Transcript for Understanding Climate Change
Impacts on Water Resources
Below is the transcript for the Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources course.
Introduction
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Understanding Climate Change
Impacts on Water Resources
Climate 101
Notes:
Welcome to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's training on Understanding Climate Change
Impacts on Water Resources in the United States.
This training module is intended to increase your understanding of the causes of climate change, its
potential impacts on water resources, and the challenges water resource managers are facing. You also
will learn about how water resource managers are working to make the United States more resilient to
the impacts of climate change. This training focuses on the clean water and drinking water programs
that EPA implements in cooperation with state, tribal, and local governments.
Guide to the Course
Guide to the Course
A EPA
• Resources.
• Scientific Sources.
• Menu.
• Transcript.
• Optional Sections - No Audio.E?
• Glossary.
nvEPA
United States
Environmental Protectior
Agency
Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources
-------
Notes:
Before we get started, let me explain how to navigate this course.
The course contains three parts which will take about 45 minutes to complete. Optional supplementary
information on climate change impacts in the United States is included at the end of the course if you
are interested in more details. You will also be asked to complete three short quizzes during the course.
I refer to a number of references and sources throughout the course. You can always pause the course
and access these references by clicking on the Resources Tab on the upper-right side of the course
player.
Because there is quite a bit of data presented in this course, we have provided a source book icon on
many slides. You can click on the icon using your cursor to open the source information for that slide. To
make the source information disappear, you just need to click the cursor outside of the source
information box.
I'd also like to point out that, while this course is intended to be completed from start to finish, we hope
that you will use it as a reference after you become more familiar with the material. If you need a
refresher on one or more parts of the course, click on the topic you'd like to view from the Menu.
A copy of the transcript for this course can be found under the Transcript Tab.
All required portions of the course will have audio however, there are optional portions of the course
that will not have audio. You will need to open the Transcript Tab for these sections and read the
material. These slides are noted with a volume icon.
In addition, a copy of the glossary can be found under the Glossary Tab. The glossary contains terms that
are used in this training.
Finally, you can enlarge many of the images and maps throughout this course by clicking on the text
under each image.
Please click the 'Next' button on the bottom of the course window to advance to the next slide.
Climate Change 101
Climate Change 101
Notes:
Let's get started with Part 1, Climate Change 101.
&EPA
United States Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources
Environmental Protectior
Agency
-------
Climate Change 101
Climate Change 101
• Climate change is happening.
• Humans are largely responsible for recent
climate change.
• Climate change is already affecting water
resources.
• We can take action to mitigate causes of
climate change and adapt to the impacts of
climate change.
AEFA
E ¦
Notes:
According to the U.S. National Climate Assessment, our Earth is warming. Earth's average temperature
has risen by 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit over the past century and is projected to rise another 2-11.5 °F over
the next 100 years. Even small changes in the average temperature of the planet can translate into large
and potentially dangerous shifts in climate and weather.
Changes to the climate and weather have already presented challenges for water resource managers,
and those changes are expected to become more pronounced in the coming decades.
Before we go any further, let's pause to clarify two key terms used in this module.
• Mitigation, in the context of climate change, refers to actions taken to reduce emissions of
greenhouse gases to the atmosphere.
• Adaptation refers to actions taken to build resilience and to adjust to the impacts of climate
change on society and the environment.
Scientific Source:
http://nca2014.globalchange.gov/highlights/report-findings/our-changing-climate
Graphic:
Trinity Lake, California in February 2014 - U.S. Geological Survey,
http://ca.water.usgs.gov/data/drought/images/carousel/Trinitv-Lake-drought-04Feb2014.ipg
«>EPA
United States
Environmental Protectior
Agency
Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources
3
-------
Climate Change 101
Climate Change 101
What is global warming?
Global warming is the observed increase in average temperature near the Earth's
surface. It is just one aspect of global climate change.
What is climate change?
Climate change refers to any significant change in measures of climate (such as
temperature or precipitation) lasting for an extended period (decades or longer).
Notes:
Most people are familiar with the term "global warming" which is defined as "the increase in average
temperature near the Earth's surface." In common use, it often refers to the warming that has occurred
as a result of increased emissions of greenhouse gases from human activities.
Climate change-which can result from either natural factors or human activities-refers to any significant
change in weather patterns lasting for an extended period of time, typically 30 years or longer. Climate
change encompasses both increases and decreases in temperature, as well as shifts in precipitation
patterns and changes in the level of risk of severe weather events. This includes changes in average
conditions as well as extreme conditions.
You might be wondering what the difference is between weather and climate. Weather is the day-to-
day conditions of a particular place. Climate, on the other hand, refers to the observed patterns, range
of extremes, and frequency of events over time in that place.
Scientific Sources:
http://nca2014.globaichange.gov/highiights/report-findings/our-changing-climate
http://www.globalchange.gov/climate-change/giossary
What is causing climate change?
What is causing climate change?
SB¥\
Human Influence on the Greenhouse Effect
» Certain atmospheric gases act like a
greenhouse, trapping heat.
~ These greenhouse gases have been
accumulating in the atmosphere due to
human activity.
* The elevated concentrations of these
heat-trapping gases is warming the
planet.
nvEPA
United States
Environmental Protectior
Agency
Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources
-------
Notes:
Let's talk about the cause of climate change. When sunlight reaches the Earth's surface, it can either be
reflected back into space or absorbed by the Earth. The planet then releases some of the absorbed
energy back into the atmosphere as heat. Certain gases are known as "greenhouse gases" because they
trap the solar radiation in the Earth's atmosphere, acting much like a greenhouse.
Greenhouse gases are vital to making Earth a habitable planet, but the amounts of the gases in the
atmosphere-gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide-have been accumulating.
This accumulation of greenhouse gases is causing global average temperatures to rise.
Scientific Source:
http://nca2014.globalchange.gov/highlights/report-findings/our-changing-climate
Graphic:
U.S. Global Change Research Program, Climate Change Impacts in the United States: The Third National
Climate Assessment,
http://www.globalchange.gov/browse/multimedia/human-influence-greenhouse-effect
What is causing this rise in greenhouse gases?
What is causing this rise in
greenhouse gases?
• Fossil fuels burned through various
human activities is the primaiy cause of
climate change, as evidenced by the
relationship between rising CO2
concentrations and rising global average
temperatures over the last 50 years.
vvERA,
Global Temperature and Carbon Dioxide
280 <->
Notes:
So what is causing the rise in greenhouse gases?
In the past, climate change was driven exclusively by natural factors such as volcanic eruptions that
inject reflective particles into the atmosphere, natural cycles that transfer heat between the ocean and
the atmosphere, and natural variations in heat-trapping gases in the atmosphere.
But since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution the burning of coal, oil, and natural gas has
increased the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere by more than 40 percent. Agriculture
and other human activities have also added methane and nitrous oxide to the atmosphere.
As you can see on this graph, there is a strong relationship between the increase in greenhouse gases
and rising temperatures.
Observations of continued warming, and multiple lines of independent evidence, have strengthened
confidence in the conclusions that the warming trend is clear and primarily the result of human
activities.
&EPA
United States Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources !
Environmental Protectior
Agency
-------
Scientific Source:
http://nca2014.globalchange.gov/highlights/report-findings/our-changing-climate
Graphic:
National Climate Assessment; Our Changing Climate -
http://nca2014.globalchange.gOv/highlights/report-findings/our-changing-climate#tab2-images
What are the indicators of climate change?
Ten Indicators of a Warming World
Air Temperature Near Surface
Troposphere
Tempera tire Over
Oceans
Sea Surface
Temperature
Ocean Heat
Content
Notes:
Climate change is apparent worldwide and across the United States in a wide range of observations. This
graphic illustrates just some of the many indicators that have been measured globally over many
decades and show that Earth's climate is changing. White arrows indicate increasing trends, black
arrows indicate decreasing trends.
For example:
• Temperatures at Earth's surface, in the troposphere, and in the oceans have all increased over
recent decades.
• Snow and ice cover have decreased in most areas.
• Atmospheric water vapor is increasing in the lower atmosphere.
• Sea level is rising.
EPA tracks a set of 30 indicators describing trends related to the causes and effects of climate change.
You can view these indicators by clicking on the scientific sources icon on this slide.
Scientific Sources:
http://nca2014.globalchange.gov/highlights/report-findings/our-changing-climate
http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/science/indicators/
Graphic:
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Climatic Data Center,
http://www.globalchange.gov/browse/multimedia/ten-indicators-warming-world
»EPA
United States
Environmental Protectior
Agency
Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources
6
-------
What are the observed and projected changes in the U.S. ?
What are the observed and projected
changes in the U.S.?
> Increasing air and water temperatures.
» Changing precipitation patterns.
• Increases in extreme weather events.
» Rising sea level.
» Changes in ocean environments.
Climate Change Impacts
in the United States
Notes:
The U.S. Global Change Research Program has been studying climate change since the organization was
formed by Congress in 1990. This cooperative program among federal agencies published the third
National Climate Assessment in 2014.
Key conclusions of the assessments are that air and water temperatures are increasing, precipitation
patterns are changing, there are increasing incidents of extreme weather, sea level is rising and there
are changes in the ocean environment. Furthermore, these changes are projected to continue into the
future.
To learn more about these impacts, you can view the supplemental slides at the end of the module
titled "Observed and Projected Impacts of Climate Change in the U.S."
Scientific Source:
http://nca2014.globaichange.gov
Graphic:
http://www.globalchange.gov/browse/reports/climate-change-impacts-united-states-third-national-
climate-assessment-0
The Water Cycle
The Water Cycle
nvEPA
United States
Environmental Protectior
Agency
Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources
-------
Notes:
While temperature is the most widely cited measure of climate change, other aspects of the climate are
affected by temperature and are relevant to both society and the natural environment.
For example, when atmospheric temperatures rise, rate of evaporation increases, as does the capacity
of the atmosphere to hold water. The result is dryer soils and water loss from reservoirs and waterways,
resulting in reduced surface water flows and reduced groundwater recharge.
