Confronting Climate Change in the Gulf Coast Region

1. Confronting Climate Change in the Gulf Coast Region Practical solutions are available to slow down global warming and to respond to the coming changes. The findings from this report are a clear wake-up call to the public and policymakers that individuals, industry, and governments must take action to confront global warming now. Three basic strategies�mitigation, minimization, and adaptation�together can reduce the region�s vulnerability to the impacts of climate change and yield significant ecological, economic, and health benefits. These strategies form a prudent and responsible approach to ensuring environmental stewardship of the region�s invaluable ecological resources. Because the region is dominated by private land ownership, strategies for dealing with both climatic and human stresses on ecosystems must incorporate private landowners as well as governmental agencies and other sectors of society. The findings from this report are a clear wake-up call to the public and policymakers that individuals, industry, and governments must take action to confront global warming now. Three basic strategies�mitigation, minimization, and adaptation�together can reduce the region�s vulnerability to the impacts of climate change and yield significant ecological, economic, and health benefits. These strategies form a prudent and responsible approach to ensuring environmental stewardship of the region�s invaluable ecological resources. Because the region is dominated by private land ownership, strategies for dealing with both climatic and human stresses on ecosystems must incorporate private landowners as well as governmental agencies and other sectors of society.

2. Strategies for meeting the challenges of climate change A changing climate is likely to bring a number of disruptive impacts to Gulf Coast ecosystems, especially when climate change is combined with ongoing human pressures on the environment. To prevent or minimize these negative impacts and to profit from the potential benefits, action should and can be taken now. Three basic strategies for action are: (1) Mitigation, by which we reduce the pace and magnitude of global emissions of heat-trapping gases and thereby global warming; (2) Minimization, by which we reduce the human causes of ecosystem disruption and destruction, and (3) Adaptation, by which we adopt policies and practices to lessen the severity of climate change impacts and to enhance the ability of ecosystems and Gulf Coast communities to cope with climate change. Together, these approaches will reduce the region�s vulnerability to the impacts of global warming and will yield significant ecological, economic, and health benefits. Strategies for meeting the challenges of climate change A changing climate is likely to bring a number of disruptive impacts to Gulf Coast ecosystems, especially when climate change is combined with ongoing human pressures on the environment. To prevent or minimize these negative impacts and to profit from the potential benefits, action should and can be taken now. Three basic strategies for action are: (1) Mitigation, by which we reduce the pace and magnitude of global emissions of heat-trapping gases and thereby global warming; (2) Minimization, by which we reduce the human causes of ecosystem disruption and destruction, and (3) Adaptation, by which we adopt policies and practices to lessen the severity of climate change impacts and to enhance the ability of ecosystems and Gulf Coast communities to cope with climate change. Together, these approaches will reduce the region�s vulnerability to the impacts of global warming and will yield significant ecological, economic, and health benefits.

3. Reducing heat-trapping gas emissions By putting less heat-trapping carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, we will slow the pace and reduce the magnitude of global warming over the long term. In effect, lowering heat-trapping gas emissions is an �insurance policy� that will help ensure a cleaner, healthier environment for ourselves, our children, and their children. Because many heat-trapping gases remain in the atmosphere for decades or even centuries, we are now seeing the early impacts of climate changes caused by past emissions. What we emit now will contribute to climate changes far into the future. Thus, global warming cannot be quickly reversed. Our commitment to future climate change means that we have no time to lose to begin reducing our impact on Earth�s vital support systems and on future generations. The major sources of heat-trapping carbon dioxide (CO2)emissions are burning fossil fuels for our electricity, our vehicles, and our industries. The Gulf Coast states� carbon dioxide (CO2)emissions are among the highest in the nation, and the fossil fuel industry is the region�s largest economic sector. Yet even in this part of the country, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions can be reduced while maintaining economic vitality. Technologies exist today that can substantially reduce our carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) while saving money and creating new business opportunities. Environmental and health benefits, as well as climate protection, can be achieved simultaneously with economic gain.Reducing heat-trapping gas emissions By putting less heat-trapping carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, we will slow the pace and reduce the magnitude of global warming over the long term. In effect, lowering heat-trapping gas emissions is an �insurance policy� that will help ensure a cleaner, healthier environment for ourselves, our children, and their children. Because many heat-trapping gases remain in the atmosphere for decades or even centuries, we are now seeing the early impacts of climate changes caused by past emissions. What we emit now will contribute to climate changes far into the future. Thus, global warming cannot be quickly reversed. Our commitment to future climate change means that we have no time to lose to begin reducing our impact on Earth�s vital support systems and on future generations. The major sources of heat-trapping carbon dioxide (CO2)emissions are burning fossil fuels for our electricity, our vehicles, and our industries. The Gulf Coast states� carbon dioxide (CO2)emissions are among the highest in the nation, and the fossil fuel industry is the region�s largest economic sector. Yet even in this part of the country, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions can be reduced while maintaining economic vitality. Technologies exist today that can substantially reduce our carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) while saving money and creating new business opportunities. Environmental and health benefits, as well as climate protection, can be achieved simultaneously with economic gain.

