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IN THIS ISSUE | Events | Earth Day! | Campaign Updates | Picture of the Month | Recent News | April 2012 EVENTS EARTH DAY CELEBRATIONS!
Bill McKibben To Speak in Nevada City Please use the map below to find events celebrating Earth Day next week. Feel free to add your own event using the "add" button or access a full list of events using the Time Magazine calls bestselling author Bill << button in the upper right-hand corner of the map. To open the map in your McKibben "the planet's best green journalist," browser, please click here. and The Boston Globe says he is "probably the country's most important environmentalist." On Tuesday, April 17th at 7:30 p.m., celebrated essayist, journalist and author Bill McKibben Add will speak at the Miner's Foundry in Nevada Print City, CA.
California Rural Water Association Expo
The Rural Water Association Expo will take place April 23-26 at Harveys in South Lake Tahoe. The Expo includes a wide range of classes with topics relevant to wate and waste Last Minute water operators and administrators. Network Tee Times with exhibitors and peers, connect with EPA Tee Time and CDPH representatives, and have a good Specials Online, time. Book Online & Save Up to 70% For more information and to register for the www.GolfNow.com Expo, please click here.
Cal-IPC's Wildland Weed Field Courses & Habitat Restoration Workdays, 2012 50 km 20 mi Map data ©2012 Google Upcoming field courses train natural resource managers and restoration volunteers on all Built with ZeeMaps aspects of invasive weed management. Dates: April 24-26 in Ben Lomond or June 5-7 in CAMPAIGN UPDATES Idyllwild. Please see their website for additional Habitat Restoration Workdays! Lake Tahoe Sustainability Collaborative Accepting Applications
To register, please click here. Apply to Help Shape the Future of Sustainability in the Tahoe-Truckee Region. A new Lake Tahoe Sustainability Collaborative announced April 5 they are accepting applications from individuals to serve on the Sustainability Collaborative – a regional forum that will promote the economic, environmental, and community Reclaiming the Sierra, 2012 health of the region. The new Sustainability Collaborative will coordinate sustainability efforts and help define and implement a Sustainability Action Plan Thursday, May 3 to Saturday, May 5 - Join and related tools tailored to the Tahoe-Truckee region. Reclaiming the Sierra (A project of the Sierra Fund) for Reclaiming the Sierra 2012, a three For more information, please v isit the recently launched website for the LTSC day conference held in Nevada City, CA. here.
To register now and pay discounted registration fees, please click here. Sierra Nevada Alliance Now Accepting Internship Applications!
The Regional Climate Change Program at the Sierra Nevada Alliance is now Sierra Nevada Alliance accepting applications for internship positions for this spring and summer. Interns will Annual Conference develop skills in policy research, resource management, written and verbal communication, community organizing, project management, and grant The date for the writing/fundraising. While internships are unpaid, interns will be making valuable Sierra Nevada contributions to the Alliance's work promoting conservation and sustainability Alliance 19th throughout the Sierra. Annual Conference has been set!! Join For a detailed position description and application information, please v isit the us on Friday, Alliance's internship webpage here. September 21, 2012 and Saturday, September 22, 2012 at the Embassy Suites in South Lake Tahoe, CA for Fresno SCS on Verge of Big Boost two days of inspiring speakers, great workshops, and terrific networking! Craig K. Breon, Sierra Nevada Alliance's Regional Climate Change Program Director
For more information about how to attend the The nascent Fresno County Sustainable Community Strategy (SCS—a regional plan Annual Sierra Nevada Alliance Conference, to address greenhouse gas emissions) may get a big boost this week when the Fresno please click here. City Council votes on a Preferred Alternative for their updated General Plan. To take away some of the planning language from that last sentence: If the Council votes for “Alternative A,” then Fresno would grow primarily within its existing neighborhoods, rather than further sprawling out into prime farmlands and eventually the Sierra foothills, thus giving the whole region both a practical and a symbolic boost in controlling greenhouse gas emissions.
As California’s fifth largest city and the focal point of the San Joaquin Valley, Fresno can have a strong influence over regional climate change planning. A representative of Fresno’s Council of Governments (COG)—which leads the local SCS effort—appeared at the April 5th Council meeting to say that Alternative A did an admirable job of addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation. Another 86 speakers also addressed the Council that night—almost all in favor of “A.” Many of those speakers mentioned climate change in general and SB 375, the State law guiding the SCS process, in particular. When climate change planning jargon like “SB 375” is on the lips of teachers, civil engineers, and community activists, California is clearly making progress in its leadership position on this critical issue.
The Fresno Council should take a final vote on the issue April 19. The Sierra Nevada Alliance recently began tracking the Fresno SCS, which we hope will show how climate change policies and programs can be an economic benefit to the region while furthering goals of land protection and efficient use of natural resources. The Fresno City Council vote could promote these same principles. The Fresno City Manager asserts that Alternative A is the most cost-effective for providing city services long-term, and a representative of the Fresno Farm Bureau praised Alternative A for preserving the most acres of prime farmland.
Fresno—Leader in Climate Change Planning. It has a nice ring to it. Get that on a banner flying over Main Street.
