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456 assessment of climate change in the southwest united statesTable 19.2 Knowledge gaps and key challenges to improving understanding, reducinguncertainty, identifying and addressing vulnerabilities to climate changesin the Southwest (Continued)Model UncertaintyScenarioUncertaintyKnowledge Gaps Contributing to KeyChallengesObservational DataUnderstanding Physical Climate DynamicsClimate Models & DownscalingPhysical Climate Impacts to Biological &Human SystemsSocial & Behavioral FactorsEconomic FactorsPolicy & Regulatory FactorsCommunication & EducationChapter(s)Economic status of urban public works departmentsand ability to reduce flood riskX Urban Areas (13)Fiscal capacity of cities to respond rapidlyand effectively to climate change challengeRegulatory capacity to address climateadaptation and mitigationCapacity and flexibility of water and landregulations, agreements and legislationto accommodate climate adaptation andplanningXUrban Areas (13)Transportation (14)X Coastal Issues (9)XWater: Impacts, Risks, andAdaptation (10)Agriculture and Ranching (11)Unique Challenges FacingSouthwestern Tribes (17)Financial risk to property X Coastal Issues (9)KEY CHALLENGE: Regulation, legislation, political and social responses to climate all play an important rolein our ability to adapt to climate impacts and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.How the current and future fleet of powerplants will evolve, particularly withrespect to utilized fuel type and impactson GHG emissionsX X XEnergy: Supply, Demand,and Impacts (12)Transportation (14)The type and intensity of fuels used in thetransportation sector and impacts on GHGemissionsSocial and political responses to climatechange; including market incentivesCommunication between planners andacademicsX X XEnergy: Supply, Demand,and Impacts (12)Transportation (14)X X X X Coastal Issues (9)X X Coastal Issues (9)