4. Responsible Energy Use Reducing energy demand and using non-polluting sources of energy supply are both key components of mitigation. Households can reduce their energy use by buying more energy efficient appliances (such as those labeled by the �Energy Star� program). If each household in the US replaced its existing appliances with the most efficient models available, we would save $15 billion in energy costs and eliminate 175 million tons of heat-trapping gases. In the Gulf Coast region, more efficient air conditioners�a must for people�s well-being�could make a big difference in energy and electricity bill savings. Through the international Cities for Climate Protection Campaign, a number of communities are already tackling carbon dioxide emission reductions by improving energy efficiency, supporting small-scale use of renewable energy, reducing vehicle miles traveled, reducing waste, and taking other landscaping and planning measures. Along with the Alabama governor�s initiative on energy conservation, these communities can serve as models to other Gulf Coast communities. Participants include Alachua, Broward, Delta, Hillsborough, Miami-Dade, and Orange Counties in Florida; Miami Beach, Riviera Beach, and Tampa, Florida; New Orleans, Louisiana (pictured above); and Austin, Texas.Responsible Energy Use Reducing energy demand and using non-polluting sources of energy supply are both key components of mitigation. Households can reduce their energy use by buying more energy efficient appliances (such as those labeled by the �Energy Star� program). If each household in the US replaced its existing appliances with the most efficient models available, we would save $15 billion in energy costs and eliminate 175 million tons of heat-trapping gases. In the Gulf Coast region, more efficient air conditioners�a must for people�s well-being�could make a big difference in energy and electricity bill savings. Through the international Cities for Climate Protection Campaign, a number of communities are already tackling carbon dioxide emission reductions by improving energy efficiency, supporting small-scale use of renewable energy, reducing vehicle miles traveled, reducing waste, and taking other landscaping and planning measures. Along with the Alabama governor�s initiative on energy conservation, these communities can serve as models to other Gulf Coast communities. Participants include Alachua, Broward, Delta, Hillsborough, Miami-Dade, and Orange Counties in Florida; Miami Beach, Riviera Beach, and Tampa, Florida; New Orleans, Louisiana (pictured above); and Austin, Texas.

5. Renewable Energy Gulf Coast states can contribute to, and benefit from, the development of clean energy technologies and alternative energy markets. Investment in the region�s substantial renewable energy potential could provide incentives for new technology development and economic diversification while reducing air pollutants and heat-trapping gases. Texas has already begun to generate its electricity from a variety of clean energy resources�wind, solar, bioenergy, and geothermal. The state leads the nation in renewable energy potential and is big enough to have the market power muscle to spread their use. The industrial, transportation, and building sectors can significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions by switching from coal and oil to natural gas, and by using already available technologies to achieve energy efficiencies. With its strong technology and knowledge-based economy, Texas could also make a significant contribution by further developing such technologies for regional, national, and global markets. Louisiana is emerging as a leader of climate change solutions by switching most of its energy production from oil to natural gas�a cleaner fossil fuel that releases less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than coal or oil. The state is also pursuing opportunities for increasing energy efficiency and developing renewable bioenergy resources. Florida relies heavily on electricity generated outside the state�s borders. In light of the health vulnerabilities of its rapidly growing elderly population, the state can save money by reducing air pollution from vehicles and power plants�for example, by cleaner and more fuel efficient vehicles, by fewer vehicle miles traveled, and by clean solar power. In spring 2002, the state legislature required the Florida Public Service Commission to explore the opportunities for renewable energy resources in the state.Renewable Energy Gulf Coast states can contribute to, and benefit from, the development of clean energy technologies and alternative energy markets. Investment in the region�s substantial renewable energy potential could provide incentives for new technology development and economic diversification while reducing air pollutants and heat-trapping gases. Texas has already begun to generate its electricity from a variety of clean energy resources�wind, solar, bioenergy, and geothermal. The state leads the nation in renewable energy potential and is big enough to have the market power muscle to spread their use. The industrial, transportation, and building sectors can significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions by switching from coal and oil to natural gas, and by using already available technologies to achieve energy efficiencies. With its strong technology and knowledge-based economy, Texas could also make a significant contribution by further developing such technologies for regional, national, and global markets. Louisiana is emerging as a leader of climate change solutions by switching most of its energy production from oil to natural gas�a cleaner fossil fuel that releases less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than coal or oil. The state is also pursuing opportunities for increasing energy efficiency and developing renewable bioenergy resources. Florida relies heavily on electricity generated outside the state�s borders. In light of the health vulnerabilities of its rapidly growing elderly population, the state can save money by reducing air pollution from vehicles and power plants�for example, by cleaner and more fuel efficient vehicles, by fewer vehicle miles traveled, and by clean solar power. In spring 2002, the state legislature required the Florida Public Service Commission to explore the opportunities for renewable energy resources in the state.