When it does rain, the increased atmospheric moisture content causes rain to fall in more intense
events. This combination results in longer periods of drought punctuated by more intense rain storms.
And warmer air temperatures cause water bodies to warm as well. In other words, as the atmosphere
warms, the water cycle is intensified resulting in more intense precipitation events, droughts, and other
impacts.
These changes from historic norms have implications for water supplies, water quality, public health and
safety, and ecological functioning.
Scientific Sources:
http://nca2014.globalchange.gOv/report/sectors/water#intro-section-2
http://nca2014.globalchange.gov/report/sectors/water
http://water.usgs.gov/edu/watercvcle.html
Graphics:
Our Changing Planet: The Fiscal Year 2003 U.S. Global Change Research Program,
http://data.globalchange.gov/file/d7b7addb-6458-4587-87b4-d82661811e8b
Quiz 1
Quiz 1
Notes:
Let's stop here and see what you've learned so far.
&EPA
United States Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources
Environmental Protectior
Agency
-------
Quiz 1.1
(Multiple Choice, 0 points, unlimited attempts permitted)
Climate change is defined as:
^ The day-to-day variations in weather conditions of a particular place.
Q A significant change in weather patterns over multiple decades or longer.
Only theincreasein averagetemperature near the earth's surface.
Correct
Choice
The day-to-day variations in weather conditions of a particular place.
X A significant change in weather patterns over multiple decades or longer.
Only the increase in average temperature near the earth's surface.
Feedback when correct:
Weather is the day-to-day variation. Global warming is the increase in temperature near the earth's
surface. Climate change is the significant change in weather patterns over multiple decades, typically 30
years or longer.
Feedback when incorrect:
Weather is the day-to-day variation. Global warming is the increase in temperature near the earth's
surface. Climate change is the significant change in weather patterns over multiple decades, typically 30
years or longer.
&EPA
United States Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources
Environmental Protectior
Agency
-------
Quiz 1.2
(Multiple Choice, 0 points, unlimited attempts permitted)
Which of the following is true about
greenhouse gases?
They have no effect on dimate change.
Q Human activity has been increasing theamounts of these gases in the atmosphere.
They did not exist in the atmosphere until humans started burning fossil fuels.
^ Their concentrations in the atmosphere have not been changed by human activity.
Correct Choice
They have no effect on climate change.
X Human activity has been increasing the amounts of these gases in the atmosphere.
They did not exist in the atmosphere until humans started burning fossil fuels.
Their concentrations in the atmosphere have not been changed by human activity.
Feedback when correct:
While greenhouse gases are vital to making earth a habitable planet, human activity has been increasing
the amounts of these gases in the atmosphere — gases such as C02, methane, and nitrous oxide —
through the burning of fossil fuels and other activities. This accumulation of greenhouse gases is causing
global average temperatures to rise.
Feedback when incorrect:
While greenhouse gases are vital to making earth a habitable planet, human activity has been increasing
the amounts of these gases in the atmosphere — gases such as C02, methane, and nitrous oxide —
through the burning of fossil fuels and other activities. This accumulation of greenhouse gases is causing
global average temperatures to rise.
&EPA
United States Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources 10
Environmental Protectior
Agency
-------
Quiz 1.3
(Multiple Choice, 0 points, unlimited attempts permitted)
Which of the following has been observed as
an indicator of current climate change?
Snow and ice cover have decreased in most areas.
£ Sea level is rising.
^ Atmospheric water vapor is increasing.
^ Temperatures at Earth's surface have increased over recent decades.
Q All the above.
Correct Choice
Snow and ice cover have decreased in most areas.
Sea level is rising.
Atmospheric water vapor is increasing.
Temperatures at Earth's surface have increased over recent decades.
X All the above.
Feedback when correct;
All of these have been observed as indicators of current climate change.
Feedback when incorrect:
All of these have been observed as indicators of current climate change.
Building Resiliency of Water Resources to Climate Change
Building Resiliency of Water
Resources to Climate Change
SERA
vvFRA
United States Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources 11
Environmental Protectior
Agency
-------
Notes:
Now we are ready to start Part 2, Building Resilience of Water Resources to Climate Change.
Vulnerability of Water Resources to Climate Change
Vulnerability of Water Resources to
Climate Change /. »'JA
~ Changes to water supplies.
~ Increased water pollution.
> Risks to water infrastructure and operations.
~ Watershed degradation.
> Coastal impacts.
> Ocean acidification.
Notes:
The vulnerabilities of water resources include: changes to water supplies, increased amounts of water
pollution, risks to water and wastewater infrastructure and operations, degradation of watersheds,
multiple impacts in coastal areas, and ocean acidification.
As we discuss the various aspects of vulnerability, keep in mind that climate change will affect different
places in different ways, just as weather varies across the country.
Over the next several slides we'll cover the different ways in which water resources can be affected by
climate change.
Scientific Source:
http://nca2014.globalchange.gOv/report/sectors/water#intro-section-2
Graphics:
Upper: Flooded cropland in southwest Iowa by Keith McCall, USDA NRCS,
http://photogallery.nrcs.usda.gov/netpub/server.np?find&catalog=catalog&template=detail.np&field=it
emid&op=matches&value=3033&site=PhotoGal!ery
Lower: Devil's Golf Course in Death Valley, CA,
http://www.istockphoto.com/photo/devils-golf-course-in-death-val!ev-np-11945953?st=5f50600
x=,EPA
United States
Environmental Protectior
Agency
Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources
12
-------
The EPA National Water Program
The EPA National Water Program
» Comprehensive climate adaptation strategy for the
National Water Program.
~ Describes goals and program implementation actions.
» Includes working with states, tribes and local governments
to implement strategies to build resilience.
National Water Program 2012 Strategy:
Response to Climate Change
Notes:
As we discuss climate impacts, we will share information on what EPA has been doing to understand and
address the risks to water resources posed by climate change. We also will provide specific examples of
local adaptation strategies.
The actions described in the following slides are part of a larger, comprehensive strategy adopted by the
National Water Program in 2012. We are working to mainstream the science of climate change into
everything we do, understanding that the hydrological background upon which our programs function
has changed and will continue to change in the future. And to do this, we are working closely with
states, tribes and local governments.
This response to climate change by the National Water Program is part of a larger effort by EPA,
including development of climate adaptation plans by other EPA national programs and EPA's ten
Regional Offices. EPA's climate adaptation work is part of an effort by all Federal agencies to make
Federal programs and investments more resilient to climate change risks.
Changes to Water Supplies
Changes to Water Supplies
Impacts:
Management Challenges:
¦ Droughts, changing patterns of precipitation
and snowmelt, and increased evaporation will
result in changes in water availability.
• Sea-level rise and salt water intrusion into
groundwater acquifers.
Warmer air temperatures create increased
demand for water.
• Find alternative water supplies and treat
degraded sources.
• Encouraging customers to adopt water
conservation practices.
• Need to develop 'non traditional" water
supplies.
• Increased competition for existing water
supplies.
SERA
Notes:
Many areas of the United States, especially the West, already face water supply issues-due to growing
populations, longer droughts, and declining snowpack.
*yFPA
United States Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources 13
Environmental Protectior
Agency
-------
Water supplies in coastal areas are also being affected by sea-level rise and storm surges that foul water
sources with saltwater.
In addition, warmer air temperatures often result in increased demand for water.
Examples of some of the challenges that water managers are facing include:
• Costs to find alternative water supplies or to pay for treating degraded sources;
• Encouraging customers to support water conservation;
• The need to develop, and ensure safe use of, 'non traditional' water supplies such as using
water from showers and dishwashers for irrigation or toilet flushing; and
• Increased competition for stressed water supplies between urban demand, agriculture, energy
production, and ecological needs.
Scientific Source:
http://nca2014.globalchange.gov/report/sectors/water
Notes:
EPA is working in a number of ways to ensure that people have access to safe water, including
conserving water, helping utilities adopt new technologies for water use, and other practices.
For example, EPA's WaterSense program partners with manufacturers, retailers, distributors, and
utilities to bring WaterSense-labeled products to the marketplace and make it easy for consumers to
purchase high-performing, water-efficient products.
WaterSense also partners with professional certifying organizations to promote landscape irrigation
professionals who are trained for water efficiency.
WaterSense and its partners have helped consumers save more than one trillion gallons of water and
billions in water and energy bills.
United States Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources 14
EPA National Water Program Highlight
EPA National Water Program Highlight
Look for the VtaterSense Label:
WaterSense helps protect the future of
our nation's water supply by offering ways
to use less water with water-efficient
products & services.
WaterSense and its partners have helped
consumers save more than one trillion
gallons of water and billions in water and
energy bills.
epa.gov/watersense
Environmental Protectior
Agency
-------
WaterSense resources include:
• Specifications for WaterSense-labeled products for residential indoor, outdoor, and commercial
uses.
• Specifications for WaterSense-labeled homes.
• Best management practices for commercial and institutional water efficiency and outdoor water
use and,
• Consumer campaigns to engage the public.
Scientific Source:
http://www.epa.gov/watersense/
Colorado Springs, CO Case Study
Local Case Stud
Colorado Springs Utilities, CO
Challenge: Drought and Water Shortages
Strategy: WaterSense to Conserve Water
Notes:
The following case study provides an example of how one utility is rising to the challenge of increasing
demand for water and a less predictable pattern of precipitation. Colorado Springs Utilities helped home
and business owners significantly reduce their water use through an education campaign that advocated
the use of WaterSense-labeled products. The utility provided thousands of WaterSense-labeled product
rebates and retrofits to consumers eager to save water and energy.
Colorado Springs Utilities hosts a Conservation and Environmental Center that houses a WaterSense
showcase and serves as a centerpiece for its outreach efforts, hosting more than 20,000 visitors per
year. The showcase displays fully functioning WaterSense-labeled products; a 1-gallon water jug savings
comparison between labeled products and less efficient fixtures; and facts about the water, energy, and
cost savings achieved with WaterSense-labeled products.
By coupling educational programs with efficient technologies, Colorado Springs Utilities has
implemented a successful campaign that will continue to reduce water and energy use for years to
come.
The resulting water savings was an estimated 80 million gallons of water in 2013 alone.
