addressing climate change adaptation in regional transportation plans

The crops produced are varied and include almonds, milk, cattle, cotton, oranges,and poultry. Each crop type is likely to react differently to alteration in seasonaltemperature regimes and changes in water availability. It is difficult to specificallyproject the production impact on crops because it relates to many factors inaddition to temperature and precipitation, including pest regimes, availability ofirrigation water, and management practices (Luedeling et al., 2011). The particularaspect of climate change most important to assessing impact also will vary. Inthe case of nut trees, it is the reduction in nighttime cooling that may have themost impact (Luedeling et al., 2011). Jurisdictions reliant on almonds, walnuts,pistachios, or other nuts should specifically evaluate projected changes in dailylow temperatures.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• 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 employmentbase. Communities should work with farm bureaus and other agriculturalorganizations to understand the challenges being faced and support theseorganizations 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 ImpactsHeat is a contributing factor in the production of ground level ozone, anair pollutant that affects respiratory function. Visalia is a location in the SanJoaquin Valley traditionally high in ozone. Using Visalia and Riverside, two areastraditionally high in ozone, Dreschler et al. (2006) projected that the number ofdays in California with “conditions conducive to ozone” could increase by 25 to80 percent by 2100, “depending on warming scenarios” (Kahrl and Roland-Holst,pg. 105).PAGE 62APG: UNDERSTANDING REGIONAL CHARACTERISTICS