Climate Change Education and Initiatives at Northern Arizona University and the

Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals

William M. Auberle, P.E., Professor

Calbert Seciwa, Director, ITEP

Northern Arizona University

Campus climate initiatives

http://www.mpcer.nau.edu/carbonproject/natural-gas.html

ACUP Climate Commitment

* President John Haeger was charter signatory

• Become “carbon neutral” by 2020

• LEED platinum certification• NAU Carbon Footprint Project• Campus Climate Challenge

Office of Campus Sustainability• Implement sustainable practices • Create strategic partnerships• Bring practical applications of NAU

research to the campus, the nation, and the world

• Carbon-neutral campus– environmentally preferable purchasing

policies – improved recycling – sustainability ambassadors network– “NAREG”

http://www.aashe.org/resources/profiles/n_arizona2007.php

Center for Sustainable Environments

• Environmental Science, Studies, and Policy undergraduate and graduate degree programs

• Coordination with campus research institutes, non-profit organizations, federal agencies and community partners

www.arup.com

Climate Mitigation Classes• Carbon Footprint Project• Spring 2007: recommendations• Spring 2008: implementation plan

NAU Research Snapshot

• Ecological Monitoring & Assessment Program

• Merriam Powell Center for Env. Research• Ecological Restoration Institute• Navigating the Green Road: a guide to

NAU’s environmental resources• National Center for Climate Change

Research• Climate History of Flagstaff, AZ

NAU Eco-House

• Sustainability Learning Community

• Preferred status for relevant courses

• Opportunities to participate in campus climate and environmental projects

ITEP’s Climate Education and Outreach Initiative

http://narfnews.blogspot.com/2008_04_01_archive.html www.greenpeace.org

http://techluver.com

Supporting EPA Strategic Plan

• Reduce climate change risks and impacts

• Work with tribal organizations and communities

• Develop a plan to disseminate information to key audiences

http://www.goskagit.com/images/news/12-28-CW-Climate-shore3.jpg

ITEP Strategy

• ITEP, EPA, other climate researchers, and tribal organizations

• Regions based on relevant issues– For example, changes in precipitation; changes in fish

and wildlife migration and reproduction patterns; sea level; forest, grassland, and air quality management

• Research and report:– Recommendations from tribes on challenges and

opportunities for addressing climate change issues

• Create website to share information, strategies and best practices

Outputs

• Compile information and results

• Outreach materials• Dissemination plan

– Website provides policy and legislation information, additional resources, and an open forum for sharing strategies and experiences

http://cabiblog.typepad.com/hand_picked/1000%20Inuits%20send%20message%20about%20climate%20change.gif

Outcomes• Better understanding of

climate change impacts on native communities and lands– Applicable adaptation/

mitigation strategies

• Improved communication of impacts and strategies

• Improved communication between EPA and tribal entities regarding climate change

http://www.climate.org/topics/national-action/native-americans-climate.html

Climate Science Impact Branch of EPA’s Climate Change Division:

• Communicating science of risks & impacts

• assessing issues and options for adaptation

• Coordinating international/interagency process for assessing CCS and role of aerosols

• Integrating research into broader analytical framework

• Assessing issues associated with climate science and working to minimize risks http://www.antarcticconnection.com/antarctic/science/images/climate2.jpg