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Regional Climate Impacts of Nevada Written by Emily Gelbart¹ Edited by Paula Sternberg² and Audrey Carver² Introduction

Background

Nevada Regional Climate Impacts

1. Increasing Temperatures

2. Changing Weather Patterns

3. Drought and Water Resources

4. Air Quality

5. Wildfires

Moving Forward

Conclusion

Additional Sources/Recommended Readings

About Emily Gelbart

References

¹ National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) ² Climate Science Alliance

Regional Climate Impacts of Nevada Written by Emily Gelbart Edited by Paula Sternberg and Audrey Carver Introduction Commonly held ideas of what climate change impacts, such as melting glaciers and extreme weather events, are not necessarily what climate change will look like on a local scale. Climate change will affect different regions in very different ways. Understanding the area of reference when speaking about climate change can help to focus on what impacts are being seen and how communities are affected (EPA, 2022). As the driest state in the United States, Nevada is an area of interest when looking at regional climate impacts (NOAA, 2022). This is largely due to the diverse range in elevation that the state of Nevada maintains whether that be low lying deserts in the south or high scaling forests in the north (NOAA, 2022). For the state of Nevada, regional climate impacts can be categorized into five themes: increasing temperatures, changing weather patterns, drought and water resources, air quality, and wildfires.

Background The state of Nevada plays a critical role in the health of the southwest United States by providing energy and water supplies from Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam to Arizona and California (Bureau of Reclamation, 2018). Nevada is also home to over 3 million people with 20 recognized Nevada state tribes, meaning that there are many different stakeholders in discussions and considerations regarding climate change (Nevada Indian Commission, 2015). Giving a voice to all communities throughout the state of Nevada, is important in understanding how regional climate impacts vary across the state. This report aims to explore five different regional climate impacts throughout Nevada that were commonly referenced in literature and reported across the state. Understanding how these climate themes are important to the sustainability of the state of Nevada, and how these themes impact communities differently throughout the state can help

in creating a greater understanding of regional climate impacts. Nevada Regional Climate Impacts 1. Increasing Temperatures

Climate models have helped to predict changing temperatures across the globe as humans learn to live among a changing climate. These models show that the average temperature within Nevada will increase around 1-2 degrees C under existing conditions (Pan et al., 2010). Extremely warm days that reach over 32.2 degrees C or 90 degrees F and extremely hot days that reach over 37.8 degrees C or 100 degrees F are predicted to occur more frequently in Nevada during summer months (June, July, and August) (Pan et al., 2010). Temperature increases are predicted to impact the health of Nevadans and tourism within the state largely due to the urbanized space in both the RenoSparks area and Las Vegas Valley (Smith et. al, 2020). This infrastructure has contributed to the development of urban heat islands, as structures are largely heat-absorbing (Smith et. al, 2020). Urban heat islands are defined as areas that become warmer due to the replacement of vegetation with buildings and heat-absorbing infrastructure (Smith et. al, 2020). Urban heat islands tend to have a negative impact on both the residents of these areas as well as the surrounding environment impacting public health, economic productivity, and infrastructure (Smith et. al, 2020) in the following ways: Public Health: Rising temperatures can lead to increased mortality

among elderly populations as they suffer from heat stress (Repetto, 2012).

Ecosystem Health: Warmer temperatures are also predicted to depress trout populations within the state (Repetto, 2012). This is expected to have a negative impact on food security and stream management as trout is the state fish of Nevada (NDOW, 2023). Economic Productivity: Important economic activities such as golfing are expected to decrease as players will not be able to withstand warmer temperatures during peak golfing seasons (Repetto 2012). Infrastructure: As temperatures rise, infrastructure must be maintained under these stressful conditions and humans have to find ways to stay cooler. Air conditioning requires a large energy demand which is not always financially available in lower income communities (Smith et. al, 2020). Grass covered lawns and heatabsorbing infrastructure are not conducive to a warming desert environment, but native desert vegetation and green infrastructure could help to reduce upkeep costs and improve the urban heat island effect (Smith et. al, 2020). 2. Changing Weather Patterns

Flooding occurs when snowfall begins to melt from Nevada’s mountains, as well as during summer monsoon rains (McAfee et. al, 2021). Peak runoff rates from snowfall are predicted to increase 25%-50% for daily maximum rates

(McAfee et. al, 2021), due to the increasing temperatures which cause more severe storms (McAfee et. al, 2021).

them more vulnerable to climate change.

