Wisconsin's Response to Climate Change

The DNR began working on climate change issues in the early 1990's and this work contintues today. Below are links to some of the actions that Wisconsin and the DNR are taking in response to climate change.

Governor's Task Force on Global Warming

In April 2007 Governor Doyle signed Executive Order 191 which brought together a prominent and diverse group of key Wisconsin business, industry, government, energy and environmental leaders to create a Task Force on Global Warming. After examining the effects of, and solutions to, global warming in Wisconsin, the Task Force created a state plan of action to reduce our state's greenhouse gas emissions. In July 2008 The Task Force completed its work and issued a Final Report. Together with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin the DNR provided staff support for the Task Force.

• To view the Final Report and read more, visit the Task Force page.

Midwestern Governors Association Energy Initiatives

In November 2007 Governor Doyle hosted the MGA Energy Security and Climate Change Summit in Milwaukee. This Summit led to the Energy Security and Climate Stewardship Platform for the Midwest. From this Platform a number of broad, multi-sector Energy Initiatives were developed, including the Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord. To read more about these intiatives follow the links below.

• Energy Security and Climate Stewardship Platform for the Midwest [PDF exit DNR]
• MGA Energy Initiatives [exit DNR]
• Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord [exit DNR]

Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts

The Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts (WICCI) assesses and anticipates climate change impacts on specific Wisconsin natural resources, ecosystems and regions; evaluates potential effects on industry, agriculture, tourism and other human activities; and develops and recommends adaptation strategies that can be implemented by businesses, farmers, public health officials, municipalities, resource managers and other stakeholders. WICCI represents a partnership between the University of Wisconsin, the DNR and other state agencies and institutions.

• To read more visit the WICCI home page [exit DNR].

The Climate Registry

The DNR is a Board Member of The Climate Registry, a nonprofit organization providing meaningful information to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Climate Registry establishes consistent, transparent standards throughout North America for businesses and governments to calculate, verify and publicly report their carbon footprints in a single, unified registry.

• To read more visit The Climate Registry home page [exit DNR].

Regulation of High Global-Warming-Potential Gases

Not all greenhouse gases are created equal. Some gases have much higher heat-trapping ability than others. This heat-trapping ability is measured relative to that of carbon dioxide (because carbon dioxide is the most common greenhouse gas). A gas with a high heat-trapping ability is said to have a high "global-warming-potential" (GWP). High GWP gases are often used for refrigeration and include CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs, PFCs and blends. In some instances these gases have a GWP thousands of times higher than carbon dioxide. One example is HFC-134a, the refrigerant used in car air-conditioners since 1995, which has a GWP 1,300 times stronger than carbon dioxide. Wisconsin regulates the emission of these high GWP refrigerants during the service and disposal of all types of refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment.

• To read more visit the DNR Refrigerant Recovery Program page.

Natural Resources Board Climate Change Briefing

The Natural Resources Board held a special meeting April 22, 2008 to hear from experts on climate change. Topics covered during this informational seminar included an overview of climate change and presentations on three state and regional projects that address climate change. The meeting was recorded and is available to watch.

• To view this meeting and any accompanying PowerPoint presentations, visit this Natural Resources Board page.

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