&EPA
United States Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources 15
Environmental Protectior
Agency
-------
Graphics:
Left: Juhan Sonin, www.fiickr.com. Creative Commons,
https://www.flickr.com/photos/iuhansoriin/463545370/in/photolist-GXIViTv-2xPpBs-aBebK5-c4zmSs-
4esZNa-3KudVa-58egJW-ob62Jx-5Kwc2v-sF6uA-aKvLV-4pMnbv-7KY69Y-sF625-8brCnH-dgr9ks-69SQ.MC-
36Birs-te8Jz-sWaUZ-tf2ki-sWbfY-9hKSAQ-da97m6-74givB-nCiZoK-bkiWL-nCiZpM-9kN9Qo-nQJpX5-
9hKSrG-duZpUH-9hKSCm-9hKSKf-mQqJY-sWbqu-sQLUC-kposY-76GfY5-4gnE7q-38u7JB-nTwpnd-9eFTod-
9tvC4f-nStQgt-nSLboL-oibctR-nq91G-nCiZvc-smlH
Middle and Right: Mary, Monterey Bay Aquarium, www.flickr.com.
Creative Commons, https://www.flickr.com/photos/42614915(5)NOQ/456172287/in/photolist-GXMTy-
5HuiBx-7b5GBM-Gil8r
Sonora, CA Case Study
Local Case Stud
Motes:
Here is an example of how a utility in California is dealing with its water shortages.
The Tuolumne Utilities District (TUD) is a water and wastewater district headquartered in Sonora,
California. TUD's combined reservoir storage of 24,000 acre-feet typically is significantly depleted each
year and then refills as a result of snowmelt and precipitation between the months of November and
April. Concern arose in 2013 during the second year of intense drought because precipitation was at
25 percent of the average annual rainfall, coupled with a severely declining snowpack.
By January 2014, based on existing storage, snowpack, and long-range forecasts, TUD began
implementing drought response measures.
They adopted an overall 50 percent water reduction goal, and prohibited outdoor landscape watering.
Public outreach was a critical piece of their success, including contacting individual high water users to
ensure that they were aware of restrictions, and a telephone and website hotiine to report leaks and
excessive use. WaterSense-certified low-flow showerheads and other water efficient fixtures were
distributed, and rebates were provided for the purchase of low-flow toilets. The water district also
conserves water supplies by recycling 100 percent of its treated wastewater for agricultural irrigation.
By the end of the summer, they had reduced their average summer time water use by 41 percent as
compared to 2013 and reduced their total average calendar year water use by 32 percent. TUD has
partnered with EPA to create a drought-resilience checklist to help others facing similar issues.
&EPA
United States Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources 16
Environmental Protectior
Agency
-------
Scientific Source:
http://www.tuclwater.com/tucl-teams-epa-clrought-resilience-proiect/
Graphics:
Left: Lyons Reservoir, Courtesy of TUD, www.tudwater.com
Middle: Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant in Sonora, Courtesy of TUD, www.tudwater.com
Right: TUD Main Office, Courtesy of TUD, www.tudwater.com
Increased Water Pollution
Increased Water Pollution
Impacts:
Management Challenges:
• Warmer water holds less dissolved oxygen,
increasing instances of low oxygen levels.
• More stormwater runoff and sewer overflows,
carrying pollutants to waterways, and causing
erosion and sedimentation.
• Dry periods and drought, lowering stream flow
and reducingwaterways' ability to handle
pollutant discharges.
• Ensuring that pollutant discharges meet CWA
water quality goals.
• Controlling flooding and sewer overflows.
• Protecting in-stream flows and water
temperatures to preserve biodiversity.
• Overcome barriers to adoptinggreen
infrastructure practices.
Notes:
EPA works with states, tribes, and municipalities to implement the Clean Water Act "to restore and
maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Nation's waters."
But, as we described earlier, climate change is affecting hydrological patterns that are likely to make
protecting water quality more difficult. Examples of the water quality impacts include:
• The reduced ability of warm water to hold dissolved oxygen, making instances of low oxygen
levels or "hypoxia" more likely. The combination of warm waters, hypoxia, and nutrient
pollution can lead to harmful algal blooms.
• More intense precipitation, potentially increasing stormwater runoff and causing sewer overflows.
• Intense rainfall events increasing velocity of stream flow, causing more erosion and
sedimentation and,
• Dry periods and drought lowering stream flow and reducing dilution of pollutant discharges.
Water resource managers will need to adopt new strategies to:
• Ensure that Clean Water Act standards and permits can meet water quality protection goals.
• Control stormwater and sewer overflow and,
• Work to preserve biodiversity of species that rely on certain seasonal stream flows or water
temperatures.
Scientific Sources:
http://nca2014.globalchange.gov/report/sectors/water
http://nca2014.globalchange.gov/report/sectors/ecosvstems
&EPA
United States Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources 17
Environmental Protectior
Agency
-------
EPA National Water Program Highlight
EPA National Water Program Highlight
¦Green Infrastructure
• EPA encourages the use of green
infrastructure to meet regulatory
requirements to control stormwater
and sewer overflows and to build
resiliency to climate change.
• A central theme is engaging with local
communities through community
partnerships and technical assistance
programs.
¦Sample Gl Resources:
• Cost-Benefit Resources that demonstrate the
triple bottom line benefits of green infrastructure:
environmental, social, and financial.
• Funding Opportunities for project sponsors to tap
a variety of federal funding sources.
• Policy Guides to help select policy and planning
strategies.
• Design and Implementation Resources to tailor,
install and maintain the design.
• Modeling Tools to assess the performance, costs,
and benefits.
• EPA Regulatory Programs that include green
infrastructure in stormwater permits and
Combined Sewer Overflow enforcement /&*
agreements. IjT
Notes:
One strategy that many communities are adopting to address the pollution challenges of a changing
climate is using green infrastructure to manage stormwater.
Green infrastructure uses vegetation, soils, and natural hydrologic processes to manage stormwater and
create healthier urban environments.
Green infrastructure can help build resilience to climate change as different parts of the country become
drier, wetter, or hotter. For example:
• Rain gardens, bioswales, and other green infrastructure tools can help reduce localized flooding.
• Green streets, including permeable pavements, let water soak into the ground, watering plants
and recharging groundwater supplies.
• Rainwater captured in cisterns and rain barrels reduce use of potable municipal water.
• Trees and green roofs can lower building energy demands and reduce the urban heat island effect.
• Living shorelines act as buffers to reduce the impact of storm surges.
EPA's website has a wide variety of resources, shown here, to help communities adopt these practices.
These resources include:
• Cost-Benefit Resources that demonstrate the triple bottom line benefits of green infrastructure:
environmental, social, and financial.
• Funding opportunities for project sponsors to tap a variety of federal funding sources.
• Policy Guides to help select policy and planning strategies.
• Design and Implementation Resources to tailor, install and maintain the design.
• Modeling Tools to assess the performance, costs, and benefits.
• EPA Regulatory Programs that include green infrastructure in stormwater permits and
Combined Sewer Overflow enforcement agreements.
Scientific Source:
Green Infrastructure website, http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/greeninfrastructure/climate res.cfm
SLFPA
United States Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources 18
Environmental Protectior
Agency
-------
Kansas City, MO Case Study
Local Case Stud
Click for Additional Case Study
Kansas City, MO
Challenge: Combined Sewer Overflows during Wet Weather
Strategy: Green Infrastructure
S KCWATER
WSERVICES
Notes:
Many communities have sewers that combine both sewage and urban stormwater. With the advent of
more intense downpours, controlling overflows of the combined sewers has become a critical issue.
Green infrastructure can help slow down and reduce the amount of stormwater running into sewers.
Controlling combined sewer overflows is a priority in Kansas City, Missouri, and they understand that
increasingly intense storm events are exacerbating their wet-weather water pollution problem.
Kansas City's Overflow Control Plan incorporates green infrastructure as part of its strategy to capture
88 percent of stormwater and reduce overflow events, in the first pilot project under the plan, a variety
of green infrastructure practices were installed in a 100-acre portion of the city. The use of rain gardens,
bioretention cells, pervious pavement, and infiltration infrastructure was shown to be a more cost-
effective solution than grey infrastructure alternatives. The 25-year implementation plan now includes
extensive use of green infrastructure across their service area, involving seven basins covering 58 square
miles.
Scientific Sources:
Stormwater Management Model-Climate Adjustment Tool;
http://www.epa.gov/water-research/storm-water-management-model-swmm
National Stormwater Calculator-Climate Assessment Tool;
http://www.epa.gov/water-research/national-stormwater-calculator
Graphics:
Kansas City Water Services
www.kcwaterservices.org
vvFRA
United States Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources 19
Environmental Protectior
Agency
-------
South Fork Nooksack River, WA Case Study
Local Case Stud
c» i R'e,
South Fork Nooksack River. WA
Challenge: Endangered Salmon Due to Warming Waters
Strategy: Temperature TMDL to Prioritize Restoration Activities
Notes:
The Nooksack Indian Tribe in northwest Washington State relies on salmon for subsistence, commercial,
cultural, and ceremonial purposes. Salmon also are a protected species under the Endangered Species
Act. Yet, in 2013, a mere 200 adult Chinook salmon out of an estimated population of more than 10,000
returned to the South Fork Nooksack River for the spring spawning season. A significant factor
contributing to the serious decline was warming waters in the river, driven in part by climate change.
EPA scientists have partnered with the Nooksack Indian Tribe, Lummi Nation, Washington State
Department of Ecology, and other Federal agencies to explore ways in which to better understand the
dynamics of the warming waters and help offer solutions to restore the threatened salmon runs.
The researchers are developing a way to account for the impacts of climate change on hydrology and its
effects on salmon, and are evaluating the effectiveness of stream restoration actions that can be taken
to reduce risks to salmon populations.
This will lead to a prioritized list of actions that resource managers can incorporate into plans to protect
and restore wild salmon populations being affected by climate change. Partnering with tribal
communities ensures that they are incorporating traditional ecological knowledge into their findings.
