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Climate Adaptation Science Centers
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From the expansion of invasive species to wildfire, from drought to sea-level rise, changes in climate have created new and evolving challenges for our nation’s resource managers and communities. Our science helps managers of fish, wildlife, and ecosystems understand these impacts and strategically adapt to changing conditions. Click on Science to see where we work and the topics we study.
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The CASCs develop data and tools that address the informational needs of natural and cultural resource managers. Projects cover topics that address the impacts of climate change on fish, wildlife, ecosystems, & the communities they support.
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Our Climate Adaptation Insights Newsletter shares our latest news on webinars, events, publications, funding opportunities, and other items of interest from the National and Regional CASCs. Updates are sent out every two weeks.
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Browse through our site to learn more about our research projects, education and training initiatives, partnerships, funding opportunities, and much more!
News
Upcoming Webinar: Evaluating Playa Wetland Vulnerability in Future Climates
Climate change threatens playa ecosystems. Research was conducted to evaluate responses of playa plant communities and soil processes to changing precipitation and temperature. Some factors may not be affected but social perceptions may limit adaptability.
Post-fire Sagebrush Recovery Looks to Landsat Time Series Data for Solutions
A new multi-CASC funded project will explore post-fire sagebrush recovery using Landsat data.
CASC Presentations at the 2018 AGU Meeting
Are you attending the American Geophysical Union (AGU) Fall Meeting this year in D.C.? Don't miss these presentations from staff and partners from across the CASC network!
Publications
Hypotheses from recent assessments of climate impacts to biodiversity and ecosystems in the United States
Climate change poses multiple threats to biodiversity, and has already caused demonstrable impacts. We summarize key results from a recent national assessment of observed climate change impacts to terrestrial, marine, and freshwater ecosystems in the United States, and place results in the context of commonly articulated hypotheses about ecosystem...
Filho, Walter Leal; Barbir, Jelena; Preziosi, Richard; Carter, Shawn L.; Lynch, Abigail J.; Myers, Bonnie; Rubenstein, Madeleine A.; Thompson, Laura M. Trophic implications of a phenological paradigm shift: Bald eagles and salmon in a changing climate
Climate change influences apex predators in complex ways, due to their important trophic position, capacity for resource plasticity, and sensitivity to numerous anthropogenic stressors. Bald eagles, an ecologically and culturally significant apex predator, congregate seasonally in high densities on salmon spawning rivers across the Pacific...
Rubenstein, Madeleine A.; Christophersen, Roger; Ransom, Jason I. Habitat overlap between Asiatic black bear Ursus thibetanus and red panda Ailurus fulgens in Himalaya
Studying habitat overlap between sympatric species is one of the best ways to identify interspecies relationships and to direct conservation efforts so that multiple species can benefit. However, studies exploring interspecies relationships are very limited in Nepal, making it difficult for the government of Nepal and conservation partners to...
Bista, Manjit; Panthi, Saroj; Weiskopf, Sarah R.Our research looks at how intense droughts, sea-level rise, extreme storms, and other consequences of climate change are affecting wildlife, ecosystems, and human communities that depend on these resources. We strive to develop data and tools that are usable and that directly address the informational needs of natural & cultural resource managers.
Explore our Research Projects
Regional CASC Education & Training Opportunities
The National and Regional CASCs are committed to supporting young and early-career scientists and managers. Read on to see a list of education and training opportunities offered by the regional CASCs.
National CASC Student Interns & Volunteers
The National CASC provides opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in our program through paid internships and volunteer positions. Students work on everything from supporting NCASC research projects to communications and program operations. Read about some of our students and the work they're doing below!
Ecological Drought Across the Country
Droughts of the future will be hotter, longer-lasting, and larger than droughts of the past.
Drought can lead to increases in wildfire and insect outbreaks, local species extinctions, forest diebacks, and altered rates of carbon, nutrient, and water cycling – all of which can have real consequences for ecosystems and human communities alike.
Landscapes
Landscapes throughout the U.S. are being impacted in different ways by changing temperature and precipitation patterns. CASC scientists are studying topics such as how vegetation may change in the future on Federal lands in the Great Basin, how Alaskan Arctic Coastal Plains landscapes are being impacted by thawing permafrost, and much more.
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Alaska CASC
Scientists throughout Alaska are examining topics such as how wildfire patterns in the state may change in the future, how streamflow in Southeastern Alaska may be impacted by changing precipitation and air temperature, how scientists can work together with tribes and communities to promote adaptation and resilience in coastal areas, and much more.
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Past CASC Funding Opportunities
Learn more about past CASC research and host opportunities.
Drought, Fire and Extreme Weather
CASC supported scientists throughout the country are working to understand how drought, fire and extreme weather are changing and how they are impacting important natural and cultural resources. Projects include examining how sagebrush ecosystems respond to wildfire, how water availability will be effected by more extreme droughts, and much more.
