Multi-faceted Utility Climate Adaptation Strategies and Practices

Webcast

As Earth’s temperature rises at an unprecedented rate, the water sector will need to adjust to new norms in order to continue providing critical services. Climate change is already altering the patterns of our natural hydrologic cycle, forcing utilities to rethink practices that have traditionally been effective and seek solutions that will meet different, more unpredictable conditions. WRF is at the forefront of a new climate paradigm, offering sound science to help the water sector continue to meet water demand and quality standards, and plan for uncertain times.  

As a clearer picture of climate change emerges, evidence suggests that impacts will vary widely by region; however, it is relatively certain that no area will be untouched. Implementing adaptation strategies will be critical as the water sector moves forward. This webcast will focus on four WRF climate adaptation projects that feature utility adaptation strategies and practices, with a focus on flooding, wildfire, drought, and risk mapping.

Topic

Project

Speakers

Introduction

Brief Overview of WRF Climate Change Research

Harry Zhang, WRF

Flooding

Holistic and Innovative Approaches for Flood Mitigation Planning and Modeling under Extreme Wet Weather Events and Climate Impacts [5084].

Eric Hersh, Stantec

Wildfires

Enhancing Drinking Water Treatment Resilience to Wildfire Events [5168]

Mac Gifford, Portland Water Bureau

Drought

Impacts of Climate Change on Honolulu Water Supplies and Planning Strategies for Mitigation [4637]

Lynn Williams-Stephens, Brown and Caldwell

Mapping Risks

Mapping Climate Exposure and Climate Information Needs to Utility Business Functions [4729]

An Enhanced Climate-Related Risks and Opportunities Framework and Guidebook for Water Utilities Preparing for a Changing Climate [5056]

Keely Brooks, SNWA

Q&A

 

Harry Zhang & Sydney Samples, WRF