The research is putting climate change adaptation into a real-world problem-solving context. It is not a
story that is unique to this one location or this particular salmon run; so what we learn in this watershed
can be scaled and repeated to help other watersheds faced with similar challenges.
Scientific Sources:
http://cfpub.epa.gov/si/si public record report.cfm?dirEntryld=307432
http://cfpub.epa.gov/si/si public record report.cfm?dirEntryld=288533
Graphics:
Small Fish: Juvenile Chinook by Roger Tabor, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Large Fish: Josh Larios, https://commons.wikimedia.Org/wiki/File:Chinook salmonl.jpg
&EPA
United States Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources 20
Environmental Protectior
Agency
-------
Risks to Infrastructure and Operations
BolMInt
Keillleacy
Risks to Infrastructure and Operations
Impacts:
Management Challenges:
• Expanded flood hazard areas, risking damage
to water treatment infrastructure.
• Damage to distribution and collection
pipelines due to both drier soils and erosion
from storm damage.
• Operations of water treatment system
complicated by unusual changes in
temperature, flows, sedimentation, saltwater
intrusion, etc.
¦ Aging infrastructure and population growth
combined with climate risks.
• Payingfor maintenance and operations,
respondingto emergencies, and conducting
long-term climate planning.
¦ Adoptingfinancingpolicies and risk
assessment tools that can be integrated into
asset management plans.
• Investing in emergency planning and long-
term risk management
SERft
Notes:
If water is the lifeblood of a community, water infrastructure is the circulatory system. Water
infrastructure is the conduit that delivers fresh supplies and carries away and treats wastes.
Unfortunately, we have already witnessed some of the effects of climate change on water
infrastructure-from sudden impacts of storms and flooding of treatment facilities, to the slower moving
impacts of long-term drought that affect availability of water supplies.
To manage climate impacts, water managers will need to adopt policies and practices that integrate
planning for climate change into their overall management plans and invest in emergency response
planning.
Scientific Sources:
http://nca2014.Rlobalchange.gov/report/sectors/water
http://nca2014.globalchange.gov/report/regions/coasts
http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/adaptation/index.html
http://www.epa.gov/clirnate-change-water-sector/planning-and-management-programmatic-response-
climate-change-and-water
EPA National Water Program Highlight
EPA National Water Program Highlight
¦Climate Ready Water Utilities (CRWU)
• Assists drinking water, wastewater, and
stormwater utilities to become "climate
ready."
¦Sample CRWU Resources:
• Climate Resilience Education and
Awareness Tool (CREAT).
• Adaptation Strategies Guide.
• Scenario-Based Projected Changes Map.
¦ Storm Surge Inundation and Hurricane
Strike Frequency Map.
&EPA
United States Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources 21
Environmental Protectior
Agency
-------
Notes:
The EPA Climate Ready Water Utilities (CRWU)-the acronym is pronounced "crew"-assists drinking
water, wastewater, and stormwater utilities in becoming "climate ready,"
CRWU has been working with water utilities and climate experts to develop several tools to help water
utility mangers in communities of all sizes. One of our most notable tools is the Climate Resilience
Evaluation and Awareness Tool (or GREAT).
EPA also has a variety of resources to help increase the sustainability of infrastructure, including
improving energy efficiency.
A few of these resources are listed here.
Sample CRWU Resources:
• Adaptation Strategies Guide.
• Scenario-Based Projected Changes Map.
• Storm Surge Inundation and Hurricane Strike Frequency Map.
• Sustainable Infrastructure-including energy efficiency at water utilities.
Scientific Sources:
http://www.epa.gov/crwu
http://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-04/documents/
sustainable practices utilities roadmap crwu.pdf
South Monmouth, NJ Case Study
Local Case Stud)
South Monmouth Regional Sewerage Authority, NJ
Challenge: Wastewater Pu mpin g Station s at Risk of R ood ing
Strategy; a imate Resilience Evaluation and Adaptation Tool (CREAT); Mobile
Trailers for Sensitive Equi pment
SMRSA
SEFA
Click for Additional Case Study
Notes:
How is it that, when Superstorm Sandy hit New Jersey in October 2012, the South Monmouth Regional
Sewerage Authority sustained no appreciable damage to their Sea Girt Pump Station? Other sewage
plants and pump stations along the coast were inundated by flood waters and without power for as long
as three days, resulting in the discharge of about 2 billion gallons of untreated and partially treated
sewage into New Jersey waterways.
In 2006, the Authority used EPA's Climate Resilience Evaluation and Awareness Tool to determine that
there was the risk of repeated flooding. Without substantial funding to build a new facility, they devised
&EPA
United States Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources 22
Environmental Protectior
Agency
-------
an innovative solution: to house their most sensitive equipment in a mobile trailer. Subsequently, as
Superstorm Sandy approached, the trailer was moved and replaced with an expendable generator that
enabled the facility to remain operational until the generator was damaged or destroyed. When the
storm subsided, the trailer was moved back into place and the generator was put back online, allowing
for cost savings and minimal downtime.
The result was that the sewerage authority saved $1.5 million in potential damage, and had no loss of
sewer service to residents and no sewer service overflows.
Scientific Sources:
http://www.onewaterohio.org/docs/1300. EPAs Climate Resilience Evaluation and Awareness.pdf
Video: https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/videos/86134
https://www.fema.gov/news-release/2013/ll/21/sewerage-authority-mitigation-plan-reduces-risk-
environmental-disaster
Graphics:
http://www.smrsa.org/
https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/images/femaphotosrosannaarias-9926 medium 9.jpg
Wailuki-Kahului, HI Case Study
Local Case Stud
SEFft
Wailuk^Kahului Wastewater Reclamation Facility, HI
Challenge: Coastal
Wastewater Reclamation
Facility at Risk
Strategy: Clean Water State
Revolving Fund for
Improvements
Notes:
In many ways, Pacific Islands face the brunt of climate change impacts. Tropical cyclones, unpredictable
precipitation patterns, and sea-level rise are just a few of the climate challenges they face.
Located close to the ocean, the Wailuku-Kahului Wastewater Reclamation Facility in Hawaii is an
example of an important coastal facility at risk. Recognizing these risks, Maui County, the operator of
the facility, studied its vulnerabilities and determined that structural modifications, repairs, and
reinforcement of the facility were needed. The county used the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund
to help finance facility improvements to adapt to the long-term effects of climate change. This included
constructing a new second floor room and moving all electrical components to that level. An extended
foundation for the facility also was built. The county also constructed a revetment designed to absorb
the energy of tidal flows and guard against erosion.
These measures ensure the continued operation of the facility during extreme weather, and ensure that
the facility can remain functional for many years under various sea-level rise scenarios.
&EPA
United States Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources 23
Environmental Protectior
Agency
-------
Scientific Source:
Wailuku-Kahului; http://files.hawaii.gov/dlnr/meeting/submittals/14Q411/K-2.pdf
Graphic:
Kahului Wailuku Wastewater Treatment Plant, Juan Rivera, County of Maui, Wastewater Reclamation
Division
http://mauinow.com/2012/09/20/shoreline-protection-proposed-at-kahului-wastewater-facilitv/
Watershed Degradation
Watershed Degradation
DEGflACATXW
Impacts:
Management Challenges:
• Shifts in spatial extent and quality of wetlands,
lakes, and estuaries.
• Declininggroundwater levels.
• Habitat shifts due to temperature and other
changes.
• Protecting healthy and intact watersheds.
• Restoring ecological integrity of waters already
under stress from urbanization.
• Maintaining ecosystem services provided by
watersheds and wetlands.
G
Notes:
Watersheds provide benefits to humans known as "ecosystem services," which include buffering
shorelines, absorbing flood waters, and providing clean drinking water. Watersheds are stressed by
urbanization and pollution, making them less resilient to climate change.
These stressors, combined with changes in climate, affect watersheds in a number of ways:
• Changes in precipitation and increased evaporation are likely to change flows to lakes and
streams, affecting the extent and quality of wetlands, lakes, and estuaries.
• Declining groundwater levels due to withdrawals and reduced recharge are likely to reduce
stream flows.
• Temperature and other changes will affect habitat for certain species, such as cold-water fish.
Water managers are working to protect and restore natural systems including buffering the impacts of
climate change so we can continue to reap the benefits of these services.
Scientific Sources:
http://nca2014.globalchange.gov/report/sectors/water
http://nca2014.globalchange.gov/report/sectors/ecosystems
&EPA
United States Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources 24
Environmental Protectior
Agency
-------
EPA National Water Program Highlight
EPA National Water Program Highlight
¦Watershed Index Online
¦ A national database of watershed
characteristics.
¦ Recovery Potential Screening
¦ A systematic analysis and planning tool for
comparing watersheds based on traits
relevant to their protection and restoration.
• Healthy Watersheds
• A systems approach to conserve healthy
watersheds, protect high-quality waters, and
prevent future water quality impairments.
Notes:
EPA created the Healthy Watersheds Program to provide a holistic protection approach to addressing
threats to watershed health, including loss and fragmentation of aquatic habitat, hydrologic alteration
invasive species, and climate change.
In addition, Recovery Potential Screening is a systematic desktop tool that can be used to identify
differences and set priorities among watersheds that might influence their relative likelihood to be
successfully restored or protected.
The Watershed Index Online is an EPA website and database that hosts a library of hundreds of
watershed indicators that include ecological condition metrics, stressor metrics, and social metrics to
help when using other tools like the Healthy Watersheds Program and Recovery Potential Screening.
All these watershed tools can be used to offset the potential impacts of climate change by:
• Remediating water quality impairments.
• Maintaining baseflow during periods of drought.
• Reducing Flooding.
• Maximizing surface water and groundwater recharge.
• Abating water temperature extremes.
• Preserving habitat corridors for species migration, and
• Restoring and protecting native vegetation and soils.
