Mountains, Freshwater Resources and Climate Change

Posted on May 16, 2012 by lathamsa

Andean glacier retreat (Courtesy Photo)

About half of the world’s freshwater resources come from precipitation (rain and snow) in mountainous regions. Whereas the impacts of climate change on the stability of mountain glaciers and year-to-year reliability of snowpacks have received much attention, understanding how climate change will impact monsoon rainfall that is actually the dominant freshwater source on mountain slopes and adjacent lowlands in the tropics and subtropics remains a challenge.

With worldwide distribution and strong environmental and climatic gradients, mountains are elevated observatories where the impacts of climate variability and change can be first detected. Yet, mountainous regions remain among the least observed regions in the planet.

In the Fall of 2011, a science-grade network of 10m towers was placed at high elevations (1,400 to 4,000 m) to measure above-canopy precipitation on the envelope orography of the Central Andes, more precisely in the Kospiñata river valley in the vicinity of Parque Nacional del Manu a collaborative project funded by the Nacional Science Foundation including Duke University, Wake Forest University, and the University of Cusco in Peru. These stations are to be the core of an observing system to understand cloud forest and wet puna hydrometeorology, and in particular climate controls of fog-cloud-rainfall interactions. It is expected that such observations will also provide valuable ground validation data to improve the performance of satellite-based rainfall estimation algorithms (e.g. NASA’s upcoming Global Precipitation Measurement mission) in the region and elsewhere. Ultimately, satellite-based observing systems are the realistic path toward achieving high density continuous observations of mountain precipitation at global and regional scales.

The diurnal cycle of rainfall (e.g. where it rains, how much it rains, how fast it rains, how long it rains, and at what time of day) varies greatly from one mountain region to another, and in the same region it can vary greatly with elevation and landform. For example, a comparison among observations on the envelope orography of the central Andes and the central Himalayas indicate that whereas the wet season (monsoon) rainfall totals are about the same, rainfall amounts peak in the early afternoon whereas rainfall intensity peaks in the evening at low and high elevations in the Central Andes, but rainfall amounts and intensity peak during in the evening and very early morning in the southern facing slopes of the central Himalayas at all elevations below the treeline. Interestingly, despite their location in the cloud forest, recent observations from the Peru show that rainfall intensities exceeding 100 mm/hr are not uncommon at roughly 2,700 m elevations, where rates as high as 200 mm/hr were measured a high elevation valley location. These high rainfall rates are associated with landslide activity and debris flows that can cause much landscape damage and loss of life.

Rainfall intensity as a discriminant of rainfall regime is critical for assessing the sustainability of freshwater resources in mountainous regions. Light rainfall is dominant at high elevations in cloud forests and wet grasslands in the Andes. Although light rainfall is expected to decrease due to changes in fog and low level cloud regimes, lower relative humidity and higher low level temperatures in the troposphere, morning light rainfall is likely to be more sustainable than afternoon light rainfall depending on how changes in temperature are reflected in the diurnal cycles of temperature in a warmer climate. Changes in fog and rainfall intensity affect canopy harvesting of fog and interception of rainfall on the one hand, and infiltration and soil moisture. Lower surface soil moisture leads to increased soil and boundary layer temperatures, in a positive feedback loop, that would tend to further increase surface layer temperatures and the dryness of upper soil layers, thus affecting understory and forest floor vegetation at first, and consequently albedo and surface temperature, depleting soil moisture from the root zones, ultimately altering runoff production mechanisms and groundwater recharge, and streamflow regimes. On the other hand, if heavy rainfalls were to increase in frequency or in intensity with climate change, this would have major implications for hillslope stability and overall ecosystem resilience besides the human social and economic toll on mountain populations. Vegetation disturbances caused by landslides for example can facilitate the progression of invasive species, and threaten the biodiversity of mountain ecosystems.

This blog post was written by Ana P. Barros of Duke University and the Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas.

