How is SOU Preparing for the Changing Climate?
Climate change is happening. It is disrupting economies, affecting lives, and costing people, communities, and countries dearly. People are experiencing significant impacts as a result of climate change, which includes changing weather patterns, rising sea levels, and more extreme weather events. We need to prepare for the changes as well as transition to a more sustainable way of being.
In Ashland, more volatile rainfall patterns will increase the frequency and severity of droughts and flooding. More frequent extreme heat events will pose a danger to vulnerable residents. Snowpack will decrease, putting the City’s water resources at risk. Plant and animal species will also be affected — some positively and negatively. Temperature increases, combined with less consistent precipitation, will increase the frequency and severity of wildfires.
At SOU, we are preparing for these changes by implementing water conservation programs on our landscape, transitioning our landscape areas to more drought-tolerant plantings, and managing fire resistance on campus.
We are also looking for synergies in our reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. For example, campus parking lot solar will generate renewable energy as well as provide shade in parking lots.
Southern Oregon University also has a partnership with the City of Ashland and the Ashland School District to develop joint Emergency Management Plans and Operations to anticipate potential risks and prepare for expedient and accurate communications and incident support during a crisis. These plans will ensure timely, coordinated, and consistent communication with Ashland citizens, businesses, public organizations, and visitors.
SOU’s Campus Community Resilience Assessment report can be found here.
