Developing a National Tribal Climate Change Strategy

Jose Aguto

Issues1. What might a National Tribal Climate

Change Strategy look like? 2. Mitigation and Adaptation Frameworks 3. Implementation Challenges4. What can be done now to develop it?

2

GoalsTribal Climate Change is an

institutionalized aspect of federal government climate change policy and implementation

Tribes are meaningfully informed, engaged, and supported in partnership with the federal government regarding activities related to it at all levels

Climate change impacts on tribal lands are being addressed

Tribes are participating in opportunities created by climate change strategies (e.g. renewable energy, carbon trading, adaptation solutions)

How might the goals be achieved?At the highest level, creation of a White

House Domestic Policy Council and/or Climate Change Council

At the agency level, interagency coordination on related tribal climate change programs

Tribal partnership, participation and advocacy at both levels

Programmatic and funding support and innovation

What can be done now at the federal agency level?Develop a framework for a coordinated responseForming, storming, norming and performingConvene a meeting of tribal and federal

representatives to develop a national climate change strategy Identifying tribal climate change prioritiesSetting a framework for the consolidation of

informationCreate or join a tribal climate change network Develop or join a website providing updated

information on tribal climate change activities and programs

Host a tribal climate change conference in 2009 to further efforts

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IPCC TAR WG2 Technical Summary

How Might the Issues be Framed?

Within EPAConsolidation of tribally relevant CC

resources from program officesIncrease tribal involvement in climate

change research (ORD)Increase tribal involvement in EPA

voluntary and technical assistance activities (e.g. EPA SLCB, ICF)

“Pilot projects” to protect tribal traditional lifeways (e.g.

TEK transfer)Investigate utilization of TEK for

adaptation strategiesWork with Regions to assist tribes in

incorporation CC aspects into their strategic plans (e.g. TEAs)

Mitigation and Adaptation Defined

Adaptation involves Impacts, Vulnerabilities, and Adaptive CapacityImpacts - The effects of climate change on

natural and human systems. Vulnerability - the degree to which a

system is susceptible to, and unable to cope with, adverse effects of climate change.

Adaptation - adjustment in natural or human systems in response to actual or expected climatic stimuli or their effects, which moderates harm or exploits beneficial opportunities.

Mitigation - implementing policies to reduce GHG emissions and enhance sinks.

http://www.ipcc.ch/pdf/assessment-report/ar4/wg2/ar4-wg2-app.pdfhttp://www.ipcc.ch/pdf/assessment-report/ar4/wg3/ar4-wg3-annex1.pdf

Mitigation and Adaptation Compared

Mitigation Adaptation

Actors• Business leaders, policy-

makers and the energy and forestry sectors

• All sectors and decisions from the individual to national – global level

Beneficiaries • Everyone • Those who adapt

Decision-making approaches

• Top-down • Combination of

innovative and mainstream approaches

• Occurs at different levels – in particular, bottom-up

• Tends toward mainstreaming into existing systems

Decisions• Crafted globally,

ideally with costs shared globally.

• Crafted for socio-geographic units (regions and localities)

Costs and benefit analyses

• Easier to quantify• Difficult to measure

benefits

Desired Outcome

• GHG reductions to mitigate climate change impacts

• Direct physical protection from climate change impacts (context based)

Timing of Outcome

• Decades from now • Immediate

9

IPCC FAR WG2; Burton; Klein

How The Federal Government Might Assist Tribes for Adaptation

Allow Tribal governments, elders and Tribal colleges and universities to collaborate meaningfully with the scientific community regarding impact assessments and science based tools for decision-making

Provide tribal governments with assistance to do impact and vulnerability assessments, particularly related to tribal lifeways and socio-economic impacts

Provide individual tribal governments with technical assistance and funding to undertake comprehensive tribal adaptation plans (e.g. NAPAs)

Provide individual tribal governments with the funding to implement those plans

Other ActivitiesProvide funding for the preservation of tribal

cultures and the application of traditional knowledge

Catalogue, the adaptation dimensions and efforts of importance to tribes to form the basis for informed policy analysis

Providing federal regional offices with the tools and resources work with the tribes, particularly related to adaptation

Facilitate tribal partnerships with state and local governments, NGOs, and the private sector

Challenges regarding

Adaptation

Direct Challenges to Tribes

Despite the resilience shown historically by Arctic indigenous communities, some traditional ways of life are being threatened and substantial investments are needed to adapt or re-locate physical structures and communities. ***

Warming in western mountains is projected to cause decreased snow pack, more winter flooding, and reduced summer flows, exacerbating competition for over-allocated water resources. ***

IPCC WG2 SPM 2007http://www.ipcc-wg2.org/

The most vulnerable industries, settlements and societies are:

• in coastal and river flood plains• with economies are closely linked with

climate sensitive resources• in areas prone to extreme weather events. **

Threats to traditional knowledge and culture due to shifts and disruptions to the habitat of culturally important species.