Planning, Participation and Sustainable Cities

Posted on May 14, 2012 by lathamsa

Sustainability has many definitions and provokes a wide range of concepts and approaches. In many aspects sustainability has been overused and lacks the clarity needed to fully understand what it means for a particular place. In my experience stemming from years of hands-on planning in communities of all sizes and locations, one lesson is that one size does not fit all in terms of sustainability solutions. Anyone concerned about a brighter future for the next generation across the globe will promote a tailored, custom solution to the unique needs and situations faced by the range of communities and cultures. In order for the concept to have meaning, it needs to be tied to measures that reflect where we are and whether what we do is making us more or less sustainable.

Patterns of human development – physical, social, and economic – affect sustainability at the local and the global level. City and regional planning helps define how, where, and when human settlement occurs. The location of urban development and the choices for reusing and adapting cities make a huge difference in resource consumption. Planners can play a crucial role in improving the sustainability of communities and the resources that support them.

Sustainability, seen broadly, should address three main goals, commonly referred to as the “three Es”: Environment, Equity, and Economy. The most sustainable policies and implementation practices will be the ones that simultaneously advance all three goals. For me sustainability is a value-based effort to achieve what is right for society, or in any given community. My organization, The American Planning Association (APA) just held its 104th annual conference in Los Angeles and to kick it off, we cosponsored a Youth Forum on Sustainable Cities in cooperation with our Chinese partners. It is critical that we reach out to young people from all disciplines and all countries to engage them in the process of shaping the future. Too many times, their voices are not at the table when decisions are made yet their generation will be most affected.

ECPA Fellow Jeff Soule getting local perspectives in Rio De Janeiro with meetings in the neighborhoods. (Courtesy Photo)

Widespread urbanization in both the U.S. and around the world is one of the most significant demographic trends seen today. Fortunately, it is also one of the most sustainable trends. Populations in urbanizing areas experience lower birth rates, higher educational attainments, and smaller carbon footprints. In other words, urbanization is at the core of sustainability. Yet for the benefits of urbanization to be realized, there are things we need to do better.

1 Improve citizen involvement. We must engage each other in the discussion of the choices we have based on knowledge and information sharing. Planners are especially trained to help citizens become more informed and engaged in shaping a more sustainable future. In many places, citizens do not have a direct voice in development decisions and resource allocation and participatory governance a new concept that needs our support.

2 Plan according to Nature. Look at the regional picture and protect sensitive areas from urbanization. Much of today’s urbanization is occurring in areas of high risk for natural disasters: coastal and delta regions, earthquake and tsunami prone areas and places susceptible to sea level rise. Planning for hazard mitigation and avoidance is a critical effort that is often overlooked. We must not continue to place people in harm’s way through lack of planning.

3 Respect and learn from traditional patterns and techniques. Today the world is more interconnected than ever and we can recognize and value cultural differences and approaches to creating places. In many cases, historical building styles and materials embody the essence of low energy and sustainability. Equating high technology with modernity is a concept that needs to be questioned as we examine and respect the traditional settlements, designs and cultures that can inform our options.

This guest blog was written by Jeff Soule of the Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas (ECPA).

Exploring Sustainability

Posted on May 11, 2012 by lathamsa

Bluefin Tuna in tuna ranching company's (Ecolo Fish) cages - Mediterranean Sea, Spain

The idea of sustainable development can be a complicated one: growing while reducing one’s impact on the environment. There are social components tied to logistical concerns, and there is always the issue of resources: from water to land to funding. To help navigate things, we can start with the idea of sustainability.

The U.S. Environment Protection Agency defines sustainability this way:

Sustainability is based on a simple principle: Everything that we need for our survival and well-being depends, either directly or indirectly, on our natural environment. Sustainability creates and maintains the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony, that permit fulfilling the social, economic and other requirements of present and future generations. Sustainability is important to making sure that we have and will continue to have, the water, materials, and resources to protect human health and our environment.

So how does that impact you, today? Are there steps that you can take in order to live more sustainably? Many of you may already be doing things that are sustainable: using LED light bulbs, recycling, reducing water waste (such as when washing dishes or brushing one’s teeth), turning off the lights when you leave the room to reduce energy use. These are all fantastic!

