Weather and Climate Extremes in a Changing Climate. Regions of Focus: North America, Hawaii, Caribbean, and U.S. Pacific Islands. The U.S. Climate Change Science Program and the Subcommittee on Global Change Research today released a scientific assessment ("Weather and Climate Extremes in a Changing Climate") that provides the first comprehensive analysis of observed and projected changes in weather and climate extremes in North America and U.S. territories. Among the findings reported in this assessment are that droughts, heavy downpours, excessive heat, and intense hurricanes are likely to become more commonplace as humans continue to increase the atmospheric concentrations of heat-trapping greenhouse gases. Global warming of the past 50 years is due primarily to human-induced increases in heat-trapping gases, according to the report. Many types of extreme weather and climate event changes have been observed during this time period and continued changes are projected for this century. Specific future projections include: Abnormally hot days and nights, along with heat waves, are very likely to become more common. Cold nights are very likely to become less common. Sea ice extent is expected to continue to decrease and may even disappear in the Arctic Ocean in summer in coming decades. Precipitation, on average, is likely to be less frequent but more intense. Droughts are likely to become more frequent and severe in some regions. Hurricanes will likely have increased precipitation and wind. The strongest cold-season storms in the Atlantic and Pacific are likely to produce stronger winds and higher extreme wave heights.

Invasive species means an alien species whose introduction does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.

Threat to Freshwater Ecosystems

Invasive species are one of the largest threats to our terrestrial, coastal and freshwater ecosystems, as well as being a major global concern.

Invasive species can affect aquatic ecosystems directly or by affecting the land in ways that harm aquatic ecosystems.


Threat to Biodiversity
 
Invasive species represent the second leading cause of species extinction and loss of biodiversity in aquatic environments worldwide. They also result in considerable economic effects through direct economic losses and management/control costs, while dramatically altering ecosystems supporting commercial and recreational activities.

Effects on aquatic ecosystems result in decreased native populations, modified water tables, changes in run-off dynamics and fire frequency, among other alterations. These ecological changes in turn impact many recreational and commercial activities dependent on aquatic ecosystems. Common sources of aquatic invasive species introduction include ballast water, aquaculture escapes, and accidental and/or intentional introductions, among others.

Ballast Water Carries Invasive Species

A major concern is the introduction of invasive species through ship ballast water carrying viable organisms from one waterbody to another. All mainland coasts of the United States - East, West, Gulf, and Great Lakes, as well as the coastal waters of Alaska, Hawaii, and the Pacific Islands - have felt the effects of successful aquatic species invasions.

Over two-thirds of recent non-native species introductions in marine and coastal areas are likely due to ship-borne vectors, and ballast water transport and discharge is the most universal and ubiquitous of these.

EPA is working in conjunction with our Federal and State partners to address this source of aquatic invasive species both domestically and internationally.

• Useful Links to Ballast Water Related Information

Solutions For Landscapers

We don't think about how our purchasing habits affect natural systems.  But heavy global traffic on the oceans directly affects the invasive species on both water and land.  In the water, we are finding clams, water plants are hitching a ride.

These same ships bring containers that contain seeds and eggs for snakes, spiders, even parrots that escape their confines and invade areas with little or no natural deterrents such as wildlife that eats them for food, or bacteria that control their growth and reproduction.

A simple solution is to buy local, native plants whenever possible.  Even tools and equipment bought locally or in the US is a move to reduce ocean traffic to a manageable level.

When international trade is essential, it is important to work with reputable distribution systems that have safeguards in place and have stringent control systems that are explained to you...and measured.

Where does the term "green" come from...if not from the horticulture field...and the back forty...and the wilderness! 

It’s been said a lot in the past year, but it bears repeating: We are the “original” green industry. But at the same time, we are heavy users of energy, plastic and water. We need to do something about that. We need to work toward lessening the impact our individual businesses have on the environment. And we need to pay attention to our employees and their needs as fellow human beings.

This is “sustainable floriculture.” And we’ve come up with a formal definition of that:

“Producing and selling greenhouse or field crops in a manner that provides a profit for the business, minimizes the impact upon the environment, maximizes employee well-being and benefits the community.”

We hope the industry will adopt this definition simply because there’s so much confusion about what the sustainable movement is all about.  SOURCE: GrowerTalks

Every thinking person has a personal connection with the green part of our planet ... and a right to a personal definition of "green business"...since we all deal with business in one way or another.  Leaders in floriculture are  no exception.  Chris Beytes of Ball Publishing went on to  make his key points about green sustainability.

1) Sustainable floriculture is NOT a destination. It’s a journey, one that’s made up of thousands of small steps over many years. It’s a journey that your children or your staff will continue long after you’re gone.

2) Sustainable floriculture is NOT a feel-good, warm-and-fuzzy exercise. Sustainable floriculture is a way to make money.

I come from an unusual heritage.  My father was a rebel against business and "the love of money".  He believed in  his rebellion so much that he insisted that his family pay the price in terms of educational and  career options -- or lack thereof.  So I realize I have a biased viewpoint -- but when I hear the opposite of what my parents taught me -- that business is all about making money -- I am afraid my father is turniing over in his grave, and I share his concern.