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Northwest CASC
Northwest CASC researchers are working throughout the region to study how coldwater fish will fare in warmer temperatures, how wildfire patterns might change in Pacific Northwest forests in the future, where areas of "refugia" are located that remain relatively unchanged compared to the surrounding landscape, and much more.
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Wildlife and Plants
Wildlife and plants face threats from a changing climate such as increased competition from invasive species and a loss of access to freshwater and suitable habitat. CASC supported scientists are examining how coldwater fish will fare in a warming climate, how conifers and other trees will be impacted by more extreme fires, and much more.
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North Central CASC
Water, Coasts and Ice
CASC-supported scientists are examining how water, coasts and ice across the United States are being impacted by changes in our climate. Projects include studying how shifts in wetlands will effect critical waterfowl habitats, how sea level rise might impact coastal National Parks across the country, how glacier melt might change coastal ecosystems in Alaska, and much more.
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Northeast CASC
Scientists supported by the Northeast CASC are conducting projects on a range of topics throughout the region, including how climate change may impact wildlife health, projected changes in the quality and quantity of water in the Upper Mississippi watershed, how managers may be able to increase the resilience of vulnerable plants and animals, and much more.
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West Portrillo Mountains Scaled Quail Adult Survival 2014-2015
Grassland birds are among the most imperiled bird guilds in North America. Scaled quail (Callipepla squamata) are a semi-arid grassland bird whose populations have declined over the past half century. We monitored scaled quail in New Mexico to study the effects of habitat, temperature and precipitation on survival of scaled quail adults, nests, and broods.
West Portrillo Mountains Scaled Quail Nest Survival 2014-2015
Grassland birds are among the most imperiled bird guilds in North America. Scaled quail (Callipepla squamata) are a semi-arid grassland bird whose populations have declined over the past half century. We monitored scaled quail in New Mexico to study the effects of habitat, temperature and precipitation on survival of scaled quail adults, nests, and broods.
West Portrillo Mountains Scaled Quail Brood Survival 2014-2015
Grassland birds are among the most imperiled bird guilds in North America. Scaled quail (Callipepla squamata) are a semi-arid grassland bird whose populations have declined over the past half century. We monitored scaled quail in New Mexico to study the effects of habitat, temperature and precipitation on survival of scaled quail adults, nests, and broods.
Impact of Drought on Southwestern Pronghorn Population Trends and Predicted Trajectories in the Southwest in the Face of Climate Change_Predictor
Climate often drives ungulate population dynamics, and as climates change, some areas may become unsuitable for species persistence. Unraveling the relationships between climate and population dynamics, and projecting them across time, advances ecological understanding that informs and steers sustainable conservation for species. Using pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) as an ecological model,...
Impact of Drought on Southwestern Pronghorn Population Trends and Predicted Trajectories in the Southwest in the Face of Climate Change
Climate often drives ungulate population dynamics, and as climates change, some areas may become unsuitable for species persistence. Unraveling the relationships between climate and population dynamics, and projecting them across time, advances ecological understanding that informs and steers sustainable conservation for species. Using pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) as an ecological model,...
Effects of Climate on Scaled Quail Reproduction and Survival
Grassland birds are among the most imperiled bird guilds in North America. Scaled quail (Callipepla squamata) are a semi-arid grassland bird whose populations have declined over the past half century. We monitored scaled quail in New Mexico to study the effects of habitat, temperature and precipitation on survival of scaled quail adults, nests, and broods. Seasonal nest survival (39.4%) had a...
Supporting data for two MWBMglacier applications to the Copper River basin in Alaska
These data can be used to replicate the application of MWBMglacier as described in two journal articles: 1) Enhancement of a parsimonious water balance model to simulate surface hydrology in a glacierized watershed (in review), and 2) Hydrologic regime changes in a high-latitude glacierized watershed under future climate conditions (doi:10.3390/w10020128). These simulations provide results...
Data for Plant production responses to precipitation differ along an elevation gradient and are enhanced under extremes (Northern Arizona, 1991-2016)
This dataset is from a precipitation manipulation experiment conducted at five grassland sites along an elevation gradient near Flagstaff, AZ. The data consist of pre- (1991 - 2015) and post-experimental (2016) treatment plant production and precipitation measurements. The plant production measurements were taken from satellite and hand-held spectroradiometer, in addition to plot-based...
Seed biomass from shallow coastal water areas along a salinity gradient in Barataria Bay, Louisiana (2015)
This dataset provides bi-monthly data on seed biomass collected in shallow water habitats across the fresh to saline gradient at coastal sites in Barataria Bay, Louisiana.
Seed biomass from shallow coastal water areas from Texas through Alabama, 2013-2015
This projects primary goal was to provide data on biomass of potential seed resources located within shallow water coastal areas within fresh to saline coastal waters of the northern Gulf of Mexico. The data set provides biomass of seeds, by species or lowest practical taxon from 2013, 2014 and 2015 across 384 randomly selected sites located in shallow water coastal areas. The data were...
