Information and Resources
Adaptive capacity is the ability of a system to adjust to climate change (including climate variability and extremes) to moderate potential damages, to take advantage of opportunities, or to cope with the consequences. (Source: 2007 AR4 IPCC Report, Working Group 2)
Mitigation is the technological change and substitution that reduce resource inputs and emissions per unit of output. Although several social, economic and technological policies would produce an emission reduction, with respect to climate change, mitigation means implementing policies to reduce GHG emissions and enhance sinks. (Source: 2007 AR4 IPCC Report, Working Group 3)
"In its reports, Working Group II assesses the scientific, technical, environmental, economic and social aspects of the vulnerability (sensitivity and adaptability) to climate change of, and the negative and positive consequences for, ecological systems, socio-economic sectors and human health, with an emphasis on regional sectoral and cross-sectoral issues." (from WGII website)
WWA's Guide to the IPCC
These webpages provide an overview of the IPCC process and three Working Groups including definitions, and inks to official IPCC documents and materials. Researchers: Jessica Lowrey, WWA, Andrea Ray, NOAA, ESRL.
IPCC AR4 Report: Working Group II: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability
Full Report
Summary for Policy Makers
Technical Summary
Link to WWA's Impacts and Vulnerability page
IPCC AR4 Report: Working Group III: Mitigation of Climate Change
Full Report
Summary for Policy Makers
Technical Summary
Federal Climate Legislation: WWA's guide to past and current legislation that addresses adaptation and mitigation of climate change. Legislation also is representative of the attempt to establish a federal climate program office.
Regional Information and Resources
Ritter, B., 2007. Colorado Climate Action Plan: A Strategy to Address Global Warming, November 2007. Press Release from the Governor's Office.
According to the Boulder Daily Camera, at least five Boulder-based scientists participated in the WG2 report. Linda Mearns, a senior scientist with the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder and lead author of a chapter of the report. Three others from NCAR also worked on the report: scientists Patricia Romero Lankao and Susanne Moser, and economist Kathleen Miller. NOAA and WWA scientist Roger Pulwarty, of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Earth System Research Laboratory, is also an author. ( http://www.dailycamera.com/news/2007/apr/02/report-will-detail-impact-of-warming/ )
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