Sustainable business is NOT about making money -- although some money can be exchanged in a respectful manner. Sustainability is more basic than money and wealth.  It's about survival.

We're to the point that survival truly is at stake.  And if a second car, or a bigger house is more important than your children and grandchildren's very survival...maybe the lesson taught a couple thousand years ago hasn't been learned.  Maybe "the love of money" needs to be revisited.

Restorative Habitat

We are past "minimal impact on the environment". We are at the point of numerous ecosystems and species collapsing.  We can no longer be content with a wink and a commitment to "minimal impact". Today's job is restoration of the natural systems because we have pushed them beyond their capacity to restore themselves without our intelligent interference.  Science and politics both are making guesses about how many years we have before the oceans rise -- and how far they will rise.  But they tend to agree that they are already rising.

Weather patterns are changing.  Species are going extinct.  And yet, habitats are still being devastated to grow more coffee, more beef, more hardwoods for elegant furnishings and MacMansions.

The original green industries -- horticulture, forestry, farming, floriculture, landscaping, etc. have the solutions.  They know about organic farming, permaculture, crop rotation, contour farming, integrated pest management, etc.

You know.  We know. The challenge facing us is how loudly we will insist that we implement these sustainable practices -- these common sense practices IMMEDIATELY.  How quickly we will restore our forests and plains and deserts and oceans.

The question for you is:  what can you do today to restore your land?  How close to a fully functional ecosystem can you recreate?  Do your  loved ones deserve that heritage more than they deserve  a new car and an expensive education, or an bigger house?  We are the adults. 

We know better.  And we're responsible adults, right?

"The fact that his efforts are also good for the planet is a nice side benefit."  Nice side benefits just won't cut it any longer.  When your children are drowning, you don't think about nice side benefits -- you act and you give it everything you've got to help them survive.  Our air, our water and our health is that serious.  

Ecosystems affect not only immediate residents -- but everyone in the rural, suburban and urban areas in the vicinity -- the watershed.  Water use has increased with irrigation of both agricultural and residential / commercial properties, and the solution to the Delta's subsidence lies with all those communities, as well.

The California Department of Water Resources - Delta Suisun Marsh Office has offered an intriguing solution to the California Delta's fragile condition:  plant rice.

The Rice Farming Solution

For over 100 years, as the West Delta islands have been reclaimed and farmed, the land (which is primarily made up of peat) has been subsiding. In several places within the West Delta, land has subsided over 25 feet and is continuing to subside at rates of approximately 0.5 to 1 inch per year. As the land subsides, more and more hydraulic pressure is exerted on the levees increasing the risk for levee failure. Millions of dollars are spent every year on maintaining these levee systems to insure the islands are not lost by flooding waters. Nowhere is this protection more important than in the West Delta where islands are used to hold back salty water from the San Francisco Bay, San Pablo Bay, and Suisun Marsh from the relatively clean waters of the San Joaquin and Sacramento Rivers.

This “Cork in the Bottle” ensures the quality of water that is paramount for not only human consumption, irrigation, and industrial uses but also the sustainability of many wildlife species within the Delta.

The Department of Water Resources (Department) has participated in studies that show decaying plant matter under certain conditions may not only eliminate the continued subsidence that is occurring, but also accrete plant mass and add land volume.

As part of the photosynthetic process, plants convert atmospheric carbon (CO2) into plant mass, thus fixing carbon and reducing greenhouse gasses. The Department would like to develop project(s) to demonstrate the potential for subsidence reversal and its subsequent benefits.

Rice farming has the potential to provide the Delta ecosystem with the ability to stop and possibly reverse subsidence as well as store carbon as organic matter, while providing local human populations with a potential economic benefit through commercial aspects of farming and carbon credit trading. Generating quantifiable research results that connect rice cultivation with subsidence reversal is a central part of this effort.
However, as a result of the decay of plant matter and other land management activities associated with rice farming, there is a need to develop management practices that eliminate adverse water and air quality impacts. As a result, these land management activities must be analyzed to ensure water and air quality are not adversely impacted and overall potential risk must be considered before these practices are encouraged Delta-wide. An important part of this project will seek to quantify water quality, sediment, nutrient, pollutant loads and fluxes, with a special focus on methyl mercury. Best management practices that foster subsidence reduction and minimize adverse environmental impacts such as increased nutrient and pollutant exports from rice growing areas will be implemented and assessed.

Funding for the Subsidence Solution

The DWR says it will pay for a rice cultivation project to test the theory

The project will also measure water and air quality impacts as well as the overall potential risk from the increased rice farming. The minimum size of the rice growing plot is 300 acres and the required average depth of peat underlying the site is seven feet.

The DWR says it plans to have one funding recipient for a multi-year project lasting up to eight years. with funding  as much as $8 million for this multi year effort.

