A report on how climate change will impact water resources and affect EPA's existing water practices that aim to protect public health. The public comment draft also includes communications and outreach needs and goals.
WHY YOU SHOULD TAKE A LOOK:
The report includes suggested communication, collaboration and training mechanisms for developing practitioner-based tools and increasing adaptive capacity. The EPA is accepting comments on the document through May 17, 2012.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Many of the strategic actions outlined in the report are driven by the need for improved "translation" of climate impact projections, including regionally specific materials to help practitioners apply the tools. The document emphasizes the need to manage risk and incorporate adaptation into core programs through a "transformational" approach.
The National Water Program plans on working with partners and stakeholders to develop communication strategies that expand access to information and resources to the public and targeted audiences. The 2012 strategy outlines three elements of effective communication elements; audience, message and medium:
1. Audience:
- State and tribal co-regulators
- Water utility operators
- Natural resource professionals
- Tribal communities
- Communities at risk
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The public and stakeholders
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Federal agencies
- "Climate change poses threats to water resources and the NWP’s mission"
- "Ecosystem services are valuable resources for modulating climate impacts"
- "Programmatic actions are being taken to address climate change"
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"Information and tools are needed to inform action"
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"Collaboration is essential for shared learning and problem solving"
- NWP climate change website
- Newsletters
- Webcasts and webinars
- Dialogue forum
- Speaker series
- Annual reports
Photo via (cc) Flickr user Doug Beckers
