up:: [[PDC-ADV - Permaculture Design for Climate Resilience]] tags:: #source/course #on/permaculture #on/climate_change people:: [[Andrew Millison]] # PDC-ADV M3 - Climate Analogues The module discusses the benefits of finding a [[Climate Analogue]] in [[Permaculture|Permaculture Design]], emphasizing the exchange of genetic material between similar climates. It explores the example of cultivating cold-climate rice in Vermont, USA, inspired by Northern Japan's climate. The tool helps professionals understand climates they haven't visited, aiding in designing outside their [[Bioregion]]. The significance of understanding horticultural history for *plant breeding, microclimate development, vernacular architecture, innovative engineering, irrigation methods, and cultural practices* is highlighted. The process of finding a climate analogue involves identifying the [[Koppen-Geiger]] climate classification, latitude proximity, water characteristics, and various climate comparisons. **Key Points:** 1. **Genetic Material Exchange:** - Locate plants, fungi, and animals thriving in your climate. - Exchange genetic material between analogous climates. - Example: Cold-climate rice cultivation in Vermont inspired by Northern Japan. 2. **Understanding Unvisited Climates:** - Useful for consultants working outside their bioregion. - Example: Comparing climates of Jacksonville, Florida, and Hangzhou, China. 3. **Horticultural History and Microclimate Development:** - Historical evolution of plants in different climates. - Example: Adaptation of peaches to Bsk Cold Semi-arid climate in the Colorado Plateau similar to the Iranian Plateau. 4. **Vernacular Architecture and Engineering:** - Study climatically appropriate buildings in analogous climates. - Example: Al Baydha project in Saudi Arabia developing underground housing similar to Berber homes in Tunisia. 5. **Innovative Engineering and Irrigation:** - Learn irrigation methods from analogous climates. - Example: Water-saving irrigation technique using buried clay pots, originating in North Africa. 6. **Cultural Practices and Folk Wisdom:** - Explore cultural practices and wisdom in analogous climates. - Example: Siesta cultural practice transferred from Spain and Southern Europe to analogous climates in the Americas. 7. **Steps to Find a Climate Analogue:** - Identify Koppen-Geiger climate classification. - Look for areas within 10 degrees of latitude. - Assess proximity to water, oceanic or continental. - Compare Koppen-Trew #### Resources * [The Climate Analogue Tool – Permaculture Design: Tools for Climate Resilience](https://open.oregonstate.education/permaculturedesign/chapter/the-climate-analogue-tool/) * [Neil's first pass climate analogue search - Google Docs](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pzlH9mh-PSxDhwYRWPmEsCoKAtRa12yGnrdXjJZdhAQ/edit) * [Analogue Climates - a design tool (permaculture forum at permies)](https://permies.com/t/1572/permaculture/Analogue-Climates-design-tool) * [Climate Analog and Map Resources - Permaculture Design Course Handbook](https://treeyopermacultureedu.com/chapter-5-climatic-factors/climate-analog-and-map-resources/) * [Effect of altitude and latitude on surface air temperature across the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau | Journal of Mountain Science](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11629-011-1090-2) #### Climate Analogue Examples Tayib Farm conducted a climate analogue study for a location just South of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The study involved a series of steps, including overlaying the Koppen Geiger classification, plant hardiness zones, and precipitation maps to narrow down analogous climates. The Mecca area, classified as BWh (Arid Desert Hot), has three plant hardiness zones (10, 11, 12) with specific average annual low temperatures. The resulting small grouping of areas with similar climate, temperature, and precipitation characteristics includes Barmer, India, Caborca, Mexico, Tacna, Peru, Nouakchott, Mauritania, and Windhoek, Namibia. Permaculturist Neal Spackman, director of the Al Baydha project in Saudi Arabia, utilized climate analogue assessment to select productive tree species. Notable selections include Moringa Perigrina, Manila Tamarind, Honey Mesquite, Mongongo Nut, watermelon, and various Agave varieties. These species were combined in prototype strip forests within water harvesting swales to create a climate-adapted diverse food system. **Key Points:** - Climate analogue study conducted for a location South of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. - Mecca area classified as BWh (Arid Desert Hot), with three plant hardiness zones (10, 11, 12). - Steps involved overlaying Koppen Geiger, plant hardiness zones, and precipitation maps. - Resulting areas with analogous climates include Barmer, India, Caborca, Mexico, Tacna, Peru, Nouakchott, Mauritania, and Windhoek, Namibia. - Research questions for hot desert climate analogue locations cover water access, vegetation, settlement patterns, construction materials, agricultural fertility, coping with heat, clothing, and diet. - Neal Spackman's Al Baydha project in Saudi Arabia focuses on water harvesting and reforestation for the traditionally nomadic Bedouin people. - Climate analogue assessment helped in selecting productive tree species for the project. - Selected species include Moringa Perigrina, Manila Tamarind, Honey Mesquite, Mongongo Nut, watermelon, and various Agave varieties. - Prototype strip forests with these species were positioned in water harvesting swales to create a climate-adapted diverse food system. **Research Questions for Hot Desert Climate Analogue Locations:** 1. How is water accessed and distributed? 2. What trees, shrubs, annual and perennial crops, and animals are being utilized? 3. Are people sedentary or nomadic? 4. What materials are buildings built out of, and what are the major design features? 5. How is fertility maintained in agricultural systems? 6. How do people cope with the heat and aridity in their daily lives? 7. What is the traditional clothing and diet?