Scientific Sources:
http://water.epa.gov/polwaste/nps/watershed/
http://www.epa.gov/rps/
http://gispub.epa.gov/wsio/
Graphic:
Photo by Tetra Tech, Inc., Fairfax County, VA
vvFRA
United States Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources
Environmental Protectior
Agency
-------
Taunton River, MA Case Study
Local Case Stud
Challenge: Flooding, Combined Sewer Overflows, Sea-level Rise
Strategy: Healthy Watersheds Program
Taunton River Watershed, MA
Notes:
As the longest undammed river in the region, the Taunton River in Southeastern Massachusetts forms a
unique ecosystem and is designated a National Wild & Scenic River. Climate change is already affecting
the Taunton River watershed in a variety of ways, threatening the attributes that make the river and its
watershed special to residents and visitors.
In the past 50 years, heavy precipitation events have increased 67 percent, increasing flooding and
threatening water quality. Over the past 100 years, sea level has risen % of a foot in the Narragansett
Bay and is projected to increase more, further impacting the Taunton River watershed.
To ensure the long-term health of this watershed in the face of climate change, EPA's Healthy
Watersheds Program, worked with partners to develop a comprehensive climate adaptation plan.
The plan calls for a network of watershed-scale green infrastructure, including a network of working
lands, urban forests, bioswales, riparian buffers, and urban stormwater management. Protecting and
restoring blocks of habitat and the corridors that connect them improves watershed resilience while
reducing flooding and combined sewer overflows that impact water quality.
Over the long term, the adaptation plan calls for the protection of prime agricultural soils to foster new
agricultural opportunities while preventing an increase in impervious surfaces.
The Taunton River watershed exemplifies how to use a variety of approaches to design a robust, yet
adaptable, response to climate change.
Scientific Sources:
https://www.manomet.org/sites/default/files/publications and tools/Taunton Watershed%205-13.pdf
http://kresge.orK/sites/default/files/Uploaded%20Docs/Manomet%20CCS.pdf
Graphics:
Left: Taunton River Watershed, USGS,
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taunton River Watershed#/media/File:Taunton River Watershed.gif
Right: Railroad Bridge over Taunton River near Dean Street, Taunton, Massachusetts, by Marbela,
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List of crossings of the Taunton River#/media/File:Taunton River thir
d RR bridge.JPG
vvFRA
United States Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources 26
Environmental Protectior
Agency
-------
Coastal Impacts
Coastal Impacts
Impacts:
Management Challenges:
• Inundation of lowlands by sea level rise and
storm surge.
• Increased extent of areas subject to periodic
inundation and saltwater intrusion into
groundwater.
• Coastal zone "hotspots" of acidification and
hypoxia.
• Finding optimum strategies for retrofitting,
protecting, or moving infrastructure.
• Communicating risk to residents in vulnerable
areas.
• Protecting habitats as sea levels rise.
Notes:
Coastal resources, ranging from water infrastructure to fisheries, are increasingly vulnerable to sea-level
rise, storm surge, erosion, flooding, and related hazards.
Examples of coastal impacts include:
• Rising sea levels moving shorelines by inundating lowlands, displacing wetlands, and altering
tidal ranges.
• Storm surges, combined with sea-level rise, increasing the areas subject to periodic inundation
and saltwater intrusion into groundwater and,
• Water pollution and increased absorption of carbon dioxide creating coastal zone "hotspots" of
acidification and hypoxia.
Managers are being challenged to find optimum strategies for retrofitting, protecting, or moving
infrastructure.
They must also find ways to better communicate risk to residents in vulnerable areas and protect
habitat as sea levels rise.
Scientific Source:
http://nca2014.globalchange.gov/report/regions/coasts
*yFPA
United States Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources 27
Environmental Protectior
Agency
-------
EPA National Water Program Highlight
^^EPA National Water Program Highlight
¦Climate Ready Estuaries (CRE)
• Provides technical assistance to the 28
National Estuary Programs and the
coastal management community to
assess climate change vulnerabilities,
develop and implement adaptation
strategies, and engage and educate
stakeholders.
¦Sample CRE Resources
• Being Prepared for Climate Change: A
Workbook for Developing Risk-Based
Adaptation Plans.
• Synthesis of Adaptation Options for
Coastal Areas.
• Rolling Easements Primer.
• King Tides Fact Sheet.
CLIMATE READY
ESTUARIES
¦SB*
Notes:
The Climate Ready Estuaries program provides technical assistance to coastal program managers around
the country to help them assess climate change vulnerabilities, develop and implement adaptation
strategies, and engage and educate stakeholders.
Since its inception in 2007, CRE has conducted many pilot projects that have informed the development
of several tools and guidance, including the ones listed on this slide.
The Climate Ready Estuaries program focuses on the 28 estuaries in EPA's National Estuary Program.
Each of these local programs addresses climate challenges in its Comprehensive Conservation and
Management Plan (CCMP).
Links to those resources are included under the Resources Tab.
Sample CRE Resources:
• Being Prepared for Climate Change: A Workbook for Developing Risk-Based Adaptation Plans.
• Synthesis of Adaptation Options for Coastal Areas.
• Rolling Easements Primer.
• King Tides Fact Sheet.
Scientific Source:
http://www.epa.gov/cre
*yFPA
United States Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources 28
Environmental Protectior
Agency
-------
San Juan, PR Case Study
Local Case Study
San Juan Bay Estuary Program. PR
Challenge: Multiple Coastal Impacts
Strategy: Climate Ready Estuaries Vulnerability Assessment
Click here to view a short video _ _ _
THE CITY OF WATER
SAN JUAN
Notes:
Residents along the highly valued San Juan Bay in Puerto Rico have become aware of multiple climate
change impacts that are affecting both the health of the estuary and their quality of life.
Local leaders decided to use the Climate Ready Estuaries guide, titled: Being Prepared for Climate
Change: A Workbook for Developing Risk-Based Adaptation Plans, They have supported broad public
engagement-which has resulted in identifying 27 high risks to address-and have subsequently instituted
projects to increase the resilience of the ecosystem.
At every step, they have involved the community to ensure that local residents are educated and
invested in the long-term success of the project. Actions underway include:
• Eliminating sewage discharge and reducing runoff to prevent nutrient and pathogen loading.
• Planting red mangroves and restoring seagrass beds to protect shorelines and to sequester
carbon.
• Removing invasive species to facilitate succession of native species and,
• Using "citizen science" to monitor water quality and sea-level rise.
Scientific Sources:
http://water.epa.gov/type/oceb/nep/programs sjb.cfm
http://www.estuario.org/
http://www.epa.gov/national-aquatic-resource-survevs/national-coastal-condition-assessment
Graphics:
http://water.epa.gov/type/oceb/nep/programs sjb.cfm
http://saniuanbavestuarv.blogspot.com/
&EPA
United States Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources 29
Environmental Protectior
Agency
-------
Ocean Acidification: The Other C02 Problem
Ocean Acidification:
The Other C02 Problem
Impacts:
Management Challenges:
•Oceans have become 30% more acidic, at a
rate 10 to 100 times greater than pre-
industrial times.
•Affectsshellfish and coral reefs, contributing to
economic impacts.
•Combined with other stressors, 75% of the
world's coral reefs are threatened.
• Understanding the ecologic and economic
impacts of acidification.
• Reducing land- and airsources of pollutants
that exacerbate acidification.
• Finding ways to protect shellfish, coral reefs,
and other sensitive organisms.
SEFA
O
Notes:
Ocean acidification is often referred to as "the other carbon dioxide problem." It is not caused by
climate change-rather, it is another effect of the increase of C02 in the atmosphere.
As human-induced emissions of carbon dioxide build up in the atmosphere, excess CO2 is dissolving into
the oceans. The carbon dioxide reacts with seawater to form carbonic acid, lowering ocean pH levels,
which is known as "ocean acidification." Other factors such as nutrient pollution from stormwater runoff
exacerbate acidification.
Ocean acidification poses several threats to marine ecosystems. Shellfish and corals are sensitive to
rising acidity, which makes it difficult for them to create and maintain the skeletal structures they need
for support and protection. Scientists are finding as much as 75 percent of the world's coral reefs are
threatened by the compounding effects of ocean acidification, overfishing, nutrient pollution, warming
waters, and disease.
The bottom line is that ocean acidification is anticipated to bring about significant impacts to our oceans
in the coming years.
Scientific Source:
http://nca2014.globalchange.gov/report/our-changing-climate/ocean-acidification
»EPA
United States
Environmental Protectior
Agency
Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources
30
-------
EPA National Water Program Highlight
EPA National Water Program Highlight
k OCEAN *c®incttic». i
•Marine Ecosystem Valuation, Modeling and Monitoring
• Ecosystem Valuation: enables communities to
assess economic impacts from ocean and coastal
acidification.
• Water Quality Modeling helps to predict the local
drivers and impacts of acidification and hypoxia.
• Monitoring Technical Guidance helps
environmental professionals and citizen scientists
understand the role of land-based sources of
pollution that exacerbate acidification.
Notes:
EPA is working with partners to develop tools to monitor and protect marine waters from impacts of
acidification.
For example:
• EPA is providing models for valuing marine ecosystem services and assessing economic impacts
of acidification. Initial efforts are focusing on impacts in the Gulf of Maine and the Salish Sea.
• EPA is also providing water quality models to assess and predict the local drivers and impacts of
acidification and, in some cases, its co-occurrence and interaction with hypoxia.
• in addition, EPA is providing technical guidance for measuring and monitoring acidification in
estuarine waters.
This work will help us understand the role of land-based sources (e.g., nutrients) in exacerbating
acidification.
Scientific Source:
http://nca2014.Rlobalchange.gov/report/our-changing-climate/ocean-acidification
Graphic:
http://www3.epa.gov/climatechange/images/indicator downloads/aciditv-downloadl-2014.png
x=,EPA
United States
Environmental Protectior
Agency
Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources
31
-------
Casco Bay Estuary, ME Case Study
Local Case Stud
OCtANACCMFICWlON
Casco Bay National Estuary Program. ME
Challenge: Acidification of coastal waters impacting local shellfish
and coral reefs
Strategy: Monitoring to identify causes
Notes:
Residents of Portland, Maine, and neighboring communities have been concerned about the declining
productivity of clam flats.
In an effort to understand the causes of this decline, the Casco Bay Estuary Partnership is monitoring pH
and C02 in near-shore waters. This work is being coupled with ongoing studies of nutrient
concentrations to better understand how nutrients can exacerbate acidification.
