FAQs

The Idaho Climate-Economy Impacts Assessment is a nonpartisan, science-based resource to help Idaho business leaders and policy makers plan for a productive, prosperous and resilient Idaho economy. This assessment connects the latest scientific research on Idaho’s changing climate with economic risks and opportunities that impact businesses, residents and local and state economies.

The assessment includes an economic analysis of the agriculture, energy, health, infrastructure, land (forest and range) and recreation and tourism sectors. Analyses connect the latest science about Idaho’s changing climate with economic risks and with opportunities for innovation and economic development. The assessment also features data on climate, water and wildfire smoke; a summary of economic opportunities; and resources and references.

Researchers representing Idaho universities and colleges, businesses, nonprofits, and tribal and other governments collaborated in the research effort, with subject matter experts providing technical feedback on all sections of the assessment, similar to an academic peer review process. Researchers also spoke with Idahoans to ensure the work was informed by diverse experiences. Each research team studied a single, technical area.

An advisory board of leaders from across business, industry and nonprofit organizations; representatives from Idaho communities; and leaders from local, state, federal and tribal governments ensured that this assessment benefits from diverse perspectives and is broadly relevant, engaging and actionable. Advisory board members provided technical input and feedback on the products developed by the research teams.

All assessment content, along with research leads, advisory board members and sources of financial support, is available on the website.

The McClure Center for Public Policy Research at the University of Idaho convened the assessment with support and involvement from many organizations, including representatives from Idaho’s higher education institutions and other experts. A postdoctoral fellow worked with the research teams to help ensure cohesion across the project.

In addition, a small executive committee of environmental, health, nonprofit, and corporate stakeholders supported the assessment. Executive committee members are listed on the website.

A diverse group of collaborative stakeholders funded the assessment. These partners include businesses and nonprofit organizations, with further support from in-kind contributions made by the University of Idaho, Boise State University, Idaho State University and other organizations. Sources of financial support are shown on the website.

All assessment content is available online. Assessment content is free, interactive and available to provide broad accessibility to business, nonprofit, and public sector decision-makers, students, educators and residents. Assessment ambassadors are sharing the assessment with community, business and government leaders across the state. To learn more about scheduling a presentation, contact the McClure Center for Public Policy Research at mcclurecenter@uidaho.edu or 208-364-4549.

Research findings are grounded in existing scientific research, synthesized, and made applicable to Idaho’s unique circumstances. Through both quantitative and qualitative outputs, the assessment provides a foundation for better understanding the economic impacts and opportunities of a changing climate in Idaho. Results also reveal areas that warrant further research. All assessment findings are available online and include maps, forecasting tools, air quality tools and highlights of economic opportunities.

Idaho’s changing climate is impacting our livelihoods and way of life. The Idaho Climate-Economy Impacts Assessment provides a nonpartisan, evidence-based resource to help Idaho business leaders, policy makers and residents better understand, predict, and manage climate-economy impacts that are specific to our state. The assessment provides key insights that will help inform strategic decision making on the personal, business and community level and lead to the development of a more resilient Idaho.

For more information about the Idaho Climate-Economy Impacts Assessment, please contact Dr. Katherine Himes, Director, University of Idaho McClure Center for Public Policy Research at katherinehimes@uidaho.edu or 208-364-4549.