SUGGESTIONS FOR A STATEWIDE ADAPTATION PLANNING PROCESS WEATHERING CLIMATE CHANGE

Weathering Climate Change: Perspectives On Adaptation From Conservation Leaders & Experts Interviews Focused on Four Areas: Importance of climate change impacts to their organizations mission How their organization is responding to climate change impacts Most important challenges and opportunities for responding to climate change impacts Suggestions for developing statewide adaptation strategies

Weathering Climate Change: Key Findings Strong Sense Among Those Interviewed That Climate Change Is Real And May Already Be Having Impacts Education About Climate Change, Including Clear Examples of Impacts, is Key To Gaining Staff and Public Support For Action Identifying Existing Relevant Data and Prioritizing Data Gaps Recognized As Key Early Action Focus on Existing Stresses Makes Sense Even If We Are Uncertain About Degree of Climate Change

Perspectives On A Statewide Climate Change Adaptation Process Many believe adaptation should be integrated into existing organizational planning processes whenever possible, But … Addressing climate change impacts fully is beyond the capacity of any individual organization or agency We Wont Be Able to Address Climate Change Alone or In Isolation From Our Everyday Activities

Interdisciplinary - Broad Engagement With Diverse But Knowledgeable Participants Prioritization – Limited Time and Money Pragmatic – Emphasize Practical Actions That Can Be Achieved With Existing or Re-targeted Resources No Regrets – Emphasize Actions That Have Benefits Regardless of the Extent and Severity of Climate Change Impacts Collaborative – Competitive Grant Environment Public Engagement- Ongoing and Expanding Perspectives On A Statewide Climate Change Adaptation Process

Weathering Climate Change: Framing Strategies to Minimize Impacts on Pennsylvania Ecosystems and Wildlife For More Information Contact: Sally Just - DCNR Nels Johnson – The Nature Conservancy