6. Additional Mitigation Opportunities The simplest, most cost-effective way to reduce US oil consumption is to increase the fuel economy of motor vehicles. Fuel economy standards have not been raised in over a decade. Every gallon of gasoline burned in a combustion engine releases about 24 pounds of global warming pollutants into the air. Raising the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards would reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and save drivers money, along with other significant economic and environmental benefits. New technologies, like electric, hybrid, and fuel cell vehicles, hold great potential for reducing transportation-related pollution. The Toyota Prius, the hybrid-electric vehicle pictured above, is a full-size sedan that achieves a 90 percent reduction in smog-forming pollutants over the current national average while also consuming significantly less fuel, thereby cutting heat-trapping gas emissions by a third to a half. Forest plants and soils naturally absorb and store carbon dioxide. Conserving and re-growing forests are both largely underused opportunities to reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, as are agricultural land-use practices that help store carbon in soils. While some current agricultural and forestry operations already help to sequester carbon, natural forest protection and reforestation can make a strong contribution to the region�s mitigation strategies. Conserving forests also preserves the plant and animal species that live there and helps maintain the water purification and flood control services that intact forests provide.Additional Mitigation Opportunities The simplest, most cost-effective way to reduce US oil consumption is to increase the fuel economy of motor vehicles. Fuel economy standards have not been raised in over a decade. Every gallon of gasoline burned in a combustion engine releases about 24 pounds of global warming pollutants into the air. Raising the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards would reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and save drivers money, along with other significant economic and environmental benefits. New technologies, like electric, hybrid, and fuel cell vehicles, hold great potential for reducing transportation-related pollution. The Toyota Prius, the hybrid-electric vehicle pictured above, is a full-size sedan that achieves a 90 percent reduction in smog-forming pollutants over the current national average while also consuming significantly less fuel, thereby cutting heat-trapping gas emissions by a third to a half. Forest plants and soils naturally absorb and store carbon dioxide. Conserving and re-growing forests are both largely underused opportunities to reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, as are agricultural land-use practices that help store carbon in soils. While some current agricultural and forestry operations already help to sequester carbon, natural forest protection and reforestation can make a strong contribution to the region�s mitigation strategies. Conserving forests also preserves the plant and animal species that live there and helps maintain the water purification and flood control services that intact forests provide.

7. Minimization: Using �best practices� Minimization includes implementing �best practices� that reduce human disturbance and destruction of ecosystems. This strategy can minimize the ecologically harmful side effects of some types of land and resource uses, while retaining the economic benefits they provide to the region. Best practices can also improve the management of agricultural and aquatic ecosystems to achieve goals such as water conservation and reduced farm runoff. Pivot irrigation, as shown here on a cotton field in Mississippi, is widely used, but better water-conserving technologies are available. Exploring these options is essential if we are to help natural and human-managed ecosystems adapt to a changing climate. Progressive zoning initiatives that integrate different land uses over a smaller area can protect natural resources and open space from urban sprawl. Critical evaluation should be given to the role of federal and state subsidies that promote the development and reclamation of certain ecosystems that are particularly vulnerable to climate change, such as coastal marshes, flood plains, and wetlands. [Photo location:Left: Mississippi; Right: Florida]Minimization: Using �best practices� Minimization includes implementing �best practices� that reduce human disturbance and destruction of ecosystems. This strategy can minimize the ecologically harmful side effects of some types of land and resource uses, while retaining the economic benefits they provide to the region. Best practices can also improve the management of agricultural and aquatic ecosystems to achieve goals such as water conservation and reduced farm runoff. Pivot irrigation, as shown here on a cotton field in Mississippi, is widely used, but better water-conserving technologies are available. Exploring these options is essential if we are to help natural and human-managed ecosystems adapt to a changing climate. Progressive zoning initiatives that integrate different land uses over a smaller area can protect natural resources and open space from urban sprawl. Critical evaluation should be given to the role of federal and state subsidies that promote the development and reclamation of certain ecosystems that are particularly vulnerable to climate change, such as coastal marshes, flood plains, and wetlands. [Photo location:Left: Mississippi; Right: Florida]

