Climate Change

Ross & Associates provides support to many agencies and organizations as they seek to understand, address, and respond to the significant challenges of a changing climate. We have experience and expertise in developing policies and approaches to mitigate greenhouse gas production. Our depth of understanding of natural and human systems (e.g., economic, political, transportation, public health) gives us a solid foundation and skills to creatively and effectively guide clients as they consider approaches to adapt to climate change. We work on collaborations, state and national strategies, governance, information management, grant allocation, performance measurement, program evaluation, and emissions calculations as components of our client support on climate change.

Selected Projects in This Area

Addressing Climate Change in Alaska

Ross & Associates has provided support to the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. We managed multiple workgroups to develop recommendations for Advisory Committees and the Governor’s Subcabinet on Climate Change. We developed materials for, convened, and facilitated groups consisting of industry and not-for-profit interests, native representatives, and state, local, and federal agencies.

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Climate Ready Water Utilities Working Group

Ross & Associates worked with EPA’s Office of Water to develop a program that will enable water and wastewater utilities to develop and implement long-range plans that account for climate change impacts. Specifically, Ross & Associates was responsible for convening a 21 member Working Group composed of a broad range of water sector stakeholders representing water utilities; state, local, and tribal governments; and academic and environmental organizations. Additionally, Federal Partners, from EPA, USACE, NOAA and other federal agencies participated in Working Group meetings and served as technical experts.

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Western Climate Initiative

Western Climate Initiative websiteThe Western Climate Initiative (WCI) is a regional collaboration of seven U.S. states and four Canadian provinces working together to establish a regional, economy-wide approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This comprehensive initiative includes a cap-and-trade program along with other complementary policies, to support meeting regional reduction goals for greenhouse gas emissions (15 percent reduction from 2005 levels by 2020). Since 2008, Ross & Associates has supported the WCI Partners, under contract to the Western Governors’ Association (the overall Program Manager for the WCI). As part of this support, Ross & Associates conducted a website redesign for WCI in 2009.

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