Toward A Resilient Watershed

TRIG's latest planning guide serves as a supplement to watershed assessments by posing questions of how climate change will impact the structure and function of the watershed. Toward a Resilient Watershed: Addressing Climate Change Planning in Watershed Assessments helps watershed managers understand how future climate scenarios could affect their management decisions and identifies proactive measures to improve the resilience of stream habitat and water quality. Click here to read more.

 

A Shared Vision of Resilience

The idea of bringing local governments together to build resiliency to common problems - such as extreme weather events, economic hardship and water management - via a "Compact" was spawned after TRIG led successful Climate Future Forums throughout the Willamette Valley and developed a similar initiative in the Miami-Dade County region of Florida. The first-ever Willamette Valley Resilience Compact Summit, sponsored by TRIG and hosted by the Center for Sustainable Communities at Willamette University, was held on December 12, 2011. Representatives and elected officials, along with state agencies and supporting organizations, all shared ideas for joining forces to create a sustainable future for the valley and its inhabitants. A draft Compact will be finalized in 2012, representing the intention of all participants to continue working toward a shared vision of resilience for the Willamette Valley. Read more about this innovative project. Read local press about the Summit here.

Greenpower Grant Fuels "Solarize Eugene"

Solarize Eugene is modeled after similar successful projects that have enabled other Oregon communities to increase their solar installations by 200% to 500%, despite the recession. This is a community-led process, and TRIG staff will work directly with volunteers to make this solar volume-purchasing project a success. Read more about our Community Energy projects here.

Community Solar Tool

In conjunction with the University of Oregon, TRIG has developed an innovative Community Solar Tool (CST) to help increase and expedite community-based renewable energy projects across the country. This sophisticated online tool allows communities to plan and implement local "solar gardens" according to their specific needs. Our goal is to significantly increase the use of renewable solar energy and give communities the capacity to build solar energy projects for the benefit of their residents and the environment. Click here for more information and to view the draft CST on line. 

PNW Climate Conference

TRIG is a sponsor of the 2nd Annual Pacific Northwest Climate Conference hosted by the University of Washington Climate Impacts Group September 13-14, 2011 in Seattle. Our presentation, "Bridging the Gap Between Climate Impacts Research and Regional Policy Makers and Actors" describes how TRIG's Climate Futures Forum process provides a model for integrating local expertise with scientific information to help communities develop effective climate adaptation plans. Click here to hear the presentation by Stacy Vynne of TRIG's Climate Leadership Initiative.

SE Florida Climate Compact Award 

Four SE Florida counties were recognized for their achievement by the National Association of Counties in implementing the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact.

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American Climate Attitudes

TRIG's Social Capital Project completed important new research on trends in public opinion regarding climate change and how they have changed over time in the recently released report, American Climate Attitudes. SCP Director Cara Pike and Senior Associate Meredith Herr hope the new information will help climate practitioners better communicate with the public about projected impacts and how to prepare for or adapt to those impacts. Read more about SCP here.