addressing climate change adaptation in regional transportation plans

As with crops, climate change impacts on dairy cows depend on a variety offactors. For example, the severity of heat stress, which can influence productivity,is influenced by the following factors (Chase, 2006, p.2):• The actual temperature and humidity• The length of the heat stress period• The degree of night cooling that occurs• Ventilation and air flow• The size of the cow• The level of milk production and dry matter intake prior to the heat stress(higher-producing animals will experience greater effects of heat stress)• Housing – type, ventilation, overcrowding, etc.• Water availability• Coat color (lighter color coats absorb less sunlight)The impact of climate change on agricultural productivity has the potentialto alter a community’s economic continuity, including its employment base.Communities should work with farm bureaus and other agricultural organizationsto understand the challenges faced and to support these organizations and theirmembers as much as possible. Communities should also consider developingplans that limit the impact of productivity reductions on community operationsand the provision of basic services.Public Health, Socioeconomic, and Equity ImpactsIncreased temperatures and more frequent heat waves are expected in theregion. Sacramento County ranked eighth in the absolute numbers of the elderlyand children less than five years of age. These two populations are most likely tosuffer from heat-related illnesses and heat events (English et al., 2007). Impervioussurfaces are increasing in the Central Valley, increasing the potential impacts ofheat islands (English et al., 2007).Farm employment or lodging and food services are among the top fiveemployment sectors in several of the counties in this region. Agricultural workersand employees in the tourist industry are more susceptible to heat events. Thefoothill areas outside of the Sacramento area (e.g., Placerville, Auburn, GrassValley) show higher ozone levels and increased temperatures. Those mostvulnerable to high levels of ozone and particulate matter include people whowork or spend a lot of time outdoors, such as residents of this region who areemployees of the tourist industry (Lake Tahoe) in the nearby Northern Sierraregion. (Medina-Ramon and Schwartz, 2008).APG: UNDERSTANDING REGIONAL CHARACTERISTICS PAGE 44