Related Information
Briefing Paper
WGA Resolutions
Regional and National Policies Regarding Global Climate Change (2009)
Improving Forest and Rangeland Health in the West (2009)
Key Documents
WGA-NOAA Memorandum of Understanding (2011)
Climate Adaptation Priorities for the Western States: Scoping Report (2010)
Water Needs and Strategies for a Sustainable Future: Next Steps (2008)
Testimony/Letters
Comments to NOAA on the Climate Service Strategic Vision And Framework (2010)
Lead Governors on Climate - Letter to DOI & NOAA on Climate Adaptation (2010)
Funding for U.S. Global Change Research Program (2007)
Federal climate change research (2007)
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Emerging scientific research indicates that the Western U.S. will be disproportionately impacted by climate variability and change. This is due to the natural topographical and geographical diversity of the region combined with a surge in population growth.
Water resources, natural ecosystems, agriculture and tourism could be significantly impacted by changes in temperature, precipitation, and extreme weather events. The Western Governors have adopted resolutions that specifically speak to Climate Adaptation in the West. The Governors support streamlined coordination of federal agencies that respond to climate adaptation and greater cooperation with state agencies, and they support better communication and coordination of research and modeling with respect to climate change and adaptation.
Climate Adaptation Work Group In their policy resolution 09-2, Western Governors called for the formation of a Climate Adaptation Work Group whose purpose is to 1) determine appropriate uses of climate adaptation modeling in informing natural resource and economic infrastructure planning and policies, and 2) to identify and fill existing gaps in climate adaptation efforts within WGA. In 2010, WGA issued a climate adaptation report that emphasizes the need for coordination between state and federal efforts to identify key science that is Western specific and begins to share and implement smart practices. Contacts: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Related Programs
The Governors advocate the creation of a comprehensive national drought policy. Such a policy would support a proactive approach toward drought and water shortages at all levels of government and the private sector. Given that droughts are predicted to be more frequent and with greater intensity in the West under climate warming scenarios, a national drought policy would provide a sound basis for adaptation. WGA produced a report on drought preparedness in 2011 which addresses these issues in more depth. Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
The WGA Forest Health Advisory Committee has developed a subcommittee specifically working on Climate Change/Adaptation, focusing on forest lands. The subcommittee is identifying priorities and action items to address the concerns of the governors in the area of forest and rangeland health. Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Wildlife Corridors Initiative The Western Governors formed the Western Governors’ Wildlife Council to work in partnership with federal agencies, industry and NGOs, to identify key wildlife corridors and crucial wildlife habitats in the West and make recommendations on needed policy options and tools for preserving those landscapes. Included in this identification should be research to understand climate change impacts to crucial habitat and wildlife corridors, and necessary steps should be taken to support adaptation to climate change. Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |
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Resolutions and Work on Climate Adaptation