Breakdown results in breakdown of the culture and social order, resulting in the outbreak of social ills on a systematic level

Direct Challenges to Tribes

Climate Change and Pacific Rim Indigenous Nations

from the Northwest Indian Applied Research Institute

IPCC WG2 SPM, 2007 http://www.ipcc-wg2.org/

Direct Challenges for Tribes

Ecosystem structure and function, species’ ecological interactions, and species’ geographic ranges will experience major changes. The resilience of many ecosystems is likely to be exceeded. **

Biodiversity and ecosystem goods and services (e.g., water and food supply) likely will be negatively impacted. **

Warming of lakes and rivers in many regions will have effects on their thermal structure and water quality.**

IPCC WG2 SPM 2007

*** Very high confidence: at least 9 out of 10** High confidence: about 8 out of 10

http://www.ipcc-wg2.org/

Organizational Challenges to Addressing Tribal Climate Change

Tribal Diversity – location, size, biome, population, impacts, economic, etc.Requires a tribe by tribe effort across the

nationsCurrently there is no federal adaptation

strategyRelative to states, tribes have

greater dependence on federal programsgreater challenges regarding capacity

inclusion and implementation of federal programs, similar to experiences with many existing environmental programs

Many adaptation issues are or will be incorporated into existing programs

17

Range of possible vulnerabilities and adaptive strategies constitute the next wave

Research NeedsProcesses by which adaptation is occurring

and will occur in the future.Areas for leverage and action by

government.Progress on adaptation and assessing the

direct as well as ancillary effects of adaptation measures.

Synergies and trade-offs between various adaptation measures.

Human intervention to manage the process of adaptation in biological systems.

Resilience of socio-ecological systems to climate change.

Economic and social costs and benefits of adaptation measures.

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IPCC FAR WG II Ch 17 p. 737

Research Challenges Only a small fraction assessments of climate

change impacts include comprehensive and quantitative estimates of adaptation options and their costs, benefits, and uncertainty characteristics. This information is necessary for meaningful applications of any decision analytical method.

Understanding the full implications involves areas of geosciences, ecology, economics, sociology, political science, culture, and law.

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IPCC TAR WG II Executive Summary Ch 2 p. 26

Solutions

1. Developing Adaptation Plans for Each Tribe (bottom – up)Requires federal technical assistance and funding

directly to tribes with assistance of regional federal offices

2. Advocating for tribal inclusion in federal programs for adaptation (top – down)Requires knowledge of existing federal programs

(via network, website, knowledge of and access to programs)

Organized and active participation at all federal policy making levels

Link to existing federal resources provided to states and localities (e.g. ICF, EPA SLCB)

3. Advocating the value of traditional knowledge3. Partnering with states and localities

Adaptation Policy Framework

21

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Adaptation Policy Framework (APF) Executive Summary

Samoa National Adaptation Plan of Action (NAPA) Indigenous Peoples and Adaptation (selected sectors)

The Value of Indigenous Knowledge in Efforts to Address Climate Change Indigenous knowledge can become part of a shared

learning effort to address climate-change impacts and adaptation, and its links with sustainability.

Assessing climate change Arctic indigenous knowledge offers detailed information

that adds to conventional science and environmental observations in the Artic Climate Impact Assessment

In Arctic Canada, traditional knowledge was used as part of the an assessment which recognized the implications of climate change for the ecological integrity of a large freshwater delta

Indigenous peoples of the Russian North on climate and environmental trends within the Russian boreal forest.

Weather Forecasting Local communities and farmers in Africa have developed

intricate systems of gathering, predicting, interpreting and decision-making in relation to weather.

http://www.ipcc.ch/pdf/assessment-report/ar4/wg2/ar4-wg2-xccc.pdf

Water security - In the highlands of Latin America, indigenous peoples have been adapting since time immemorial to the irregular distribution of water. Engineering solutions include rainwater cropping, filtration and storage, and the construction of surface and underground irrigation channels.