The outcome of this effort will help communities identify cost effective response options.
Graphics:
Left: Sea Snail, Nina Bednarsek, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Pacific Marine
Environmental Laboratory,
http://nca2014.globalchange.gOv/report/regions/oceans#tab2-images
Middle and Bottom Right: Landscape photo/little boy photo,
http://www.cascobavestuarv.org/about-us/
Upper Right: People moving pH monitor, Brian Rappoli, USEPA
Quiz 2
Building
Resiliency
Quiz 2
x=,EPA
Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources
United States
Environmental Protectior
Agency
-------
Notes:
We've completed part 2 of the course. Let's take a moment to test your knowledge.
Quiz 2.1
(Multiple Choice, 0 points, unlimited attempts permitted)
Which of the following are available from EPA to help water utility
managers in addressing various challenges to the water sector?
Gimate Resilience and AwarenessTool (CREAT).
0 Waters ense.
^ Climate Ready Estuaries.
0 Healthy Watersheds Program.
Q All of the above.
Correct Choice
Climate Resilience and Awareness Tool (CREAT).
WaterSense.
Climate Ready Estuaries.
Healthy Watersheds Program.
X All of the above.
Feedback when correct:
The Climate Resilience and Awareness Tool (CREAT) is available to help water utilities evaluate risk. The
WaterSense program works with manufacturers, retailers and distributors, and utilities, to bring
WaterSense-labeled, water-efficient products to the marketplace. Climate Ready Estuaries (CRE) works
with estuaries and coastal programs. The Healthy Watersheds Program assists states to maintain healthy
watersheds and habitat corridors.
Feedback when incorrect:
The Climate Resilience and Awareness Tool (CREAT) is available to help water utilities evaluate risk. The
WaterSense program works with manufacturers, retailers and distributors, and utilities, to bring
WaterSense-labeled, water-efficient products to the marketplace. Climate Ready Estuaries (CRE) works
with estuaries and coastal programs. The Healthy Watersheds Program assists states to maintain healthy
watersheds and habitat corridors.
&EPA
United States Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources 33
Environmental Protectior
Agency
-------
Quiz 2.2
(Multiple Choice, 0 points, unlimited attempts permitted)
Which of these options are climate change
related benefits of using Green Infrastructure?
^ Trees and green roofs can help lower building energy use, reducing the need to turn up the AC
Rain gardens and permeable pavement can help reduce nuisance flooding.
^ Rainwater captured in cisterns and rain barrels reduce useof potable municipal water (which also reduces energy
used to treat the water J.
Living shorelines act as buffers to reduce impact of storm surges.
None of the above.
All of the above.
Correct
Choice
Trees and green roofs can help lower building energy use, reducing the need to turn up
the AC.
Rain gardens and permeable pavement can help reduce nuisance flooding.
Rainwater captured in cisterns and rain barrels reduce use of potable municipal water
(which also reduces energy used to treat the water).
Living shorelines act as buffers to reduce impact of storm surges.
None of the above.
X
All of the above.
Feedback when correct:
All of the above are climate change related benefits of using green infrastructure.
Feedback when incorrect:
All of the above are climate change related benefits of using green infrastructure.
Quiz 2.3
(Multiple Choice, 0 points, unlimited attempts permitted)
&EPA
United States Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources 34
Environmental Protectior
Agency
-------
What contributes to coastal zone "hotspots" of
acidification and hypoxia?
Water pollution and increased absorption of carbon dioxide.
£ Rising sea levels.
Hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean.
A Beach erosion.
Correct Choice
X Water pollution and increased absorption of carbon dioxide.
Rising sea levels.
Hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean.
Beach erosion.
Feedback when correct:
Correct: Water pollution and increased absorption of carbon dioxide from both the atmosphere and
polluted runoff in certain areas can lower the pH of sea water making it more acidic. Polluted runoff
containing excess nutrients can create algal blooms that deplete oxygen levels and create hypoxic
conditions.
Feedback when incorrect:
Incorrect: Water pollution and increased absorption of carbon dioxide from both the atmosphere and
polluted runoff in certain areas can lower the pH of sea water making it more acidic. Polluted runoff
containing excess nutrients can create algal blooms that deplete oxygen levels and create hypoxic
conditions.
&EPA
United States Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources 35
Environmental Protectior
Agency
-------
Explore Your Region
Explore Your Region
¦SERA
Notes:
Climate change impacts vary by geographic region. For this reason, adaptation measures need to
address local issues, depending on vulnerabilities and local conditions. In Part 3, you can explore the
specific changes to water resources expected in your region as a result of a changing climate.
Notes:
To see some of the projected impacts on water resources specific to your part of the country, click on
the different regions of the map. You will need to click on the Transcript Tab to read about each region.
There is no audio for these optional regional slides. Because they are optional, clicking "Next" below the
map slide on this screen skips over the regional slides to take you directly to the Final Test for the
course.
This material is provided for your information and is not included in the Final Test.
Graphic:
http://scenarios.globalchange.gov/regions
United States Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources 36
Explore Your Climate Region
Explore Your Climate Region
Northwest
Great Plains
Vulnerable
Populations
Virgin
Islands
Hawaii
and
Pacific Islands
Environmental Protectior
Agency
-------
Regional Impacts of Climate Change: Northeast
yss-
Regional Impacts of Climate Change
» Coastal and river flooding will challenge the region's
environmental, social, and economic systems.
• Infrastructure will be compromised by sea-level rise and extreme
precipitation events.
' Increases in crop risk due to heat waves and extreme
weather events.
saw
Figure 16.2: Projected number of days per year with a maximum temperature
greater than 90*F averaged between 2041 and 2070, compared to 1971-
2000, assuming continued increases in global emissions (A2) and substantial
reductions in future emissions (Bl). if^«aur»:NQ«NCDc/ocs-NC).
Notes:
In the northeastern United States, climate change will lead to increased coastal flooding due to sea-level
rise and extreme precipitation events. Extreme precipitation will increase the frequency and severity of
flooding-especially in rivers-which will challenge the region's environmental, social, and economic
systems. Infrastructure-especially drinking and wastewater systems-will become increasingly
compromised by these climate-related hazards. A longer growing season could result in different crop
options; however, crop risk will increase due to more erratic weather conditions.
Scientific Source:
http://www.Elobalchange.gov/sites/giobalchange/files/Regional NE V4.pdf
Regional Impacts of Climate Change: Southeast and Caribbean
Regional Impacts of Climate Change
Southeast and Caribbean
• Sea-level rise poses a widespread and continuous
threat to both the natural and built environments.
• Increasing frequency, intensity, and duration of
extreme weather events-including heatwaves-will
greatly impact public health.
• Decreased water availability will exacerbate
competition between agriculture, energy, and
municipal use.
Historical ana Projected Increases In Days
Over 95 Degrees
Historical Ornate (1971 2000)
Projection I2M1 -2070)
H
SEFA
Figure 17.4: Projected average number of days per year with maximum temperatures
above 95"F for 2041-2070 compared to 1971-2000, assuming emissions continue to
grow (A2 scenario). Patterns are similar, but less pronounced, assuming a reduced
emissions scenario (Bl). (Figur»«ow« noaancdc/ocs-nci.
Notes:
Sea-level rise will pose widespread and continuing threats to both the natural and built environments.
Impacts of sea-level rise will also have a great effect on the regional economy. Rising temperatures
coupled with increasing frequency, intensity, and duration of heat-related events will affect public
health, agriculture, forestry, and energy demand, production, and distribution.
s>EPA
United States
Environmental Protectior
Agency
Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources
37
-------
Water availability will decline and be worsened by population growth and land-use changes, impacting
human and environmental health. Drinking water needs as well as energy, agriculture, forestry, and
unique ecosystem needs will be in direct competition over a shrinking supply.
Scientific Source:
http://www.globalchange.gov/sites/globalchange/files/Regional SE V2.pdf
Regional Impacts of Climate Change: Midwest
Regional Impacts of Climate Change
Midwest
• Increasingly extreme flooding and rainfall eventtrends are
expected to continue, resulting in erosion and reduced water
quality.
• Altered fish distribution, increased harmful algal blooms, and an
increase in invasive species are expected.
• Rising temperatures and altered weather patterns will drive tree
species northward and alter forest composition.
Figure 18.6: Precipitation patterns affect many aspects of life, from agriculture to urban
storm drains. These maps show projected changes for the middle of the current
century (2041-2070) relative to the end of the last century (1971-2000) across the
Midwest under continued emissions (A2 scenario). (Rgur.»ure»:NOAANCDc/cics-NC).
-------
Regional Impacts of Climate Change: Great Plains
Regional Impacts of Climate Change
Great Plains
Prafflclfifl Charge m foimbcr oT Hot Days
¦Tm
• Vulnerable communities will be most heavily impacted fcy more
frequent extreme weather events, including hurricanes and tornados.
t
• Livestock and agricultural practices may need to be adapted to
changes in magnitude and timing of rainfall.
• Rising temperatures will increase demand for both water and energy.
Figure 19.2: The number of days with the hottest temperatures is projected to
dramatically The historical (1971-20001 distribution of temperature for the hottest 2% of
days (about seven days each year) echoes the distinct north-south gradient in average
temperatures. However, by mid-century (2041-2070), the projected change in number of
days exceeding those hottest temperatures is greatest in the western areas and Gulf Coast
for both the lower emissions scenario (Bl) and for the higher emissions scenario (A2).
»»«< WMNCDC/CICS-NCI
Notes:
Rising temperatures will lead to increased demand for water and energy resources. This will constrain
development, increase competition over the limited resources, and impact communities that are
already vulnerable to weather and climate extremes. Agricultural systems will change due to warming
winters, changes in timing, and magnitude of rainfall, and may require new management practices for
both livestock and crop growth.
Energy development in this region coupled with a changing climate will lead to increased landscape
fragmentation, which will hinder the adaptation and migration of species when climate change alters
habitat and timing of plant development cycles.