8. Adaptation: Water Resource Management Gulf Coast residents, planners, land managers, and policymakers can become better prepared to deal with the impacts of climate change. While adapting to the changes to come is not a substitute for reducing the causes of global warming, it is nonetheless one important, necessary piece of a portfolio of responsible management decisions. Even though it is impossible to predict exactly what climate change might occur, one of the best ways to deal with some level of uncertainty is to adopt learning-oriented, flexible approaches known as adaptive management. Given what we know about likely climate change impacts in the region, the greatest emphasis must be placed on increasing water management flexibility. The key is to address year-to-year and seasonal water variability and weather extremes as they occur. Hence, water districts could begin now�without committing to any particular future climate scenario�to review their policies, rules, and decision-making procedures and to identify and improve those that restrict their flexibility and adaptive capacity. Water planners should also identify increasing water demands that are solely driven by population growth and greater water demands from relevant water uses such as agriculture, urban areas, and industries. Texas, for example, mandated such an assessment in 1997 and changed water planning from a statewide to a regional activity. Districts in Florida also manage their water resources within watershed boundaries. This regionalization allows districts to manage at the appropriate scales for addressing water-cycle changes. Adaptation: Water Resource Management Gulf Coast residents, planners, land managers, and policymakers can become better prepared to deal with the impacts of climate change. While adapting to the changes to come is not a substitute for reducing the causes of global warming, it is nonetheless one important, necessary piece of a portfolio of responsible management decisions. Even though it is impossible to predict exactly what climate change might occur, one of the best ways to deal with some level of uncertainty is to adopt learning-oriented, flexible approaches known as adaptive management. Given what we know about likely climate change impacts in the region, the greatest emphasis must be placed on increasing water management flexibility. The key is to address year-to-year and seasonal water variability and weather extremes as they occur. Hence, water districts could begin now�without committing to any particular future climate scenario�to review their policies, rules, and decision-making procedures and to identify and improve those that restrict their flexibility and adaptive capacity. Water planners should also identify increasing water demands that are solely driven by population growth and greater water demands from relevant water uses such as agriculture, urban areas, and industries. Texas, for example, mandated such an assessment in 1997 and changed water planning from a statewide to a regional activity. Districts in Florida also manage their water resources within watershed boundaries. This regionalization allows districts to manage at the appropriate scales for addressing water-cycle changes.

9. Adaptation: Coastal Communities Sea-level rise is already occurring and is virtually certain to accelerate in a warmer world�and Louisiana, Florida, and Texas are particularly vulnerable. Basic management approaches include structural (engineering) measures�both �soft� approaches such as beach replenishment and �hard� approaches such as erecting seawalls and bulkheads�to hold back the sea. Other management approaches include non-structural measures such as planning, zoning, land purchases, and conservation easements. Planners can, for example, identify shoreline uses more compatible with rising seas and a moving shoreline. Coastal communities will have to include restoration strategies to restore degraded barrier islands and coastal wetlands. These communities must allow for the natural reshaping of barrier islands and the landward migration of coastal wetlands, thus maintaining the important functions these wetlands and islands provide. Restoring water and sediment supplies from upstream areas can also reduce stress on existing coastal wetlands. [Photo locations: Left: Corpus Christi, Texas; Right: Isle de Jean Charles, Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana]Adaptation: Coastal Communities Sea-level rise is already occurring and is virtually certain to accelerate in a warmer world�and Louisiana, Florida, and Texas are particularly vulnerable. Basic management approaches include structural (engineering) measures�both �soft� approaches such as beach replenishment and �hard� approaches such as erecting seawalls and bulkheads�to hold back the sea. Other management approaches include non-structural measures such as planning, zoning, land purchases, and conservation easements. Planners can, for example, identify shoreline uses more compatible with rising seas and a moving shoreline. Coastal communities will have to include restoration strategies to restore degraded barrier islands and coastal wetlands. These communities must allow for the natural reshaping of barrier islands and the landward migration of coastal wetlands, thus maintaining the important functions these wetlands and islands provide. Restoring water and sediment supplies from upstream areas can also reduce stress on existing coastal wetlands. [Photo locations: Left: Corpus Christi, Texas; Right: Isle de Jean Charles, Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana]