Water Security – Indigenous Peoples in Latin America

http://www.ipcc.ch/pdf/assessment-report/ar4/wg2/ar4-wg2-xccc.pdf

Water Security - Hualapai Tribe

* Capturing rainwater with construction of water catchments* Removing invasive species which consume precious groundwater* Bringing back endangered fish in the Colorado River

Alex Cabillo: acabillo@hotmail.com

Water Security - Hualapai Tribe

Installation of new wells, pipelines and storage tanks for future water consumption by the tribe and wildlife Mud Tank well drilled in 2004 Construction of a new water pipeline to Westwater Replacement of the Thornton Tower water pipeline Feasibility study for filtering radioactive well water

Water storage tank at Grand Canyon West

Deep well at Grand Canyon West

Alex Cabillo: acabillo@hotmail.com

Water Rights and Adaptation Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe

Purchasing water rights and dedicate ‘them’ for in-stream flows to protect biological integrity, riparian habitat, improve water quality, and allow for spawning of fish and aquatic life.

Working with upstream stakeholders to develop a watershed plan for using/ managing water to protect regional beneficial uses. PLPT has worked since 1992 to develop the “Truckee

River Operating Agreement” (TROA) with all the major stakeholders within the Truckee River watershed basin. The final TROA document should be signed by this fall.

Removal of non-native plant species that compete with native plants for water, soil nutrients, and space, and replacing them with Native ‘drought tolerant’ plants

Dan Mosley: dmosley@plpt.nsn.us

Mitigation

Conceptually easier to understand and frame compared to mitigation

Less relevant to many tribes compared to adaptation

Opportunities for tribes (e.g. carbon trading, renewable energy)

Some mitigation strategies are controversial and will meet political resistance

U.S. National Climate Change Legislative Proposals in 110th Congress (1990-2050)

Business-as-Usual

McCain-Lieberman

Olver-Gilchrest1

Bingaman-Specter3

Sanders-BoxerLieberman-Warner2

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050

Year

Total

GHG

Emi

ssion

s (Tg

of C

O2

e)

(1) Companion Bills; (2) Based on draft outline introduced Aug 2, 2007. Will be revised when bill is introduced in Sep 2007; (3) 2030 cap held constant through 2050 unless provision enacted to target 60% below 2006 levels in 2050

Kerry-Snowe

Waxman

Tribal Mitigation Efforts

Intertribal COUP installed the first utility-scale tribal wind turbine on the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. (Feb 2003)

Port Graham Village (Alaskan) is assessing construction of a biomass facility using forestry waste to power their cannery.

www.nativeenergy.org

Tribal Mitigation Efforts

Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation began a feasibility study to analyze the viability of a

30-50 MW commercial geothermal power plant on the eastern slope of the Mt. Jefferson stratovolcano.

NativSUN Solar Native American majority-owned organization that

has installed over three hundred solar systems on the Hopi and Navajo reservations, and provides installation, maintenance, and technical support for photovoltaic systems.

www.nativesun.biz

Efforts to Address Climate Change:

National, EPA, and Tribal

Reduce GHG emissions intensity (tons/$GDP) by 18% between 2002 and 2012 In that period, actual GHG emissions are projected to

increase by 11 percent. In 2004, U.S. GHG emissions were at 7,074.4

teragrams of carbon dioxide equivalent, an increase of 15.8 percent from 1990 levels.

By 2012, GHG emissions are projected to increase to more than 7,709 teragrams of carbon dioxide equivalent, or 26 percent above 1990 levels.

Twenty in Ten: reduce gasoline consumption by 20% over the next ten years. 15% through renewable plus alternative fuels

(~35B gallons) 5% through vehicle efficiency improvements (~4%

per year) GHG Mobile Source proposed rule

Voluntary programs: ENERGY STAR, Methane to Markets and SmartWay Transport.

U.S. Climate Change Policy Slowing the Growth of

Emissions

http://www.state.gov/g/oes/rls/rpts/car/

U.S. Climate Change Policy

Climate Science and Technology Annual investment of over $5 billion in climate

change research and technology in programs such as hydrogen and fuel cells

Climate Change Science Program (CCSP) and Climate Change Technology Program (CCTP)

EPA has lead on 3 reports: 1 sea-level rise (mid-Atlantic), 2) adaptation options for climate-sensitive ecosystems and resources and 3) human health and welfare and human systems.