For more information on Fresno and its SCS process, please click here.
PICTURE OF THE MONTH
This NASA image depicts land surface temperatures in mid-March compared with the average temperatures during that same period from 2000 to 2011. Warmer areas are depicted in red, with the darkest red indicating areas 15 degrees C warmer (Yes, Celsius!). Near-normal temperatures are white, and areas that were cooler are blue. (NASA) Newsletter contents prepared by Evan Muchmore. If you have articles, events or announcements that you would like included in this newsletter or if you have feedback, please email [email protected].
RECENT NEWS
Sierra News
Does Sierra snow study buck fears of warming? Mark Robison/Lake Tahoe News 4/10/2012
John Christy says his new study of Sierra Nevada snowfall shows global warming is not the dire threat many make it out to be.
Sierra Link: This study represents a new weapon in the climate change skeptics' toolbox, furthering the debate regarding anthropogenic climate change.
Water bond teeters, may be pulled from 2012 ballot Mercury News 3/27/12
Since lawmakers approved placing it on the ballot two years ago, it has come A picture showing little to no snow in Squaw Valley in under fire from both liberal and conservative groups, who decry it as a late December, 2011. / Photo Credit to RGJ pork-laden list of special projects.
Sierra Link: The proposed water bond would affect water planning in the Sierra.
Climate change boosts then quickly stunts plants, decade-long study shows Press Release/National Science Foundation 4/10/2012
Global warming may initially make the grass greener, but not for long, according to new research results.
Sierra Link: A similar outcome might be realized in the Sierra due to rising temperatures; initially, warmer weather will stimulate growth, but it will soon inhibit it.
How Climate Change Makes Trees Sick Molly Samuel/KQED News 4/12/2012
Climate change is likely to wreak havoc on California’s forests. Extreme weather, A picture showing trees that have been killed by Sudden wildfires and insect outbreaks will all take a toll. Add to those another looming Oak Death, one tree disease that may be exascerbated due to climate change. / Photo credit to Susan Frankel/ threat: disease. USDA-Forest Service Sierra Link: Climate change will undoubtedly affect Sierra forests in the future.
State News
California at top in climate-change preparedness Peter Fimrite/SFGate 4/06/2012
Scarce water supplies and coastal flooding may be part of California's future, but the Golden State is as ready as any state to tackle those and other problems caused by climate change, according to a national study released Thursday.
Sierra Link: California continues to be a leader in climate change mitigation and adaptation policies. A ranking of various states' climate preparedness. California Braces for the Complex World of Carbon Markets Illustration credit to John Blanchard/The SF Chronicle Molly Samuel/KQED News 4/11/2012
When its nascent cap-and-trade program ramps up later this year, California will be the first state in the nation to reduce greenhouse gases by making a broad spectrum of big polluters buy permits to exceed their allotted emissions. Sierra Link: Where the proceeds from the California cap and trade bill are spent remains up for debate.
California Mov ing Forward on Greenhouse Gas Reduction Law Paul Darin/The Epoch Times 4/26/2012
With rules in place, implementation of the law has been pushed back to 2013, and supporters fear legal barriers and a recessive economy could create further delays.
Sierra Link: Implementation of the AB 32 bill and its resulting policies, such as Sustainable Community Strategies, are moving forward across the Sierra counties.
Fracking bill moves forward in California Legislature Michael J. Mishak/LA Times 4/10/2012 "Fracking" natural gas wells, such as this one in Pennsylvania, are already in operation in the Sierra foothills. The Senate Natural Resources Committee passed a measure that would Photo credit to Ralph Wilson/AP/File require energy firms to notify property owners before using the procedure near their land.
Sierra Link: Natural gas is present in the Sierra foothills and drilling projects are already beginning.
National News
Not just March, but start of 2012 shatter US records for heat, worrying meteorologists Seth Borenstein/Washington Post 4/09/2012
NOAA climate scientist Gabriel Vecchi compared the increase in weather extremes to baseball players on steroids: You can’t say an individual homer is because of steroids, but they are hit more often and the long-held records for home runs fall.
Sierra Link: While this year's lower-than-average snowfall in the Sierra is not likely related the March heat wave east of the Rockies, similar climate extremes will undoubtedly affect the Sierra in the future.
A decade of weather extremes A graphic showing March's unusual weather pattern, Dim Coumou & Stefan Rahmstorf/Nature Climate Change 3/25/2012 which contributed to last month's heat wave. Illustration credit to NWS Milwaukee office A provocative editorial, reviewing the evidence and arguing that for some types of extreme — notably heatwaves, but also precipitation extremes — and linking specific events or an increase in their numbers to the human influence on climate. For other types of extreme, such as storms, the available evidence is less conclusive, but based on observed trends and basic physical concepts it is nevertheless plausible to expect an increase.
Sierra Link: Understanding extreme weather events is important to create models of future weather in the Sierra.
Water Management's Deep Carbon Footprint. EarthTalk/Health News Digest 3/31/2012
The collection, distribution and treatment of drinking water and wastewater in the U.S. uses up significant amounts of energy and releases some 116 billion pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) each year—as much global warming pollution as 10 million cars on the road—according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Sierra Link: Providing downstream Californian residents and business with water, the Sierra has an extensive hyrdographic network, which is potentially contributing significant carbon emissions to the atmosphere.