More frequent precipitation and snowfall are predicted within the state of Nevada which could lead to more frequent severe storms (McAfee et. al, 2021). This hreatens the urban environment as businesses, homes, and tourist locations easily flood during these warmer seasons (McAfee et. al, 2021). Nevada’s infrastructure is not built to withstand flooding, so roads typically overfill with water, making driving conditions unsafe. Flash floods can also lead to soil erosion and storm drain flooding (McAfee et. al, 2021). Most municipalities for stormwater in Nevada do not treat stormwater, especially during flash floods leading to contaminated water being added to areas such as Lake Mead (McAfee et. al, 2021).

Nevada’s climate history shows how the area has evolved from 12,000 years ago when the last glacial ice age occurred to becoming an arid desert environment (Spring Preserve, 2023). The climate and natural resources of the state have been a driving factor in the settlement and overuse of water supplies. Nevada is home to the Paiute, Shoshone, and Washoe Tribes (Nevada Indian Commission, 2015). Settlers changed the climate of Nevada introducing farming, mining, and travel that attracted people across the region (Springs Preserve, 2023). Water rights became an issue quickly among settlers and developing government programs as natural springs were being overdrawn (Springs Preserve, 2023). In just 40 years, the water table was depleting in Southern Nevada and residents of the state were encouraged to conserve water as early as 1923 (Springs Preserve, 2023).

Wind and dust storms in Nevada appear to be stronger based on anecdotal evidence, but more literature is needed to understand if these events are becoming either more frequent or heavier across the state. These storms threaten aspects of tourism and air quality as heavy winds and dust storms can make it difficult to breathe. The Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) hosts data on disaster declarations for Tribal Nations which can be found on the following website: Disaster Declarations for Tribal Nations | FEMA.gov (FEMA, 2021). Tribal communities are often overlooked in the federal response to disasters, making

3. Drought and Water Resources

The state of Nevada has struggled with water resources for over 100 years (Springs Preserve, 2023). Currently, 78.5% of the state is abnormally dry with 2.3 million residents impacted by drought conditions (NIDIS, 2023). Despite water conservation plans and incentives implemented by The Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA), Truckee Meadows Water Authority, and Tahoe Carson Irrigation District, the state remains in a drought (Futrell, 2004). The SNWA receives about 90% of their water supplies from the Colorado

River and the other 10% from groundwater pumping (Futrell, 2004). Lake Mead currently sits at a low leveland is estimated to remain there for the next two years (Werdann, 2023). The Regional Water Planning Commission from the Reno-Sparks area is estimated to have a surplus of water supplies until the population hits almost 500,000 in 2025 (Futrell, 2004). Lake Tahoe is estimated to lose approximately 30 feet of water clarity by 2030 largely due to algal blooms (Futrell, 2004). Algal blooms pose a threat to water resources if left untreated as they can deplete oxygen in waterways and release toxins that are harmful to humans and other aquatic organisms (Schaeffer et. al, 2015). Dwindling water supplies have put stress on Nevadans for decades. Water conservation programs have limited available water, requiring citizens to limit water use on lawns, washing cars, and promote desert vegetation (LVVWD, 2023). The threat of limited water supplies also puts stress on Nevadans as they worry about the longevity of their cities surviving. Low levels in Lake Mead also threaten the productivity of the Hoover Dam which supplies energy not only to Nevada, but Arizona, California, and even Mexico (2 SNWA, 2023). Without high enough lake levels, both water supplies and energy resources will be limited to citizens across the Southwest United States (2 SNWA, 2023). Practices such as water reuse, stormwater capture, and wastewater management have helped to preserve water resources across the state of Nevada (CCWRD). The Clark County