International collaboration Commitment to the United Nations Framework

Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Collaborative work with China and India, among

others (SF6 and NH4)

http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/co2_geosequest.html

Geologic sequestration is a type of CO2 capture and storage (CCS) process involving the separation and capture of CO2 from an industrial or energy-related source, transporting it to a storage location, and injecting it deep underground for long-term isolation from the atmosphere.

Proposed Rule on Geologic Sequestration

An information-sharing resource accessible to tribal governments to assist in clean energy best practices.

In 2006, Americans saved $14 billion on their energy bills and prevented GFG emissions equivalent to 25 million vehicles.

www.energystar,gov

www.epa.gov/climatechange/wycd/stateandlocalgov/index.html

EPA’s Voluntary Climate Change Programs

In 2006, EPA climate change efforts prevented an estimated 100 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to the annual

emissions from over 60 million vehicles.

State and Local EffortsState

THE WESTERN CLIMATE INITIATIVE (WCI) A collaboration launched in February 2007 between the Governors of AZ, CA, NM, OR, and WA to meet regional challenges raised by climate change.

Local International Council for Local Environmental

Initiatives (ICLEI) An international membership association of over 650

cities, towns, counties, and villages worldwide (217 in the US) committed to improving global environmental conditions through local actions. ICLEI provides resources, tools, peer networking, best practices, and technical assistance to help local governments measure and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in their communities.

www.westernclimateinitiative.org

www.iclei.org

Tribal Impacts and Activities

Kuskokwim River near the Village of Kwethluk

Tribal Impacts

Diminishing sources of fresh waterIncreased defense of water rights Threats to indigenous speciesThreats to indigenous lifeways Loss of economically important speciesIncreased costs for clean water suppliesImpacts upon the health of the Elderly

Climate Change and Pacific Rim Indigenous Nations from the Northwest Indian Applied Research Institute

NewtokShoreline Erosion

Tribal Impacts

In August 2007, the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa canceled its wild rice harvest for the first time in history because low water levels in Lake Superior had dramatically reduced the rice crop.

People on the Navajo Nation are witnessing shifts

and scarcities regarding traditional and medicinal plants

Recommendations to Tribes

Secure sources of water for drought-impacted regions

Secure sources of food stocks for emergency conditions

Determine how culturally important plant and animal species can adapt

Climate Change and Pacific Rim Indigenous Nations from the Northwest Indian Applied Research Institute (Dec 06)

Next Steps from participants at the National Wildlife Federation’s Tribal Climate Conference (Oct 06)

Develop relationships with other tribes and neighboring governments regarding agricultural production capabilities land use planning emergency planning for weather related disasters renewable energy policies carbon emission reduction and control measures

Recommendations to Tribes

Climate Change and Pacific Rim Indigenous Nations from the Northwest Indian Applied Research Institute (Dec 06)

Next Steps from participants at the National Wildlife Federation’s Tribal Climate Conference (Oct 06)

Collaborative Efforts between EPA and Tribes

In Sept 2007, EPA issued an RFP for a cooperative agreement to communicate climate change impacts on, and adaptive responses in Indian Country and Alaskan Native Villages.

EPA’s Office of Water is drafting a Draft Climate Change Strategy and will be soliciting comments from tribes and other stakeholders.

EPA is consulting with Tribes on the Mobile Source GHG proposed rule and CCS/GS proposed rule

Future Collaborative Efforts between EPA and Tribes

EPA in partnership with Tribes, will establish an

EPA Tribal Climate Change Workgroup

To ensure that tribes are informed of and consulted upon regarding EPA climate change activities

Identify and create opportunities across all relevant sectors for tribes to address climate change on tribal lands

AIEO will devote future funding for tribal climate change projects

AIEO is considering the development of a tribal climate change conference

Global Picture

CO2 – Temperature correlation

Atmospheric concentrations of CO2 in 2005 has far exceeded the natural range over the last 650,000 years.

www.epa.gov/climatechange

IPPC WG2 SPM 2007

Climate Change Science

http://www.ipcc.ch/pdf/assessment-report/ar4/wg2/ar4-wg2-spm.pdf

Impacts

http://www.ipcc-wg2.org/

Impacts – North America and Polar Regions

Adaptation by Sector

Key Mitigation Technologies

IPPC WG3 SPM 2007

http://www.mnp.nl/ipcc/oindex.html