Have you considered plugging all your electronics into a power strip and turning off that power strip at night or when you are not home? This stops unnecessary energy waste. A great way to cut back on harmful chemicals and toxins getting into the water supply is to switch to natural, non-toxic cleaning supplies and soaps and shampoos. Do you often buy new clothes, shoes and accessories? Consider shopping at second hand stores, doing a clothing swap with friends, or buying clothing and shoes made from sustainably harvested materials.

Did you know that certain fish are sustainable, while others are being over fished and might disappear in as little as a few years? To find out if a certain fish is sustainably caught, enter in the name in this handy site.

There are many small steps you can take in order to make your life more sustainable. How do you live more sustainably?

Sustainable Cities

Posted on May 9, 2012 by lathamsa

Apartment complex in Phuket, Thailand that is part of the city's greening project.

According to the World Bank, 60% of all people are projected to live in cities by 2030. As more people move into cities, those cities must absorb the impact: in terms of infrastructure, housing, roads, social services, food, and myriad others.

One idea that many governments, communities and cities are exploring is the idea of sustainability and sustainable growth. This includes revamping existing infrastructure and services to be more efficient and less resource intensive (and often better for the environment), while also planning for growth with a similar mindset. Cities exploring sustainable growth are often looking for ways to reduce environmental impact and waste of energy, water and food. Included in these plans are different environmental criteria, and can include air quality, recycling, transportation, agriculture and many others.

An incredible example of this is the 100% energy independent Danish island of Samsø. Samsø is admittedly a small island, with only 4,000 inhabitants, and it is true that many cities have significantly larger populations that will require changes on a much larger (and more expensive) scale. But Samsø serves as a stunning example of what innovation and community can accomplish when the focus is on energy efficiency, energy independence, and sustainability. Learn more about the island from these short interviews with Søren Hermansen, one of the founders of the project.

Has your city or town taken any sustainability measures, such as instituting a recycling program or offering incentives for biking, taking public transportation, walking or carpooling instead of driving a car to work?

Samsø Infographic

Youth Action

Posted on May 7, 2012 by lathamsa

In last week’s post, we defined sustainable development as: “Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” An integral part of any development plan is youth because they are that “future generation” that will need to be able to meet their own needs. But youth are not some distant group that will have to worry about resources later: they can be an active part of finding solutions today.

Watch this very short video by Philippe Cousteau, an ocean conservationist and founder of EarthEcho International, an environmental organization just for youth, about how incredibly important he thinks young people are in building “the sustainable future we all deserve.” Philippe is the Chief Spokesperson for the Yeosu World Expo, which will take place from May 12-August 12 in South Korea and feature pavilions built by many different countries. The theme of the U.S. Pavilion is The Living Ocean and Coast).

One group of young people dedicating themselves to the issues of sustainable development all over the world is SustainUS, “a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization of young people advancing sustainable development and youth empowerment.” Though they are located in the United States, the Sustain US youth “agents” attend sustainable development and other environmental conferences all over the world. Their website has more information on their projects and how to get involved. Don’t miss the most recent guest blog by a SustainUS Agent in Brazil about the role of youth in water negotiations.

Youth empowerment is not just the domain of organizations: governments have taken notice as well. The African Union declared in 2009 that the years of 2009-2019 would be the “decade of youth development” in Africa. Read the Youth Charter here. and check out the African Youth Forum 2011 website, which has the slogan “Prepare the Youth. Prepare Africa’s Future.” You can connect with other youth on their social media properties: Facebook and Twitter (@AYF2011). Even though the Forum was last year, there are active postings and discussions on these social media sites.

Do you agree that young people can make a difference now on issues of sustainability?

Videos: Greening the Dutch Embassy

Posted on January 31, 2012 by lathamsa

In the videos below, Pauline Roukens, the Facility Manager at the Royal Netherlands Embassy in Washington, DC, talks about what the embassy is doing to green its operations. From composting to reducing water pressure in faucets, watch these short clips to learn more about simple steps to green your own home!

For more about what the embassy is doing to give back to the local community of Washington, DC, and the DC Greening Embassy Forum event they are hosting tonight, click here!

