wildlife Paradise: Oregon's wetlands are a haven for countless species. From salmon and frogs to rare birds and pollinators, these ecosystems provide critical breeding grounds and habitat, ensuring the health and biodiversity of our state. 🔵 Climate Change Champions: Wetlands store vast amounts of carbon dioxide, helping to combat climate change and its devastating impacts. In the last few days of May, #AmericanWetlandsMonth, will you consider making a gift to The Wetlands Conservancy to keep us protecting one of Oregon's greatest assets? https://lnkd.in/egwMVjaB

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In a significant development for the environmental and water rights landscape, a proposed water rights settlement for three Native American tribes in Arizona has been introduced to the Navajo Nation Council. This settlement, once approved, would mark a milestone in securing water from the Colorado River basin for the Navajo, Hopi, and San Juan Southern Paiute tribes. It represents a crucial step towards addressing long-standing inequities in water distribution and ensuring that these communities have access to a vital resource that has been historically overlooked in regional water agreements. The settlement, which requires multiple layers of approval including an act of Congress, is not just about legal rights to water. It's about rectifying historical injustices and enabling these tribes to meet basic needs and pursue economic opportunities. Many households within these tribes currently lack running water, a stark reminder of the disparities in resource allocation even in the 21st century. As the climate crisis intensifies, water scarcity in the Colorado River basin has become a pressing issue, with far-reaching implications for all who depend on this critical water source. The proposed settlement, therefore, is not only a matter of justice but also a proactive measure in the face of environmental challenges. It underscores the importance of inclusive and sustainable water management practices that consider the needs of all communities, especially indigenous populations who have been caretakers of these lands for millennia. The Navajo Nation's vote on this settlement will be closely watched, as it sets the stage for a potentially transformative period in the management of water resources in the American Southwest. It's a reminder that as we address the pressing issues of climate change and resource allocation, the principles of equity and sustainability must be at the forefront of our solutions. #WaterRights #NavajoNation #SustainableFuture URL:

Join Us for "The Quest for Water Conservation" Panel at the Spring Policy Symposium! Moderated by Ken Jenkins, Chief Water Resource Sustainability Officer at California Water Service, this panel will explore innovative strategies for sustainable water management and conservation. Ken's extensive experience in water resource sustainability and his leadership in various statewide initiatives provides him with unique insights into the challenges and solutions in water conservation. Panelists: -Amy Talbot, Water Efficiency Project Manager, Regional Water Authority, brings expertise in implementing large-scale water efficiency projects and strategies. -Ellen Hanak, Senior Fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California, known for her research and policy work in water economics and environmental management. -David Mitchell, Adjunct Fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California, is a seasoned expert in water resource management, economic impact assessments, and conservation planning. -Joaquin Esquivel, Chair of the State Water Resources Control Board, has a comprehensive background in state water policies and a deep commitment to enhancing the sustainability of California’s water resources. This panel will discuss the pressing issues of water conservation, focusing on current challenges, innovative solutions, and future directions. Attendees will gain insights from leading experts who are shaping the landscape of water management in California and beyond. Don’t miss this vital discussion on safeguarding our most precious resource through smart, sustainable practices! For more info: https://bit.ly/3Ug4Fz1 #WaterConservation #Sustainability #PublicPolicy #WaterManagement #WaterPolicy #IndustryLeadership #CWACommunity #WaterTheHeroWeNeed #CAWater

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Today we’re highlighting NCASI, Inc.'s new fact sheet exploring the impacts of wildfires on aquatic ecosystems in Oregon. Conducted across 25 watersheds, the study uses innovative technology to sample environmental DNA (or #eDNA) to provide biodiversity information about different forested watersheds and insights into how wildfires influence forest structure, biodiversity, and water quality. The project is in partnership with Weyerhaeuser, an SFI-certified organization, and supported by the SFI Conservation Grants Program. The research will be used to support certified organizations as they pursue continual improvement to meet the SFI standards for Forest Management and Fiber Sourcing. https://lnkd.in/eX8qf9Td

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🚨💧 New report reveals 613 public water systems in California are at risk of failing, impacting communities across the state. Learn how this affects our water supply and the plans for addressing these issues. https://lnkd.in/gNjHnb2C #WaterSafety #CaliforniaWater #TheDriller

