Oregon Climate Change Research Institute (OCCRI)

Philip Mote, Director
(541) 737-5705

www.occri.coas.oregonstate.edu

The Oregon State Legislature established the Oregon Climate Change Research Institute (OCCRI) within the Department of Higher Education. The OCCRI is administered by Oregon State University and its institutional partners within the Oregon University System. OCCRI is part of the OSU College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences and consists of faculty and research staff at Southern Oregon University, University of Oregon, and Portland State University as well as several colleges and departments at OSU.

The OCCRI will 1) facilitate research by OUS faculty on climate change and its effects on natural and human systems in Oregon, 2) serve as a clearinghouse for climate change information, 3) provide climate change information to the public in integrated and accessible formats, 4) support the Oregon Global Warming Commission in developing strategies to prepare for and to mitigate the effects of climate change on natural and human systems, and 5) provide technical assistance to local governments to assist them in developing climate change policies, practices, and programs.

At least every two years, the institute will also develop an assessment of climate change science as it relates to Oregon and the likely effects of climate change on the state. The OCCRI will help Oregonians, government agencies, and the private sector understand the potential impacts of climate change on the state, for example through “downscaling” of science-based climate assessments. The Institute will also help individuals, agencies, and companies develop new strategies for both preparation for and mitigation of climate change. The Institute will encourage the flow of knowledge and information between universities and government and private sector organizations.