Water Reclamation District (CCWRD) helps to support water reuse and conservation efforts in Southern Nevada (CCWRD). The re-establishment of the Las Vegas Wash has also helped to promote water reuse and native vegetation in the state (1 SNWA, 2023). While most of the natural springs have dried up due to overuse in the Las Vegas Valley, the Las Vegas Wash is a restored section of these natural areas that connects the CCWRD to Lake Mead promoting plant growth, wildlife, and water conservation (1 SNWA, 2023). Low water resources have had both a health and economic impact on Nevada Tribal Nations. Drought negatively impacts agricultural production in Tribal nations leading to reduced crop yields, damage to pasture/range, and reduced plant growth (Hatfield et al., 2011; Kuwayama et al., 2019). The most resourceful forms of agriculture in Nevada include cattle and hay production (Drugova et. al, 2021). Estimates show that the total economic impacts of drought on cattle agriculture ranges from $26,600 on the Goshute Reservation to $198,000 for the Washoe Tribe, with total economic losses of $588,800 for all four Nevada reservations (Drugova et. al, 2021). Estimates show that the total economic impacts of drought on hay production ranges from: $200 on the Pyramid Lake Reservation to $13,100 for the Washoe Tribe, with total economic losses of $16,600 across all four Nevada reservations (Drugova et. al, 2021). Warmer waters can be seen throughout the state as well. Reports of Pyramid

Lake to drop 4 feet in elevation annually contributing to more water resource issues (STACCWG, 2021). 4. Air Quality

Air Quality in Nevada has been described as one of the most “acute” problems within the state with a variety of factors contributing to the issue (Futrell, 2004). In Southern Nevada, air quality has become worse due to the following pollutants: Carbon Monoxide (CO) Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) Ozone (O3) Particulate matter (PM) Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported in 2020 that approximately 9.5% of Nevadans have asthma (CDC, 2022). Emissions from vehicles and smoking have contributed to the rise in volatile pollutants and breathing issues within Southern Nevada (Futrell, 2004). Warmer temperatures are helping to contribute to the production of volatile compounds such as ground-level ozone (Futrell, 2004). These compounds form when, “...a chemical reaction between sunlight, heat, and nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) [is] produced from the burning of fossil fuels, gasoline vapors, dry cleaning products, chemical solvents, and other products,” (Futrell, 2004). This is a major concern to younger children and elderly populations within the state who are more at risk of developing asthma or other respiratory issues (Futrell, 2004). Growing populations within the state have been linked to the rise in air

p ollutants (Futrell, 2004). Wildfires, along with the issues described above, have been linked to poor air quality within the state for both urban and rural communities, but additional challenges exist within Tribal Nations when addressing air quality (NTAA Executive Committee, 2022). The Environmental Protection Agency classifies Nevada among Region 9, which includes 148 Tribal Nations across California, Nevada, and Arizona (NTAA Executive Committee, 2022). Funding to support staff, equipment, and training on air quality for many Tribes within Region 9 were stagnant with only 28 of the 148 Tribes receiving funding in 2021 (NTAA Executive Committee, 2022). In order for Tribes with sovereign status to develop air programs under the Clean Air Act, they need to have the proper training and legal data to have approval with the government for these air quality activities (NTAA Executive Committee, 2022). There has been a lack of funding to make these programs consistent within Tribal Nations, which deters many from developing complete air quality monitoring programs (NTAA Executive Committee, 2022). Because of incomplete training and air quality programs, Tribal communities are at increased risk of volatile pollutant exposure. Burning trash has been cited as a practice among some Tribal communities resulting in poor air quality (Johnson et. al, 2002). Unknowingly, people emit toxins from burning their trash. Both the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection and the Washoe County, NV Health District

report that burning trash is unsafe and against codes within the state due to the environmental and health impacts (Washoe County, 2021; NV DEP, 2023). The Environmental Protection Agency has established a Tribal Waste Management program to provide support to Tribal Nations and proper waste management (EPA, 2023). More information on the program can be found at the following website: Tribal Waste Management Program | US EPA (EPA, 2023). 5. Wildfires There are three main factors that help in fire control: weather, topography, and fuels with the first two being controlled by climate (McAfee, 2021). Persistent droughts within Nevada have been a major factor in fires throughout the state (McAfee, 2021). Wildfires can also be prompted by or promote the establishment of introduced species such as cheatgrass and red brome (McAfee, 2021). This is an issue to native plant species across the state as it promotes the spreading of these introduced species as fires persist (McAfee, 2021). Native sagebrush struggles to compete with the combined risk of cheatgrass and wildfires in Nevada (McAfee, 2021).