Why Youth Are So Important to the Environment

Posted on November 23, 2011 by lathamsa

Olimar Maisonet-Guzman (Courtesy Photo)

Olimar Maisonet-Guzman is a 2011 Boren Fellow to Brazil and a member of the SustainUS Youth Delegation that will participate in the Rio+20 Earth Summit. She is currently in Brazil studying water and energy policy, with a particular focus on hydropower development. She is interested in the social impacts of development and economic policies, particularly in Latin America and Asia. She also serves as a Rio+20 taskforce member for the UN CSD Major Group of Children and Youth.

Olimar is a self-proclaimed jet setter, and in her spare time she enjoys fencing. Read her guest blog here!

Brazil will be the host of the 2012 Earth Summit (Rio+20).

In June of 2012, world leaders, civil society representatives and young people will meet in Rio de Janeiro to determine the future of sustainable development. The UN Rio+20 Conference on Sustainable Development, better known as the Earth Summit, will seek to renew political commitment for sustainable development, and to assess the progress of past Earth Summits.

Why is Rio+20 important to me? Besides the two main themes of the conference: poverty eradication and the green economy, other complex issues will be discussed at the summit. One of my favorite topics, the water-energy-food security nexus will be a central part of these discussions. So, what is this nexus?

For me, one of today’s main challenges is providing clean water, food, and electricity to a growing population. The water-energy-food security nexus proposes an integrated understanding of natural resources and the improvement of policy coordination across these sectors. Land and water are needed to grow food. Energy is also needed to process and distribute food to us, the consumers. Water is needed for the production of electricity, so we can cook our meals. This is especially true for Latin America, where most of the electricity comes from hydropower.

The expected population growth for Latin America is close to one percent by 2030. Most of this growth will happen in urban centers. For Sao Paulo, one of Latin America’s most crowded cities, annual growth rate is estimated at four percent. Inevitably, population growth in cities will increase the demand for energy, water and food. However, if not managed carefully, these demands will have damaging ecological impacts in the Amazon region, Latin America’s most important source of food, energy and biodiversity.

A complex challenge requires creative and inter-disciplinary solutions. New policies such as “integrated-management of water, energy and agriculture” will facilitate solutions that promote a better quality of life for future generations. Rio+20 will provide leaders and stakeholders the opportunity to create policy frameworks that incorporate the nexus approach in our sustainability discourse. However, leaders still need to know why issues such as the nexus are important to us. We as future generations will carry the consequences of their policy decisions.

Why is Youth important? Why are YOU important?

The participation of all stakeholders is necessary to make Rio+20 a successful event. More than half of the world’s population is under 25 years old and young people are the most vulnerable to water, energy, economic and climate crises. Consequently, it is important that our voice is included in the Rio+20 debates, either in the form of official youth delegates or through youth consultations.

Internationally, the UN Major Group of Children and Youth seeks to facilitate youth efforts and participation within the Rio+20 and other major UN processes. In the United States, SustainUS, is preparing a delegation of energetic young individuals to participate in the Rio+20 events. In Brazil, Rede da Juventude pelo Meio Ambiente e Sustentabilidade, is also preparing a youth delegation to take part of the Earth Summit.

It is not too late to take action. During the upcoming months, regional and intersessional preparatory meetings will take place around the globe to discuss the potential outcomes of the Earth Summit. There will be opportunities for the youth voices to be heard. To learn more about these opportunities and share information about the upcoming UN Conference on Sustainable Development, join the Rio+20 Youth Space: http://www.youthcaucus.net/rioplus20. Feel free to contact me if you want to know how to take a more active role.

Guest Blog: Vice Mayor for Urban Environment, Stockholm

Posted on November 9, 2011 by lathamsa

In February, 2010 the U.S. Embassy in Sweden and the Swedish Government launched the Swedish American Green Alliance (SAGA) to encourage further collaboration between Sweden and the United States in the fields of energy, environment and clean tech. One of the key components of SAGA is to promote the sharing of best practices between Swedish and US cities in the realm of urban sustainability. The Stockholm Vice Mayor for Environment, Per Ankersjö recently visited Seattle and Portland – this is his report for that trip.

