Wyoming Residents’ Growing Concern Over Climate Change and Water Resources

Introduction

Wyoming, an arid state with scarce water resources, is witnessing a significant shift in public perception regarding climate change. Despite its historical skepticism, a recent University of Wyoming survey reveals increased awareness and concern among residents, particularly about water availability and sustainability. This report highlights these findings with a focus on their alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Survey Findings on Climate Change Awareness

1. Increased Recognition of Climate Change: 86% of Wyoming residents acknowledge that climate change is happening, a substantial rise from 55% in 2014.
2. Perceptions of Causes: Residents are divided on the causes, with 47% attributing it to natural factors and 39% to human activities.
3. Desire for Action: There is a clear concern and willingness among residents to address climate-related issues.

Water Resource Concerns and Adaptation

Water scarcity remains a critical issue in Wyoming, directly linking to SDG 6. The survey emphasized water-related questions first, reflecting its importance to residents.

• Risk Awareness: 82% agree that Wyoming faces risks from changing water resources.
• Support for Adaptation: 75% believe it is necessary and wise to adapt to these changes.
• Water Conservation Policies: There is broad support for measures such as water reuse, voluntary conservation in agriculture, and scrutiny of industrial water use.
• Trust in Agricultural Community: Residents trust farmers and ranchers more than industry officials regarding water issues, with only 7% trusting industry representatives.

Community Perceptions and Social Dynamics

The survey uncovered a notable gap between individual concern and perception of community consensus, which impacts collective action and policy support.

• 81% want community planning for climate-related water changes.
• Less than half believe their neighbors share this concern, indicating a “spiral of silence” that may hinder action.
• Recognizing shared concerns can empower communities to pursue local and state-level solutions.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

1. SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation: The survey’s emphasis on water conservation and adaptation aligns with the goal to ensure sustainable water management and availability.
2. SDG 13 – Climate Action: Growing awareness and concern about climate change among Wyoming residents support efforts to combat climate change and its impacts.
3. SDG 15 – Life on Land: Protecting water resources and adapting to environmental changes contribute to the sustainable management of terrestrial ecosystems.

Next Steps and Research

The University of Wyoming’s Center for Rural Resilience and Innovation, supported by the National Science Foundation, plans to conduct further focus groups and community discussions to deepen understanding and foster resilience.

• Interactive survey reports and full documentation are publicly available for stakeholders.
• Ongoing engagement aims to translate public concern into effective community and policy action.

Conclusion

Wyoming residents are increasingly aware of and concerned about climate change and water resource challenges. This shift presents a critical opportunity to advance sustainable development efforts in line with the SDGs, particularly through community engagement, water conservation, and climate adaptation strategies.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The article highlights concerns about water scarcity, water conservation policies, and adaptation to changing water resources in Wyoming.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The article discusses changing attitudes toward climate change, acknowledgment of climate risks, and the desire for community planning and action related to climate impacts.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Concerns about the impact of climate change on natural resources, agriculture, and ecosystems are implied through the discussion of water and environmental changes.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Support for water conservation measures, including voluntary conservation in agriculture and scrutiny of industrial water use, connects to responsible resource management.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity.
   • Target 6.5: Implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including transboundary cooperation as appropriate.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
   • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.3: By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought and floods.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators Related to SDG 6
   • Proportion of water bodies with good ambient water quality (implied by concerns about water scarcity and conservation).
   • Water use efficiency measured by economic output per unit of water used (implied by support for water conservation policies).
   • Percentage of population using safely managed drinking water services (implied concern for water access and quality).
2. Indicators Related to SDG 13
   • Number of countries with national and local disaster risk reduction strategies (implied by community planning for climate-related water changes).
   • Proportion of population aware of climate change and its impacts (supported by survey data on climate change beliefs).
3. Indicators Related to SDG 15
   • Proportion of land degraded over total land area (implied by concerns about drought and environmental changes).
4. Indicators Related to SDG 12
   • Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP (implied by focus on sustainable water use in agriculture and industry).

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: wyofile.com