Public Doctrine Lawsuit Asks For Protection Of Atmosphere As A Public Resource Russel McLendon & Mother Nature Network/Huffington Post 4/02/2012
Filed by teen and twentysomething plaintiffs (and backed by environmental groups), the lawsuit calls on federal agencies to protect the atmosphere as a public resource, including from excess carbon dioxide, methane and other greenhouse gases.
Sierra Link: If this lawsuit is successful, citizens of the Sierra might have a new tool to fight for decreases in carbon emissions here and elsewhere. Gallup: Public Understanding Of Climate Science Continues Rebounding Joe Romm/Think Progress 4/12/2012
Brookings — and the public itself — puts the rebound on the amazing spate of extreme weather. As Climate Progress reported in late February, Americans are attributing their increased belief in global warming to their (correct) perception that the planet is warming and the weather is getting more extreme.
Sierra Link: With our low snowfall this season, Sierra residents are similarly paying more attention to climate change.
Besieged by Climate Deniers, A Scientist Decides to Fight Back Michael E. Mann/Yale Environment360 4/12/2012 According to a Gallup poll, public understanding of anthropogenic climate change is on the rebound from a Climate scientist Michael Mann, who has faced years of attacks from climate- low in 2010. / Illustration credit to Joe Romm, Gallup change skeptics, explains why he believes bad-faith assaults on science have no place in a functioning democracy and why the truth about global warming will inevitably gain wide acceptance.
Sierra Link: Motivation to keep working on this important issue!
International News
How carbon dioxide melted the world Sonja van Renssen/Nature 4/04/2012
Rising levels of carbon dioxide really did bring about the end of the most recent ice age, say researchers. By compiling a global climate record, a team has shown that regions in which concentrations of greenhouse gases increased after the warming were exceptions to the big picture.
Sierra Link: More evidence of rising atmospheric CO2 contributing to climate change.
Ocean warming predates land-surface temperature spike Bob Berwyn/Summit County Citizens Voice 4/02/2012 A recent study shows that rising levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide ended the last ice age. / Photo credit to A comparison of current ocean temperatures with readings collected by the Paul Souders, Getty HMS Challenger in the 1870s suggests the Earth’s climate system started warming before a spike in land-surface temps that started in the 1970s.
Sierra Link: Oceans are continuing to heat up, meaning the Sierra is likely to see increased temperatures in the future.
Arctic Warming is Altering Weather Patterns, Study Shows Andrew Freedman/Climate Central 4/03/2012
The study, by Jennifer Francis of Rutgers University and Stephen Vavrus of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, ties rapid Arctic climate change to high-impact, extreme weather events in the U.S. and Europe.
Sierra Link: Loss of the Arctic icesheet will likely impact weather patterns across North America.
Climate Change Linked to Waterborne Diseases in Inuit Communities Ker Than/National Geographic News 4/05/2012
As global warming triggers heavier rainfall and faster snowmelt in the Arctic, Inuit communities in Canada are reporting more cases of illness attributed to pathogens that have washed into surface water and groundwater, according to a new study.
Sierra Link: Marginalized communities in the Sierra and elsewhere have the potential to be impacted severely by climate change.
Matterhorn disintegrating in the face of global warming Michael Day/The Independent 4/04/2012 Inuits may be more susceptible to waterborne diseases The Matterhorn, one of Europe's tallest and most celebrated peaks, is falling due to climate change. / Photo credit to Gordon Wiltsie, to bits due to climate change, according to a new scientific report. National Geographic
Sierra Link: Mountain environments across the globe are under threat from rising temperatures. Climate change threat brings mountain countries together Utpal Parashar/Hindustan Times 4/05/2012
Threat posed by global warming and the need to have a collective voice in climate change negotiations have brought mountain countries from across the world to one platform.
Sierra Link: As members of mountain communities, the citizens of the Sierra should be aware of climate iniatives in other countries around the world.
China’s Ma Jun on the Fight To Clean up Beijing’s Dirty Air Christina Larson/Yale Environment360 4/10/2012
Chinese environmentalist Ma Jun played an important role in a recent successful effort to force the government to more strictly monitor air pollution in Beijing. In an interview with Yale Environment 360, he talks about the daunting challenges of China’s anti-pollution battle and how social media is helping lead the fight to improve the nation’s air.
Sierra Link: Ma Jun is an excellent role model for grassroots organizers to impact positively the environment we all inhabit.
Sierra Nevada Alliance Forward this message to a friend Since 1993 the Sierra Nevada Alliance has been protecting and restoring Sierra lands, P.O. Box 7989 Send feedback on this newsletter water, wildlife and communities. The South Lake Tahoe, CA 96158 regional climate change program shapes phone: 530. 542. 4546 and implements county and regional fax: 530. 542. 4570 Like the Alliance on Facebook resource plans that promote smart land use, incorporate sustainable water management www.sierranevadaalliance.org practices, aggressively reduce greenhouse gases and adapt to climate change.