10. Adaptation: Agriculture, forestry, and conservation With enough time, resources, and planning, farmers are already accustomed to making season-to-season adjustments in their farming operations. With this outlook, they may be able to respond to changes in long-term environmental conditions by choosing more favorable crops, cultivars, and cropping and irrigation systems. In addition, farmers need to become aware of how their land-use practices contribute to larger regional issues of water quantity and quality, which are likely to be exacerbated by global warming. Foresters can adjust species, genotypes, soil fertility, spacing, rotation lengths, and fire management to accommodate some of the expected consequences of climate change. Species currently protected within park or conservation land boundaries may migrate out of these areas as the climate changes, and thus lose the protection that once ensured their survival. Constructing buffer zones through the use of conservation easements and migration corridors may help these species and habitats to adapt. Large-scale restoration plans, such as Louisiana�s Coast 2050 plan and the South Florida Everglades restoration, should include an assessment of the implications of climate change and sea-level rise. In general, restoring habitats such as the Everglades is an adaptation strategy, because a healthy, fully functioning ecosystem is better able to withstand and adapt to the likely changes global warming will bring. The photo on the right shows mangrove restoration in South Florida.Adaptation: Agriculture, forestry, and conservation With enough time, resources, and planning, farmers are already accustomed to making season-to-season adjustments in their farming operations. With this outlook, they may be able to respond to changes in long-term environmental conditions by choosing more favorable crops, cultivars, and cropping and irrigation systems. In addition, farmers need to become aware of how their land-use practices contribute to larger regional issues of water quantity and quality, which are likely to be exacerbated by global warming. Foresters can adjust species, genotypes, soil fertility, spacing, rotation lengths, and fire management to accommodate some of the expected consequences of climate change. Species currently protected within park or conservation land boundaries may migrate out of these areas as the climate changes, and thus lose the protection that once ensured their survival. Constructing buffer zones through the use of conservation easements and migration corridors may help these species and habitats to adapt. Large-scale restoration plans, such as Louisiana�s Coast 2050 plan and the South Florida Everglades restoration, should include an assessment of the implications of climate change and sea-level rise. In general, restoring habitats such as the Everglades is an adaptation strategy, because a healthy, fully functioning ecosystem is better able to withstand and adapt to the likely changes global warming will bring. The photo on the right shows mangrove restoration in South Florida.

11. Adaptation: Hazard Management and Education In many ways, the Gulf Coast is better prepared to deal with too much water rather than with too little. Regional disaster-management efforts are reasonably well honed for floods and storms, but less so for droughts. States would be well advised to review and enhance their preparedness for disasters related to heat waves, extended drought, and wildfires. But Tropical Storm Alison�s devastation in 2001 is a sober reminder that global warming projections of more extreme precipitation events and stronger storm surges suggest that the region�s flood control and emergency management systems will need upgrading as well. Climate change-conscious hazard management should also include a review of insurance coverage in various segments of the population (such as floodplain residents) and sectors of the economy (such as farmers, small businesses, and forest landowners). Finally, we must help raise awareness and understanding of global climate change in the Gulf Coast region. This can begin by educating people of all ages about the cultural and ecological heritage at stake; about the fundamentals of ecology and climate, and what drives them to change; and about the viable and cost-effective solutions currently at hand. Already, many Gulf residents� livelihoods are inextricably linked to its natural resources, and visitors from around the world come to the Gulf to enjoy and learn about its ecological heritage. Raising people�s concern and understanding of climate change would help to mobilize public support for climate protection.Adaptation: Hazard Management and Education In many ways, the Gulf Coast is better prepared to deal with too much water rather than with too little. Regional disaster-management efforts are reasonably well honed for floods and storms, but less so for droughts. States would be well advised to review and enhance their preparedness for disasters related to heat waves, extended drought, and wildfires. But Tropical Storm Alison�s devastation in 2001 is a sober reminder that global warming projections of more extreme precipitation events and stronger storm surges suggest that the region�s flood control and emergency management systems will need upgrading as well. Climate change-conscious hazard management should also include a review of insurance coverage in various segments of the population (such as floodplain residents) and sectors of the economy (such as farmers, small businesses, and forest landowners). Finally, we must help raise awareness and understanding of global climate change in the Gulf Coast region. This can begin by educating people of all ages about the cultural and ecological heritage at stake; about the fundamentals of ecology and climate, and what drives them to change; and about the viable and cost-effective solutions currently at hand. Already, many Gulf residents� livelihoods are inextricably linked to its natural resources, and visitors from around the world come to the Gulf to enjoy and learn about its ecological heritage. Raising people�s concern and understanding of climate change would help to mobilize public support for climate protection.