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Climate Change
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The primary objectives of the forum are:

  • To exchange knowledge and “know how” about adaptation strategies and measures;
  • To understand the state of the science on climate adaptation tools;
  • To provide American drinking water utility managers exposure to the international approach of adaptation;
  • To foster conversations between climate scientists and utility managers and engineers to help move the ball down the field with respect to fostering more applied research that can serve the water community; and
  • To expose policymakers to information about water utility adaptation needs and strategies.

 

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International Network Tackles Water-Climate Adaptation Issues . . . cont.

The forum was designed to help water utilities and resource managers identify and promote successful responses to the evident and growing climate-related challenges to water security and sustainability.  American cities from Atlanta to Las Vegas are already dealing with severe water shortages, while other cities struggle with rising sea levels or catastrophic water events like hurricanes or excessive stormwater runoff.

One forum call to action is for greater engagement from local, regional, and national government. Though water management happens at the local and regional level, a national commitment to climate research and federal resources can give water managers tools for better forecasting and planning.

“Water resource management is about planning for the worst. But our worst-case scenarios are getting more severe as climate change introduces a significant additional element of uncertainty.  How do you plan 30 years out when you don’t know how bad it’s going to get?” said VanDe Hei. “We need federal support for funding, research and tools for water adaptation planning at the local level.”

The United States has geographic diversity unlike any place on Earth, so the forum featured speakers from a variety of climates.  Speakers came from hot and dry climates like Australia and Jordan, mountainous snowpack dominated areas like Switzerland and Canada, and rain dominant and coastal areas like Singapore and The Netherlands.  Each brought a different experience and expertise that has an application to American adaptation issues.  The forum included research panel discussions, case studies and the sharing of best practices for water adaptation.

“Municipalities and regional water utilities are on the front lines of this charge, but we can’t do it alone. We see that this is going to take government commitment, involvement, research and funding at all levels.  We need the political leadership of this country to step up and support us, and the forum will help identify the path forward,” said VanDe Hei.

Speaking at the forum’s conclusion, AMWA President Jim McDaniel, Senior Assistant General Manager of Los Angeles Water and Power, said that the event “has shown us that – regardless of whether the worst-case scenarios of water shortage and rising sea levels come to fruition – we can view climate change as an opportunity to generate local, state, federal and private investments in planning, infrastructure renewal, research, and long-term sustainability and resilience.”

The forum provided insights on the power of collective leadership and the importance and benefits of global collaboration and cross-pollination among utility managers, scientists and policy makers, as well as other sectors, such as the energy sector.  McDaniel expressed hope that “through our collective leadership we can shine a spotlight on the water/climate nexus and make a positive impact on climate change policy.”

AMWA and the other forum organizers – the Water Research Foundation, the International Water Association, AWWA and the Water Utility Climate Alliance – took ideas and comments from the sessions to enhance their statement of climate adaption principles for water utilities. 

Updated March 17, 2010

Honorary Committee

Key policymakers have committed their support for the forum as honorary committee members:

Jacqueline McGlade, Executive Director of the European Environment Agency (Forum Co-Chairwoman)  

Senator Jeff Bingaman (NM), chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee and author of the “SECURE Water Act,” legislation enacted in early 2009 that established a Bureau of Reclamation program to study and address the impacts of climate change on Western water resources.

Senator Ben Cardin (MD), chairman of the Water and Wildlife Subcommittee of the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.  Sen. Cardin is playing a leading role in the development of comprehensive climate change legislation in the U.S. Senate.

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (RI), member of the Water and Wildlife Subcommittee of the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and a leading advocate for the development of strategies to help natural resources adapt to climate change.

Representative Lois Capps (CA), sponsor of the "Water System Adaptation Partnerships Act," which would direct EPA to offer competitive grants to local drinking water and wastewater systems to help them fund projects to adapt to the impacts of global climate change.

Representative Diana DeGette (CO.), introduced the “Climate Change Drinking Water Adaptation Research Act,” which would require EPA to establish a research program to identify the impacts of climate change on drinking water systems.

Representative Jay Inslee (WA), is a leading House advocate for comprehensive climate change policies. Rep. Inslee recently sponsored an amendment to the "National Water Research and Development Initiative Act" that will require the government to develop tools to help water utilities plan for the future impacts of climate change on their operations.

Representative Ed Markey (MA), chairman of the Energy and Environment Subcommittee of the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee and a leading advocate for the passage of comprehensive climate change legislation.

Representative Henry Waxman (CA), chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee and sponsor of the “The American Clean Energy and Security Act,” comprehensive climate change legislation approved by the House earlier this year.
Questions about the forum can be referred to Erica Brown, brown@amwa.net
or 001-202-331-2820.

 
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