addressing climate change adaptation in regional transportation plans

Addressing Climate Change Adaptation in Regional Transportation PlansA Guide for California MPOs and RTPAsFigure 3.7Spatial Resolution and Representation of Topographyof a Typical GCM and a Typical RCMSource: National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), 2007.Abrupt Climate ChangeAbrupt climate change is defined as a large-scale change in the climate systemthat takes place over a few decades or less, persists (or is anticipated to persist)for at least a few decades, and causes substantial disruptions in human andnatural systems (CCSP, 2008). Some scientists have referred to our current stateas leading to a climate “tipping point”, or a point when climate changes from astable state to another stable state that disrupts the natural system.Four types of abrupt change in the geologic record stand out as being so rapidand large in their impact that, if they were to recur, they would pose clear risksto society in terms of our ability to adapt:1. Rapid change in glaciers, ice sheets, and hence sea level;2. Widespread and sustained changes to the hydrologic cycle, includingdrought and flooding;3-12 Cambridge Systematics, Inc.