contributes to poor air quality and respiratory issues throughout the state (McAfee, 2021). Businesses, homes, and the urban environment are threatened by ever more rampant wildfires (McAfee, 2021). Those who work outdoors are also at a higher risk of being impacted by wildfires due to smoke and unsafe working conditions (McAfee, 2021). From 2019-2020, it was reported that 215 Tribes across the Western United States experienced “thick density” smoke which impacted 149,608 square miles of Tribal Lands (STACCWG, 2021). This was due to wildfires and subsequent air pollution. Cultural burning is not a new practice for Tribal Nations, especially in Nevada. Modern methods of fire suppression and urban environments have pushed away cultural practices of burning, leading to destructive wildfires becoming more common. Participating in cultural burning practices is not only healthier for the environment, but also allows Tribal communities to protect their sovereignty (STACCWG, 2021). Regular burning can help to reduce the risk and severity of wildfires while also managing introduced species (STACCWG, 2021).

Wildfires pose a risk to the urban environment as well, especially as more people expand into the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI). Smoke from wildfires can impact air quality and travel hundreds of miles impacting people throughout the state of Nevada (McAfee, 2021). This is yet another factor that

Moving Forward

With so many climate changes occurring across the state, it can feel daunting to deal with this information. Many questions may start forming about how to deal with these changes, how it will impact people personally, and what the future holda. Regional Climate Centers were established across the United States in the late 1980’s early 1990’s to help track and understand climate change (NCEI, 2023). The Desert Research Institute from Nevada helped to establish the Western Regional Climate Center (WRCC) in 1986 (WRCC, 2023). This is one of six regional climate centers across the country (WRCC, 2023). The mission of the WRCC is to: Act as a repository of historical climate data and information Disseminate high quality climate data and information pertaining to the western United States Engage in applied research related to climate issues Improve the coordination of climaterelated activities at state, regional and national scales

subsequent funded projects that focus on climate change (CASC, 2021). CASC recognizes the connection between Tribal Nations and the natural world and focuses on this relationship to help these communities adapt and overcome climate change. This is a team effort as CASC works with the Bureau of Indian Affairs in order to support the Tribal Resilience Liaisons who support communication, engagement, and research for Tribal Nations (CASC, 2021). Research from these organizations has focused on: assessing information needs, building capacity, understanding the effects of climate change on Tribal resources, and incorporating traditional knowledge into adaptation planning (CASC, 2021). Currently, there are about 40 projects that CASC funds which can be explored more at the following website: Projects - Climate Adaptation Science Centers (cascprojects.org).

Publicly available data is ready for download to help understand climate trends throughout states in the Western United States. For more information on the WRCC, go to the following website: WRCC (dri.edu). There are other public resources that also exist specifically to support Tribal Nations. The United States Geological Society (USGS) in collaboration with the Climate Adaptation Science Centers (CASC) promotes Tribal Nations and

Conclusion Nevada is home to many people and is the land of the Paiute, Shoshone, and Washoe Tribes (Nevada Indian Commission, 2015). To preserve this home, understanding how climate varies regionally is critical to know how to protect different natural resources. Learn more about how to get involved and support communities as climate change impacts different areas throughout the state with recommended resources and additional readings below. Additional Resources and Recommended Readings

This is a starting point to further our understanding of regional climate impacts for Tribal Nations in modern-day Nevada. Click the links below:

2022 Nevada State Climate Summaries Public Works | Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Why Does Climate Change Matter to tribes? EPA Office of International and Tribal Affairs (OITA) History of the Springs Preserve Tribal Waste Journal: Respect Our Resources; Prevent Illegal Waste

About Emily Gelbart

Emily Gelbart joined the Climate Science Alliance team in 2023 as a NASA intern between the Desert Research Institute (DRI) and Climate Science Alliance (Alliance). During her spring season with the Alliance, Emily worked closely with the Alliance team on compiling regional climate impacts for the Nevada region as part of southwestern resilience partnerships including the Great Basin Tribal Alliance, and on climate science education efforts as part of the Climate Kids Hub and Traveling Trunk programs.

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