Local public agencies meeting the criteria as defined in California Water Code Section 12311(a) may apply for funds. Applications for funding will be accepted from reclamation districts meeting the aforementioned criteria. These reclamation districts are encouraged to associate with research entities that may include but are not limited to: academic institutions; federal, state, and local agencies; private consulting firms and entities that are qualified to complete the activities associated with this project. There is also a farming component to this project, which may require partnership with a grower that has rice farming experience.

The minimum size of the rice growing farm plot is 300 acres and the required average depth of peat underlying the study site is 7 feet. Please provide location details in the proposal that ensures these minimum criteria are met.

Proposed work should be described under five main topics with clearly defined research questions and testable hypotheses:

1. rice cultivation/agroecology
2. subsidence reversal and soil carbon dynamics
3. water and air quality impacts/biogeochemistry
4. economy/socio-economic implications
5. management/research recommendations

If you have additional questions or need further clarifications, please contact Mr. Bryan Brock at bpbrock@water.ca.gov or (916) 651-0836. Download the report and application from the Department of Water

Manage Risks and Opportunities Arising from

Ecosystem Degradation

Global warming may dominate headlines today. Ecosystem degradation will do so tomorrow.

To prepare businesses for this new landscape, three organizations have launched a set of guidelines designed to help companies proactively develop strategies to manage risks and opportunities arising from ecosystem degradation.

The guidelines, called the Corporate Ecosystem Services Review (3.5 MB) were developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI) in collaboration with the Meridian Institute and World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). Five WBCSD members - Akzo Nobel, BC Hydro, Mondi, Rio Tinto, and Syngenta - "road-tested" the methodology and provided input to its design.

"The world's forests, wetlands, and other ecosystems are under tremendous pressure due to climate change, land conversion, and many other factors," said Jonathan Lash, President, WRI. "As ecosystems degrade, companies will face operational, regulatory, and reputational risks while those that offer solutions may find new business opportunities and new sources of revenue."

Ecosystems provide companies with a wide variety of benefits or services including

• Freshwater
• Wood
• Pollination
• Climate regulation
• Protection from natural hazards,

...to name a few.

"Ecosystem services are often unacknowledged, yet they underpin many corporate activities," said John Ehrmann, Managing Partner of the Meridian Institute. "I am pleased with the feedback from company managers who are finding the guidelines helpful for developing strategies that improve both corporate performance and ecosystem stewardship."

Guideline Benefits

The road-testers found that the guidelines can provide a number of other benefits as well.

• They can help companies anticipate new markets and government policies that may emerge in response to ecosystem degradation.
• They can strengthen corporate environmental impact assessments by adding considerations traditional methods may overlook.
• They also can help companies better manage conflicts over resources, identifying options for better trade-offs between ecosystem services.

"The Corporate Ecosystem Review helped us to better understand how a number of emerging environmental changes are likely to affect our business and how our company might best position itself to respond to these changes," said Steve Hunt, Senior Vice President, Asia-Pacific, Eka Chemicals, a division of chemical giant Akzo Nobel.

Some road-testers, such as Mondi and BC Hydro, used the guidelines to gain insight into the direct implications that ecosystem trends pose for them.

Other road-testers, such as Akzo Nobel and Syngenta, applied the methodology to understand the risks faced by a segment of their customers due to ecosystem degradation and, in turn, discovered opportunities for new products or services that address these risks. The guidelines profile these and other road-test experiences.

"We're going to be hearing a lot about the Corporate Ecosystem Services Review. A couple dozen more WBCSD members are already taking it up this year," said Björn Stigson, President of the WBCSD. "Leading companies realize that they need to be prepared for the business challenges posed by ecosystem decline."

Download Corporate Ecosystem Services Review"

Aren't you glad you don't have to deal with this kind of "hardscape"?   We wish the neighbors of Kilauea safety and  a calming of the volcano.

Developments at Kilauea Volcano: Scientists Work to Keep Public Safe and Informed

Explosive eruptions and noxious gas emissions at Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii this week have prompted scientists to work around the clock to understand what will happen next and how to keep the public out of harm’s way.

Scientists are monitoring gas emissions and seismic activity at Kilauea, which on March 19, 2008 experienced its first explosive eruption since 1924. The volcano is also emitting sulfur dioxide at toxic levels.

The National Park Service has closed Crater Rim Drive through the south caldera area until further notice. The U.S. Geological Survey is issuing frequent updates, which can be accessed at http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/kilauea/.

Sulfur dioxide emissions at the volcano’s summit have increased to a rate that is likely to be hazardous for areas downwind of Halema`uma`u crater. Future explosions from Halema`uma`u Crater are possible.

“This historic activity has created new hazards that did not exist before — explosive eruptions as well as toxic sulfur dioxide emissions — in the middle of a national park,” said U.S. Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program Coordinator John Eichelberger. “Our job is to give emergency responders and the civil defense community the very best information we can provide about what the volcano is doing and what it is likely to do in the future.”

Listen to a podcast interview with Dr. Eichelberger describing the activity at Kilauea in episode 35 of CoreCast at http://www.usgs.gov/corecast/.

The USGS provides science for a changing world. For more information, visit www.usgs.gov. Additional information about volcanoes and volcano hazards may be found at http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/.