— This summary highlights the major research Headwaters Economics has conducted concerning controlling fire suppression costs, state case studies, and the growth of homes in the WUI.
read more
Climate Change
Research and News related to Global Climate Change
Socioeconomics and Climate Change in the Great Lakes Region
— This interactive shows how the social and economic characteristics of the Great Lakes Region are impacted by regionally specific changes in climate. It was developed in partnership with the Great Lakes Adaptation Assessment for Cities at the University of Michigan.
read more
Chris Mehl
Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Cities, Counties, and National Forest Regions
— A sample of research and free tools available to help communities better understand the potential socioeconomic impacts of climate change.
read more
Atlas of the Crown of the Continent Ecosystem
— This interactive website was created to help inform conservation goals and actions with knowledge of the geography and people in this unique region.
read more
The Rising Cost of Wildfire Protection
— This report describes how the protection of homes in the Wildland-Urban Interface has added to wildfire costs and concludes with a discussion of solutions that may help control escalating risks and expenses.
read more
The Upper Peninsula’s Economy and a Changing Climate
— This post summarizes the Climate Adaptation Report which provides a description of key economic sectors at greatest risk from extreme weather or long-term climate shifts and is intended to prepare the region’s forests, water resources, and communities for a less certain future.
read more
Green Jobs Metrics
— This research summary offers an overview of efforts to quantify the national green economy in terms of job creation from several perspectives.
read more
Implementing Climate Change Adaptation: Lessons Learned From Ten Examples
— This paper presents ten examples of cities and counties around the country and the key lessons learned in the process of moving from planning to implementation on climate change adaptation.
read moreClean Energy Transmission
— Headwaters Economics analyzed transmission infrastructure issues from the perspective of regional economic development, and other topics most relevant to local and state decision makers.
read more
Oregon Home Building, Higher Temperatures Drive Price Tag Ever Higher
— This Headwaters Economics study analyzes the impact of housing and climate on the costs of fighting forest fires in National Forests of Oregon.
read more
Preparing Missoula County for a Changing Climate
— A report on socioeconomic conditions of Missoula County as part of public process of developing a climate change adaptation plan.
read more
Northern California, Homes, and Cost of Wildfires
— This Headwaters Economics study analyzes the impact of housing and climate on the costs of fighting forest fires in the twelve national forests of the Sierra Nevada.
read more
Missoula County Homes at Risk in Flood and Wildfire Areas
— These two slideshows and related information use Missoula County and Western Montana to show how many homes have been built in flood and wildfire hazard areas, which are vulnerable to larger and more frequent floods and fires.
read more
Crown of the Continent and Climate Change
— This report studies the possible effects of climate change in the Crown of the Continent on two “snow-pack” dependent sectors of the economy--downhill skiing and recreational fishing.
read more
The Clean Energy Economy in the Rockies: Increasing Jobs, Investments, and Production
— This newsletter summary highlights a study that compares how Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming—five states with vast traditional but also significant clean energy resources—are taking advantage of clean energy opportunities to create green jobs.
read more
Clean Energy Leadership in the Rockies: Competitive Positioning in the Emerging Green Economy
— The Clean Energy report compares how Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming are taking advantage of clean energy and energy efficiency opportunities to create green jobs.
read morePress Release: Clean Energy in the Rockies Report Released
— Study Shows Which States Are Attracting Jobs, Businesses, and Investment; Five Key Steps to Future Growth
read moreWildland Fire: Climate Change and Housing Growth Could Double the Cost of Protecting Homes from Wildfires
— Our newsletter on how the price of fighting forest fires has been increasing substantially, costing taxpayers billions every year.
read more
Montana Wildfire Cost Study- Technical Report
— This report examines how residential development adds to the costs of fighting wildfires, using Montana as a case study.
read more
Home Development on Fire-Prone Lands
— Our newsletter on how more and more people are building homes in the western "wildland urban interface," the forested areas where housing borders undeveloped public lands.
read more
Wildfires: Development and Temperature Impact Cost and Safety
— Headwaters Economics has studied wildfires across the West, analyzing how more homes near forests and increasing temperatures will significantly increase future costs and safety risks.
read more