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Showcasing Leading Practices in Climate Adaptation: Experiences from the Water Sector to Empower Other Sectors and Communities

An Eight-Part Webinar Series Hosted by: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Water Utility Climate Alliance (WUCA), The Water Research Foundation (WRF), and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

November 2021 – February 2022

Climate change is one of the most significant challenges of the 21st century. This webinar series, sponsored jointly by NOAA’s Adaptation Sciences Program, WUCA, WRF, and EPA, will explore practical lessons and leading practices focused on steps to mainstreaming climate science and adaptation considerations into building for climate resilience. Having worked on climate adaptation for over a decade, water utilities have learned many lessons and developed approaches to share with peer sectors seeking to learn and take steps to adapt now. Expanding the exchange of knowledge across communities will also foster more effective adaptation and improve community resilience.

The goal of these webinars is to help us, adaptation practitioners, advance our thinking about effective approaches by learning from others what has worked (or not worked). Beyond sharing examples from the water sector, these webinars will foster a multi-sectoral dialogue, sharing practical resources and tools for planning.

Learn more on NOAA’s website

Learn more on EPA’s website

 

Session 1: Leading Practices in Climate Adaptation

November 4th, 2021, 2-3:00 pm EDTHighlights a range of actions that organizations can implement for climate adaptation that have been ground-tested by WUCA agencies.

Speakers:

  • Julie Vano, Aspen Global Change Institute
  • Laurna Kaatz, Denver Water and WUCA

Register here

 

Session 2: Climate Adaptation Engineering Case Studies

November 18th, 2021, 1-2:00 pm ESTDiscusses adaptation opportunities in infrastructure design and project delivery processes and provides case studies of recent water infrastructure projects.

Speakers:

  • Jason Giovannettone, Dewberry and the American Society for Civil Engineers
  • Kavita Heyn, Portland Water Bureau and WUCA

Register here

 

Session 3: Business Function Mapping

December 2nd, 2021, 2-3:00 pm EST

Provides a framework-oriented process to mainstream climate change considerations within organizations.

Speakers:

  • Emily Wasley, WSP USA
  • Laurna Kaatz, Denver Water and WUCA
  • Alexis Dufour, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission

Register here

 

Session 4: Equity and Environmental Justice Considerations in Climate Adaptation

December 9th, 2021, 1-2:30 pm EST

Highlights how equity can influence community goals and build partnerships with lessons learned and solutions to build equity while adapting to climate change

Speakers:

  • Mami Hara, US Water Alliance
  • TBD, US Environmental Protection Agency
  • Harriett Festing, Anthropocene Alliance

 

Session 5: Green Stormwater Infrastructure

January 6th, 2022, 1-2:30 pm EST

Describes community experiences in deciding to use green stormwater infrastructure, monetizing and quantifying benefits, developing critical stakeholder partnerships, and using available tools to evaluate options to include in adaptation plans.

Speakers:

  • Janet Clements, Water Economics and Planning, Corona Consulting
  • Pinar Balci, Ph.D., Bureau of Environmental Planning and Analysis, New York City Department of Environmental Protection
  • Robyn DeYoung, US Environmental Protection Agency

Register here

 

Session 6: Greenhouse Gas and Energy

January 20th, 2022, 1-2:00 pm EST

Provides valuable information and inspiration for greenhouse gas mitigation or sewage thermal energy use projects from concept to implementation.

Speakers:

  • Taylor Winchell, Denver Water and WUCA
  • Svetlana Taylor and Alaina Harkness, Current Innovation

Register here

 

Session 7: Climate Warming and Impacts to Staff and Assests

February 3rd, 2022, 1-2:00 pm EST

Analyzes the impact of extreme temperature events on personnel and critical water utility physical infrastructure assets.

Speakers:

  • Keely Brooks, Southern Nevada Water Authority and WUCA
  • Margaret Morrissey, Korey Stringer Institute

Register here

 

Session 8: Federal and Other Funding for Adaptation

February 17th, 2022, 1-2:00 pm EST

Reviews available resources for financial support of adaptation projects, improving understanding of successful strategies and connecting the audience with community-based and sector-focused funding.

Speakers:

  • Kim Penn, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of Coastal Management
  • David Goldbloom-Helzner, US Environmental Protection Agency

Register here