
18: Climate Choices for a Sustainable Southwest
Climate Choices for a Sustainable Southwest assesses the challenges of implementing mitigation and adaptation plans in the region within the context and complexities of state and local governance; highlights examples of current climate-change mitigation and adaptation initiatives and successes; and characterizes the practical opportunities, or co-benefits, of mitigation and adaptation.
Citation:
Liverman, D., S. C. Moser, P. S. Weiland, L. Dilling, M. T. Boykoff, H. E. Brown, E. S. Gordon, C. Greene, E. Holthaus, D. A. Niemeier, S. Pincetl, W. J. Steenburgh, and V. C. Tidwell. 2013. “Climate Choices for a Sustainable Southwest.” In Assessment of Climate Change in the Southwest United States: A Report Prepared for the National Climate Assessment, edited by G. Garfin, A. Jardine, R. Merideth, M. Black, and S. LeRoy, 405–435. A report by the Southwest Climate Alliance. Washington, DC: Island Press.

There are low-cost or revenue-generating opportunities for emission reductions, especially in energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Climate mitigation can provide co-benefits such as prescribed fire that reduces future greenhouse gas emissions and increases forest resiliency.

Many different types of organizations and individuals in the Southwest have already taken a variety of steps to respond to climate change.
Full Chapter PDF:
Fact Sheet PDF: