Climate Change: News (17)

In the news: …Recreation and tourism are not just for fun; for many states, they are big business, providing much needed jobs and tax revenue. As resource dependent industries, however, they are also highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. A recent report by Headwaters Economics details the effects of climate change on downhill skiing and recreational fishing in Montana. In this region, the “crown of the continent”, the majority of jobs, population and income growth over the last three decades have been tied to the natural amenities and resources of the region. Though small relative to the size of Montana’s economy, the report notes that these industries are closely tied to the “quality of life” that attracts businesses, residents, and tourists to the region.… -- Link to Article By Kristen Sheeran Link to Study

In the news: By Julia Haggerty, Headwaters Economics— While Colorado has not been immune to the global recession, a recent study finds that the state's green economy has been a bright spot of economic dynamism during challenging times and that the growth of Colorado's clean energy sector has outpaced that of all other Rocky Mountain States. That did not happen by accident. Colorado's strategy of targeted public policy and strong support for business has made it a competitive center of clean tech innovation that leads the region in almost every indicator, including capturing the most clean energy-related jobs, venture capital, and public funding.… --The Denver Post Link to Article Link to Study

In the news: By Julia Haggerty Ph.D., Headwaters Economics— New Mexico's combined strategy of targeted public policy, strong leadership, and support for business has made it a regional and national clean energy leader, increasing its green jobs faster than other Rocky Mountain States. The states with the best early results and strongest competitive position are those able to capture new energy opportunities--not only power generation facilities and manufacturing jobs, but investment and employment in the myriad technologies, products and services related to a growing worldwide demand for clean energy, conservation and energy efficiency. New Mexico's success shows the importance of both policy and political guidance at all levels of government, from county commissioner to U.S. senator. The state's aggressive outreach program, backed by strong incentives--including property tax breaks, bonding, and worker training--has attracted new jobs and investment to the state.… --Albuquerque Journal Link to Article Link to Study

In the news: By Julia Haggerty Ph.D., Headwaters Economics— During the recent economic downturn, Montana’s wind industry has been a welcome bright spot, creating jobs, revenues for landowners and supporting county and state treasuries. One important question now facing Montanans is how the state can leverage its renewable resources to cultivate a broader green economy that generates jobs, taxes and investments. Headwaters Economics recently completed a report--Clean Energy Leadership in the Rockies: Competitive Positioning in the Emerging Green Economy--that compares how Montana, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming are taking advantage of clean energy opportunities.… --The Montana Standard Note: This essay also circulated in the Billings Gazette, Bozeman Chronicle, Great Falls Tribune, Helena Independent-Republic, and Missoulian. Link to Article Link to Study

In the news: Colorado's green economy has been boosted by more than $796 million in venture-capital investment and $300 million in federal stimulus funds in the past decade, according to a study on green-job growth in the West. Between 1995 and 2007, environment-related and renewable-energy-related jobs in Colorado grew by 30 percent to 17,008, the study by Headwater Economics, a nonprofit research group in Bozeman, Mont., showed. 'The numbers are still small, but this has been a growing area, and Colorado has attracted venture capital, even during the recession,' said Chris Mehl, Headwaters policy director. The green economy's venture-capital investments were made in the state between 1999 and 2008, the fifth highest among states, according to the study.… --The Denver Post Link to Article By Mark Jaffe Link to Study

In the news: …Why the big cost increase? The Headwaters Economics report cites three factors: wood, weather, and WUI -- the Wildland-Urban Interface. Wood is a result of forest management practices that allow fuel to accumulate. Weather is a hotter, drier climate. And the WUI zone is an increasingly attractive place to build homes, which means there's more property to be protected from wildfires. Such developments benefit from "perverse incentives" and a lack of accountability: "People who develop in forested areas, and local governments that allow such new subdivisions, do not pay their share of fire fighting costs. The majority of firefighting expenses instead are paid by the Forest Service, BLM, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency." ...If you live where wildfires are a possibility, it might be a good idea to make sure your county commissioners get a copy of this report -- deterring development in the WUI is one way to save tax money.… --High Country News Link to Article By Ed Quillen Link to Study