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This morning the Washington State Department of Ecology issued a Statewide Emergency Drought Declaration. With this declaration Ecology can now: • Expedite emergency water transfer applications • Establish a grant program to mitigate hardships to water users and the environment. The Declaration allows Ecology to make up to $4.5M available in drought response grants to qualifying public entities to respond to impacts from the current drought conditions. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gM-7jpmx #bentoncountywa #WADrought #drought

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Fish are one of the indicators of the health of aquatic ecosystems. This is one of the reasons we study the native trout in the Arroyo region of Greater Pasadena.

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This Orca Action Month, tell Washington state's governor and Washington State Department of Ecology that to protect orcas and their food sources, we must ban harmful chemicals, including plastics, from products and packaging. Tires, #PVC #plastics, personal care products, and building materials are polluting people, fish, wildlife, and Puget Sound with harmful chemicals and microplastics. The health of local species like coho salmon and orcas are threatened because companies are putting these hazardous chemicals into products, instead of choosing the safest options. It's time for Ecology to act and end the use of harmful chemicals in products! #OrcaActionMonth https://bit.ly/4cm65j6 

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Do you have questions for the incredible AgWeatherNet team members? Have you ever wondered what research projects our outstanding grad students and professors are working on at the Center for Precision & Automated Agricultural Systems at the Washington State University-Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center? Please mark your calendar and meet them! #AI #Agricuculture #PrecisionAgriculture #AgTech #WeatherForecast #EmpoweringGrowersWithData

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OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA, Feb. 29, 2024 --The Pacific Institute, a US-based global water think tank, in partnership with 2NDNATURE today released a new national assessment finding substantial opportunities for expanded stormwater capture and use approaches to improve water resilience in urban areas across the United States. The pivotal study quantifies the volumetric potential of stormwater runoff in urban areas, finding 59.5 million acre-feet per year (AFY) of urban stormwater runoff is generated, exceeding earlier estimates. This is equivalent to an annual average of more than 53 billion gallons per day. "Yo...Pacific Institute we agree and we have a proven solution!" Regards, PaveDrain, LLC P.S. We Infiltrate MASSIVE amounts of stormwater! Announcement: https://lnkd.in/gDfVRXwe #permeablepaving #greeninfrastructure #stormwater #civilengineering #pavedrain

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To adapt to a changing climate, Oregon needs to make smart water choices to secure a strong water future for people and nature. The Oregon Water Resources Department is updating the rules for new applications for groundwater rights and is seeking public input. Share your support for smart water choices: https://nature.ly/4dCX4Du

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Pathways collaborated with Ascent on Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority's Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, which is now publicly available on VTA's website. Ascent led the work on greenhouse gas emissions and reductions strategies, and Pathways Climate Institute led the work on climate change vulnerability and adaptation. The partnership of VTA + Ascent + Pathways led to some really great work that other Bay Area jurisdictions can benefit from, and it's great to see so much of this work made freely available. Michael Mak led the Pathways team, with amazing contributions from Sierra Ramer, Katie Riles, and Lindsay Luchinsky. https://lnkd.in/gZfGx_Tw #climateaction #climateadaptation #climatechange #transportation #climatevulnerability

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The California Water Plan contains a massive wave of information, so DWR is summarizing the highlights for you in smaller “splashes”! 💦 Let’s dive in today on the importance of partnerships for our water future. The State is taking various actions to improve the resilience of water resources and systems and streamlined collaboration with local and federal agencies is critical for that success. Through policies such as the Water Resilience Portfolio and the Water Supply Strategy, the State is investing billions of dollars in climate resilience-related strategies and programs while agencies, departments, boards, and commissions are planning and acting to ensure a resilient future. State climate resilience actions include developing new water supplies, improving water use efficiency, protecting water quality, improving soil health for food security, improving biodiversity, conserving landscapes, treating source watersheds to reduce fire risk, protecting coastal areas from sea level rise, decarbonizing the energy sector, and more. Read more about the California Water Plan at https://lnkd.in/gK_5_KXW #California #WaterPlan #ClimateChange #Infrastructure

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