Stockholmer taking a swim in the city center with the City Hall in the background. (Courtesy Photo)

Last week, I had the great pleasure to visit the great green U.S. cities of Seattle and Portland. During this study visit I made few remarks that I want to share with you.

First of all, it is always a true pleasure to be representing Stockholm and Sweden abroad. Besides from being famous for ABBA, IKEA and Volvo, more and more often I realize that Stockholm has received world recognition for our Eco District Hammarby Seafront. This city development project emphasizes Stockholm’s general approach to cut emissions and combine it with cutting edge solutions that provide quality of life for our citizens. Environmental concern is not an obstacle for economic growth. We consider it a prerequisite.

Stockholm has a long reputation for environmental achievements and one of the strongest recognitions of our work came last year when Stockholm was appointed first European Green Capital by the European Commission. Apart from the great honor, the prize gave us a mission; to tell our story and exchange ideas with other cities. We are thrilled to highlight our efforts but also open to present the lessons we learned from mistakes and failures. These parameters are key elements in speeding up the process for the greening of cities.

While in Seattle and Portland, my delegation and I were offered a wide range of study tours and meetings where we got the opportunity to get inspired by all the efforts these cities are doing for sustainability. It struck me that although we act in very different contexts, the major challenges we face are similar. I particularly found it interesting to learn more about these cities’ high ambitions for collecting food waste, their efforts to stimulate biking and how far they have reached in the introduction of electric cars. Our cities have also in common that we are very determined to leave the fossil fuel era behind in the coming decades. Stockholm has decided to become fossil fuel free by 2050.

Mr Richard Conlin, Council President, City of Seattle handling over the Distinguished Citizen medal to Mr Per Ankersjö, Vice mayor for Urban Enviroment. (Courtesy Photo)

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our hosts for their great hospitality and all the inspiration they so generously shared with us. I would also like to explain my gratitude to the City of Seattle for the appointment “Distinguished Citizen.”

My final remark is that the transformation of cities into sustainability does not necessarily imply rocket science, it is about enabling attractive smart solutions for a modern urban lifestyle. I truly believe that is in reach for every city that clearly put their minds to it and is open for inspiration from other cities. There can never be too many best practices. In our strive in Stockholm to accomplish our vision to become a World Class City by 2030, we are definitely better off with a little help from our friends.

Mr Per Ankersjö
Vice Mayor for Urban Environment
City of Stockholm

Tools for Youth Action

Posted on October 24, 2011 by lathamsa

Activists gather to ride bicycles for the environment on Earth Day 2011 in Kolkata. (Courtesy of Earth Day Network - India)

Young people need the knowledge and tools to take action on climate change issues. Check out two organizations below that are trying to give youth those tools, and click for great resources to help you take action!

The Australian Youth Climate Coalition says they are “building a generation-wide movement to solve the climate crisis.” Representing more than 30 of Australia’s largest youth organizations, they consist of over 71,000 young people from across the country. Check out their blog which discusses everything from the new Australian carbon tax to clean energy. They also have a “Learn” page with tons of educational resources “about everything from the latest climate science to community organizing tools!” This may be a great resource if you’re interested in starting your own youth environmental group and need the tools to learn more!

For more even more resources, head over to Taking IT Global, the “largest online community of youth interested in global issues and creating positive change.” They align themselves with three words: “Inspire, Inform, Involve.” One of the global issues that they focus on is the environment, and they have an entire site dedicated to a variety of different resources, including a list of organizations, publications, blogs, policies, statistics and videos. Whether you are interested in the Global Council on Water Diseases (under Organizations) or Global Climate Trends (under Statistics), the this site is a resource hub for youth around the world interested in the environment and other global issues. Getting more specific, Taking IT Global’s environment page has a specific section dedicated to climate change! Check out the organizations section for links to international youth groups combating climate change!

How do you learn about environmental issues as a youth? Is it difficult to take action, or do you feel empowered to combat climate change, even when you are young?

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