May 2007 Issue

Climate Change May Affect Columbia River Basin Fish and Wildlife

Bob Bilby and Nate Mantua presented the findings of the Independent Scientific Advisory Board's "Climate Change Impacts on Columbia River Basin Fish and Wildlife" report. The Council had asked the ISAB to examine the issue of climate change and its potential effects on the basin in 2002. The report details the possible impacts of a warming climate on the basin's salmon and other cool-water fish, as well as on terrestrial ecosystems. Recommendations on mitigating these effects are also discussed.

Electric Hybrid Vehicles Could Reduce Emissions and Dependence on Foreign Oil

Steve Marshall of the Cascadia Discovery Institute opened his presentation (750k PDF) on electric hybrid cars by noting that a move toward plug-in hybrids could help to reduce gasoline use, increase transportation efficiency, cut greenhouse gases, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Managing the added load, however, could be an issue. His coalition is seeking federal funding for a pilot project to study and demonstrate how these hybrids could work. For more information on their efforts to advance this technology, see www.cascadiaproject.org.