Scientific Source:
http://www.globalchange.gov/sites/globalchange/files/Regional GP V6.pdf
Regional Impacts of Climate Change: Southwest
Regional Impacts of Climate Change
• Snowpack and stream flow will decline, impacting water
supply reliability.
• Coastal flooding and erosion will worsen with sea-level
rise.
• High-value crops will experience reduced yields as
temperatures rise and water availability becomes
unpredictable.
Notes:
Declining snowpack and stream flow amounts will decrease water supply for cities, agriculture, and
ecosystems. More than half of the nation's high-value specialty crops are currently produced in this
region, where they rely on irrigation and are vulnerable to extreme weather conditions, and as a result
s>EPA
United States
Environmental Protectior
Agency
Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources
39
-------
are threatened by climate change. Increased warming and drought will lead to increased wildfires
impacting both people and fragile ecosystems.
In coastal areas, flooding and erosion are already damaging some areas of the California coast. As
storms and extreme high tides become more common and are coupled with sea-level rise, these effects
will impact infrastructure and communities even more.
More than 90 percent of the region's population inhabits cities where temperature increases-coupled
with the amplification of heat that occurs in cities-will result in serious impacts to human health and
stress on water and energy supplies.
Scientific Source:
http://www.Elobalchange.gov/sites/giobalchange/files/Regional SW V2.pdf
Regional Impacts of Climate Change: Northwest
Regional Impacts of Climate Change
Northwest
• Changes in timing of stream flow result from changes in the volume of snow and speed of
spring melting impacting ecosystems and water supply.
• Sea-level rise will have a
variety of impacts, including
salt water inundation
and erosion.
• Ocean acidification is
already threatening fisheries
and will worsen.
Motes:
Changes to stream flow, due to the earlier melting, and overall reduction of snowpack will alter the
timing and volume of available freshwater. A reduced water supply and increasing water demand will
result in ecological and socioeconomic issues.
In coastal areas, sea-level rise will worsen erosion and inundation, threatening infrastructure as well as
habitat. Ocean acidification is already impacting marine ecosystems and fisheries and will worsen in the
years to come.
With warmer temperatures, insect outbreaks and disease will pose a greater risk to forests. Combined
with increased wildfires, forests of the region will change dramatically, including the loss of subalpine
forests before the end of the century.
Scientific Source:
http://www.globalchange.gov/sites/globalchange/files/Regional NW V2.pdf
&EPA
United States Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources 40
Environmental Protectior
Agency
-------
Regional Impacts of Climate Change: Alaska and the Artie
Regional Impacts of Climate Change
Alaska and the Arctic
• Summer sea ice is already rapidly receding and is
expected to disappear by mid-century, increasing
the vulnerability of coastal communities to erosion.
• Receding glaciers and reduced flow will impact
hydropower, ocean circulation, fisheries, and sea
level.
• Thawing permafrost impacts infrastructure and
communities, and leads to drier conditions and the
release of stored greenhouse gases.
Rapidly
2070-2099
A
Temperauire Change I'F)
14 3!. Si 91 IIS 13
4
Notes:
Summer sea ice has been rapidly receding in recent years and is projected to disappear by mid-century.
The melting of sea ice greatly impacts marine ecosystems as well as species that rely on the ice for
habitat and food. Reduced sea ice will lead to greater ship access and open the possibility of offshore
development, which could result in increased environmental degradation. Coastal communities will also
be more vulnerable to coastal erosion.
As glaciers shrink, stream flow is altered, impacting hydropower production, ocean circulation patterns,
fisheries, and sea level Melting permafrost impacts infrastructure and can lead to drier landscapes,
increased occurrences of wildfires, and the release of formerly trapped greenhouse gases.
The cumulative effects of climate change will strongly affect native communities, which are highly
vulnerable due to their close ties to the natural world.
Scientific Source:
http://www.globalchange.gov/sites/globalchange/files/Regional AK V2.pdf
Regional Impacts of Climate Change: Hawaii and the U.S. Affiliated Pacific
Islands
Regional Impacts of Climate Change
Hawaii and the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands
• Warmer, more acidic oceans will result in _
more coral bleaching events, coral disease ||
outbreaks, and altered distribution of I
valuable tuna fisheries. I
• Sea-level rise will lead to saltwater intrusion Ij
within groundwater supplies. E
• Coastal flooding and erosion will increase K
due to extreme weather events and sea- I
level rise. I
nvEPA
United States
Environmental Protectior
Agency
Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources
41
-------
Notes:
Hawaii arid the Pacific Islands are threatened by a host of climate change impacts. Marine ecosystems
will be greatly altered and degraded. Rising ocean temperatures are leading to a rise in coral bleaching
events as well as outbreaks of disease in coral reefs, degrading and destroying those bio-diverse
ecosystems. These changes will affect the distribution of commercially important species such as tuna.
In addition, increasing ocean acidification will suppress the growth of coralline algae, corals, and shelled
marine species.
Already constrained freshwater supplies will be more limited as aquifers and surface catchments decline
in response to drier conditions, unpredictable rainfall, and saltwater intrusion associated with sea-level
rise. Reduced supply will have impacts on human health and also on native wildlife, especially in high-
elevation ecosystems. The added stress will increase exposure to invasive species and disease and likely
result in additional extinctions of rare and endemic species.
Severe weather, including cyclones and tropical storms, will pose a threat to food and water security as
well as infrastructure, health, and safety.
Scientific Source:
http://www.globalchange.gov/sites/globalchange/files/Regional HI V2.pdf
Impacts on Vulnerable Populations
Impacts on Vulnerable Populations
• Higher vulnerability of children, the
elderly, the sick, the poor, and some
communities of color.
• Native People's access to traditional
foods threatened.
• Melting permafrost in Alaska damaging
infrastructure.
Pig
otm
Ul
Notes:
"Social vulnerability" describes populations that are sensitive to climate change impacts and that have
limited capacity to prepare for, respond to, and recover from climate change related hazards and
disasters. Socioeconomic status, age, special needs, race, and ethnicity as well as geographic location
influence adaptive capacity.
The urban elderly are particularly sensitive as they are often physically frail, have limited financial
resources, or live in relative isolation.
Some Native American populations also have higher vulnerability to climate change impacts due to
changes in distribution of traditional species that they rely on for a subsistence lifestyle. Native people in
places like Alaska are also faced with melting permafrost, declining sea ice, and extreme weather that
impact community infrastructure and cultural practices.
&EPA
United States Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources 42
Environmental Protectior
Agency
-------
Scientific Sources:
http://nca2014.globalcharige.gOv/report/sectors/urban#narrative-page-10245
http://nca2014.globalchange.gov/highlights/report-findings/human-health
Graphic:
lstockphoto.com
Final Test
Final Test
Notes:
Now that you've completed the three parts of the course, let's test your knowledge.
Final Test 1
(True/False, 25 points, 1 attempt permitted)
Improved records have strengthened our confidence
in the conclusions that the global warming trend is
clear and primarily the result of human activities.
0 True.
^ False.
Correct
Choice
X
True.
False.
&EPA
United States Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources 43
Environmental Protectior
Agency
-------
Feedback when correct:
Observations of continued warming and multiple other sources of evidence, have strengthened our
confidence in the conclusions that the warming trend is clear and primarily the result of human
activities. In fact, multiple lines of independent evidence confirm that human activities are the primary
cause of the global warming of the past 50 years.
Feedback when incorrect:
Observations of continued warming and multiple other sources of evidence, have strengthened our
confidence in the conclusions that the warming trend is clear and primarily the result of human
activities. In fact, multiple lines of independent evidence confirm that human activities are the primary
cause of the global warming of the past 50 years.
Final Test 2
(Multiple Choice, 25 points, 1 attempt permitted)
Which of the following is expected as a result
of climate change?
Cooler air and water temperature.
Q Increases in heavy precipitation events.
^ Dec reases in hu mean e intensity.
£ Less drought in the Southwest.
Correct Choice
Cooler air and water temperature.
X Increases in heavy precipitation events.
Decreases in hurricane intensity.
Less drought in the Southwest.
Feedback when correct:
More frequent and intense heat waves have been observed in some areas, but cold waves have been
less frequent and intense. The intensity of the strongest hurricanes will continue to increase as the
oceans continue to warm. Droughts in the Southwest and heat waves everywhere will become more
intense.
Feedback when incorrect:
More frequent and intense heat waves have been observed in some areas, but cold waves have been
less frequent and intense. The intensity of the strongest hurricanes will continue to increase as the
&EPA
United States Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources 44
Environmental Protectior
Agency
-------
oceans continue to warm. Droughts in the Southwest and heat waves everywhere will become more
intense.
Final Test 3
(Multiple Choice, 25 points, 1 attempt permitted)
Which option below is NOT a strategy to
address water shortages?
^ Water conservation planning.
Promoting use of WfaterSense fixtures to reduce household water use.
Building hurricane levees.
0 Preserving healthy watersheds.
Correct Choice
Water conservation planning.
Promoting use of WaterSense fixtures to reduce household water use.
X Building hurricane levees.
Preserving healthy watersheds.
Feedback when correct:
While hurricane levees can prevent some flooding, they do not address water shortages. Water
conservation planning can help identify ways to reduce water use and adjust to shortages. WaterSense
fixtures can also reduce water use. Preserving healthy watersheds helps keep drinking water supplies
clean.
Feedback when incorrect:
While hurricane levees can prevent some flooding, they do not address water shortages. Water
conservation planning can help identify ways to reduce water use and adjust to shortages. WaterSense
fixtures can also reduce water use. Preserving healthy watersheds helps keep drinking water supplies
clean.
&EPA
United States Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources 45
Environmental Protectior
Agency
-------
Final Test 4
(Multiple Choice, 25 points, 1 attempt permitted)
The Healthy Watersheds Program aims to do
all of the following EXCEPT:
Help retain water in the watershed to maintain baseflows.
^ Help reduce air and water temperature.
0 Protect riparian and stream habitat and provide corridors for species migration.
Provide technical assistance to the 28 National Estuary Programs.
SEPA
Correct Choice
Help retain water in the watershed to maintain baseflows.
Help reduce air and water temperature.
Protect riparian and stream habitat and provide corridors for species migration.
X Provide technical assistance to the 28 National Estuary Programs.
Feedback when correct:
Climate Ready Estuaries is the program that provides technical assistance to coastal managers, focusing
on the 28 National Estuary Programs. The Healthy Watersheds Program helps to offset the potential
impacts of climate change in a variety of ways, including: maintenance of baseflow during periods of
drought, flood mitigation through natural stormwater infiltration and floodplain connectivity, natural
surface and groundwater hydraulic storage, air and water temperature regulation, riparian and stream
habitat corridors for species migration as well as carbon sequestration in native flora and soils.
Feedback when incorrect:
Climate Ready Estuaries is the program that provides technical assistance to coastal managers, focusing
on the 28 National Estuary Programs. The Healthy Watersheds Program helps to offset the potential
impacts of climate change in a variety of ways, including: maintenance of baseflow during periods of
drought, flood mitigation through natural stormwater infiltration and floodplain connectivity, natural
surface and groundwater hydraulic storage, air and water temperature regulation, riparian and stream
habitat corridors for species migration as well as carbon sequestration in native flora and soils.
Final Test Results
(Results Slide, 0 points, 1 attempt permitted)
&EPA
United States Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources 46
Environmental Protectior
Agency
-------
Final Test Results
Your Score:
Passing Score:
Results for
1.46 Final Test 1
1.47 Final Test 2
1.48 Final Test 3
1.49 Final Test 4
Result slide properties
Passing Score
70%
You Have Completed This Course!
Congratulations!
You have completed this course on Understanding
Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources.
Supplemental ,
i Information >
To end the cours
please close you i
Notes:
That concludes this training module on understanding climate change impacts on water resources. We
hope you have gained some insight into this important issue, including what you can do to build
resilience in your community. Be sure to check out the additional resources listed in the Resources Tab.
The list of additional resources in the Resources Tab includes a link to an additional training entitled:
Local Government Climate Adaptation Training. The remainder of the course contains supplemental
&EPA
United States Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources 47
Environmental Protectior
Agency
-------
information on observed and projected impacts of climate change in the United States. This portion of
the course is encouraged but optional.
Graphic:
Streambank willow planting in the Johnson Creek Watershed in Portland, OR.
Photo by Tetra Tech.
Supplemental Information
Supplemental Information
Observed and Projected Impacts of
Climate Change in the U.S.
Temperature. Precipitation, Extreme Weather, Sea Level Rise, Ocean Environment
Motes:
This optional section of the course discusses temperature, precipitation, extreme weather, sea level rise
and ocean environments specific to the United States.
Climate Change Impacts in the U.S. - Temperature
Climate Change Impacts in the U.S.
Increasing Temperatures H5SES35
* Observed: E - -
• U.S. average temperature has increased by about 1.5 ° F since |P:
record-keeping began in 1895; most of the increase has [ y
occurred since 1970. ifi aiH
• The most recent decade was the nations warmest on record.
• Seasonally, long-term warming has been greatest in winter El
spring.
¦Projected:
• By the end of the century, U.S. average warming is projected to be roughly 3-5 ° F warmer
under lower emissions scenarios involving substantial reductions in emissions, and
5—10 ° F warmer for higher emissions scenarios.
The largest temperature increases are projected for the upper Midwest and Alaska.
Notes:
Temperature is one of the most well understood aspects of climate projections. The U.S. annual average
temperature has increased by 1.3-1.9 °F since 1895. The most recent decade was the nation's warmest
on record.
For the rest of this century, warming is ultimately projected for all parts of the nation. In the next few
decades, this warming will be roughly 2-4 °F in most areas.
&EPA
United States Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources 48
Environmental Protectior
Agency
-------
By the end of the century, however, we can expect to experience roughly 3-5 °F warmer under lower
emissions scenarios and as much as 5-11 °F warmer for higher emissions scenarios that assume
continued increases in emissions.
Scientific Sources:
http://nca2014.globalchange.gov/report/our-changing-climate/recent-us-temperature-trends
http://nca2014.globalchange.gov/highlights/report-findings/our-changing-climate
Graphic:
http://www.globalchange.gov/browse/multimedia/global-temperature-change-decade-averages
Climate Change Impacts in the U.S. - Changing Precipitation
Climate Change Impacts in the
¦Observed:
• Average precipitation over the U.S. has increased since fl
1900, but regionally some areas have had increases BL.
greater than the national average and other areas have
• The largest increases have been in the Midwest, southern Great Plains, and Northeast.
• The Southeast, Southwest, and Rocky Mountain states have had a mix of increases and
decreases.
¦Projected:
• Over this century, more winter and spring precipitation is projected for the northern U.S. and
less for the Southwest.
• Alaska and northern Canada are projected to get wetter in all seasons.
Overall, wet areas will get wetter; dry areas will get drier.
Notes:
As we just discussed, warming temperatures cause other effects on the climate system. One effect they
cause is changes in precipitation in general. Since 1900, records indicate that, while there are regional
differences, the average annual precipitation over the United States has increased by roughly 5 percent-
a direct effect of more evaporation.
It is important to note that, while scientists have detected and can project significant trends in
precipitation across the United States, it is much more difficult to quantify projected changes at regional
and local scales.
If emissions of heat-trapping gases continue their upward trend, however, certain global patterns of
precipitation change are indeed projected to emerge that will affect northern and southwestern areas of
the United States due to both a warmer atmosphere (which can hold more moisture than a colder one)
and associated changes in large-scale weather patterns (which affect where precipitation occurs).
Specifically, the northern United States is projected to experience more precipitation in the winter and
spring while the Southwest is projected to experience less.
Further, the contrast between wet and dry areas will increase both in the United States and globally-in
other words, the wet areas will get wetter and the dry areas will get drier.
Scientific Source:
http://nca2014.globalchange.gov/report/our-changing-climate/precipitation-change#narrative-page-
16568
&EPA
United States Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources 49
Environmental Protectior
Agency
-------
Graphic:
http://www.globalchange.gov/browse/multimedia/observed-us-precipitation-change
Climate Change Impacts in the U.S. - Extreme Weather
Climate Change Impacts in the U.S.
Changes in Extreme Weather Events
¦Observed:
• More frequent and intense floods, droughts and heat waves in
"im!
KfojafefcM
some regions.
• Less frequent and less intense cold waves across the nation.
• Slight increase in frequency and intensity of winter storms, and
their tracks have shifted northward over the U.S.
idflkKd
egsg
mug!
* Projected:
m
• Droughts in the Southwest and heat waves everywhere will
become more intense.
11
• Trend towards increased heavy precipitation events will continue.
• The intensity of the strongest hurricanes will continue to increase
as the oceans continue to warm.
oEB\
— CP
Notes:
There have been changes in some types of extreme weather events over the last several decades, for
example:
Heavy downpours have been increasing nationally-especially over the last 30-50 years-and the amount
of rain falling on the heaviest rain days also has increased.
There has been an increase in flooding events in the Midwest and Northeast. Heat waves have become
more frequent and intense, especially in the West. Cold waves have become less frequent and intense
across the nation.
In the future, we can expect the number of extremely hot days to continue to increase over much of the
United States, especially by late century:
The recent trend towards increased heavy precipitation events will also continue-even in regions where
total precipitation is projected to decrease, such as the Southwest.
The intensity of the strongest hurricanes is projected to continue to increase as the oceans continue to
warm.
Scientific Source:
http://www.globalchange.gov/explore/extreme-events
Graphics:
http://nca2014.globalchange.gov/sites/report/files/images/web-large/Figure-2.21hi.ipg
http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/billions/
&EPA
United States Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources 50
Environmental Protectior
Agency
-------
Climate Change Impacts in the U.S. - Sea-level Rise
InfomurtlM
Climate Change Impacts in the U.S.
Sea-level Rise
¦Observed:
• Global sea level has risen by about 8 inches
since 1880.
• Since 1992, the rate has been twice that
observed over the last century.
* Projected:
• Minimum: additional 11 inches by 2100.
• Likely: 1-4 feet by 2100.
• Possible: 6.6 feet by 2100.
Notes:
Sea-level rise is caused by a combination of factors including "thermal expansion," and melting glaciers
and ice sheets, as well as local geological factors such as coastal subsidence or uplift.
Since the late 1800s, tide gauges throughout the world have shown that global sea level has risen by
about 8 inches.
And, since 1992, the rate of global sea-level rise measured by satellites has been roughly twice the rate
observed over the last century.
Projecting future rates of sea-level rise is challenging. Nonetheless:
• Recent projections show that, for even the lowest emissions scenarios, thermal expansion of
ocean waters and the melting of small mountain glaciers will result in 11 inches of sea-level rise
by 2100, even without any contribution from melting ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica.
• This suggests that about 1 foot of global sea-level rise by 2100 is probably a realistic low end. On
the high end, recent work suggests that 4 feet is plausible, and could be as high as 6.6 feet.
• Although scientists cannot yet assign likelihood to any particular scenario, in general, higher
emissions scenarios that lead to more warming would be expected to lead to higher amounts of
sea-level rise.
Scientific Sources:
http://nca2014.globalchange.gov/report/our-changing-climate/sea-level-rise
http://nca2014.globalchange.gov/report/our-changing-climate/ocean-acidification
Graphics:
http://www.globalchange.gov/browse/multimedia/past-and-proiected-changes-global-sea-level-risse
x=,EPA
United States
Environmental Protectior
Agency
Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources
51
-------
Climate Change Impacts in the U.S. - Changes in the Ocean Environment
Climate Change Impacts in the U.S.
Changes in the Ocean Environment >»
¦Observed:
• Ocean waters are becoming warmer. ,
• Levels and ranges of diseases in humans and in marine life x&zfffc-
have been increasing. -
-------
Thank You for Reviewing the Supplemental Information!
Thank You for Reviewing the
Supplemental Information!
To end the course, please
close your browser.
Notes:
You have completed your review of the supplemental information provided in this course. Thank you for
taking the time to learn more about the impacts of climate change on water resources. See you next
time!
s>EPA
United States
Environmental Protectior
Agency
Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources
53
------- |