Potential climate change impacts on grassland connectivity in the U.S. Northern Rockies
Establishing connections among natural landscapes is the most frequently recommended strategy for adapting management of natural resources in response to climate change. The U.S. Northern Rockies still support a full suite of native wildlife, and survival of these populations depends on connected landscapes. Connected landscapes support current migration and dispersal as well as future shifts...
Potential climate change impacts on mountain goat connectivity in the U.S. Northern Rockies
Establishing connections among natural landscapes is the most frequently recommended strategy for adapting management of natural resources in response to climate change. The U.S. Northern Rockies still support a full suite of native wildlife, and survival of these populations depends on connected landscapes. Connected landscapes support current migration and dispersal as well as future shifts...
CASC Network & Region Maps
The CASC network covers the entire continental U.S., Alaska, Hawai'i, the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands, and the U.S. Caribbean. View or download maps for each of the eight Climate Adaptation Science Center regions and for the National CASC.
Hypotheses from recent assessments of climate impacts to biodiversity and ecosystems in the United States
Climate change poses multiple threats to biodiversity, and has already caused demonstrable impacts. We summarize key results from a recent national assessment of observed climate change impacts to terrestrial, marine, and freshwater ecosystems in the United States, and place results in the context of commonly articulated hypotheses about ecosystem...
Filho, Walter Leal; Barbir, Jelena; Preziosi, Richard; Carter, Shawn L.; Lynch, Abigail J.; Myers, Bonnie; Rubenstein, Madeleine A.; Thompson, Laura M. Trophic implications of a phenological paradigm shift: Bald eagles and salmon in a changing climate
Climate change influences apex predators in complex ways, due to their important trophic position, capacity for resource plasticity, and sensitivity to numerous anthropogenic stressors. Bald eagles, an ecologically and culturally significant apex predator, congregate seasonally in high densities on salmon spawning rivers across the Pacific...
Rubenstein, Madeleine A.; Christophersen, Roger; Ransom, Jason I. Habitat overlap between Asiatic black bear Ursus thibetanus and red panda Ailurus fulgens in Himalaya
Studying habitat overlap between sympatric species is one of the best ways to identify interspecies relationships and to direct conservation efforts so that multiple species can benefit. However, studies exploring interspecies relationships are very limited in Nepal, making it difficult for the government of Nepal and conservation partners to...
Bista, Manjit; Panthi, Saroj; Weiskopf, Sarah R.
U.S. Department of the Interior Climate Science Centers and U.S. Geological Survey National Climate Change and Wildlife Science Center—Annual report for 2017
IntroductionThe year 2017 was a year of review and renewal for the Department of the Interior (DOI) Climate Science Centers (CSCs) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Climate Change and Wildlife Science Center (NCCWSC). The Southeast, Northwest, Alaska, Southwest, and North Central CSCs’ 5-year summary review reports were released in...
Varela Minder, Elda Early-career experts essential for planetary sustainability
Early-career experts can play a fundamental role in achieving planetary sustainability by bridging generational divides and developing novel solutions to complex problems. We argue that intergenerational partnerships and interdisciplinary collaboration among early-career experts will enable emerging sustainability leaders to contribute fully to a...
Lim, Michelle; Lynch, Abigail J.; Fernández-Llamazares, Alvaro; Balint, Lenke; Basher, Zeenatul; Chan, Ivis; Jaureguiberry, Pedro; Mohamed, A.A.A.; Mwampamba, Tuyeni H.; Palomo, Ignacio; Pliscoff, Patricio; Salimov, R.A.; Samakov, Aibek; Selomane, Odirilwe; Shrestha, Uttam B.; Sidorovich, Anna A. The nexus of fun and nutrition: Recreational fishing is also about food
Recreational fishing is a popular activity in aquatic ecosystems around the globe using a variety of gears including rod and line and to a lesser extent handlines, spears, bow and arrow, traps and nets. Similar to the propensity to engage in voluntary catch-and-release, the propensity to harvest fishes strongly varies among cultures, locations,...
Cooke, Steven J.; Twardek, William M.; Lennox, Robert J.; Zolderdo, Aaron J.; Bower, Shannon D.; Gutowsky, Lee F. G.; Danylchuk, Andy J.; Arlinghaus, Robert; Beard, Douglas Defining ecological drought for the 21st century
No abstract available.
Crausbay, Shelley D.; Ramirez, Aaron R.; Carter, Shawn L.; Cross, Molly S.; Hall, Kimberly R.; Bathke, Deborah J.; Betancourt, Julio L.; Colt, Steve; Cravens, Amanda E.; Dalton, Melinda S.; Dunham, Jason B.; Hay, Lauren E.; Hayes, Michael J.; McEvoy, Jamie; McNutt, Chad A.; Moritz, Max A.; Nislow, Keith H.; Raheem, Nejem; Sanford, Todd Snow and ice: Chapter 3
Temperature and precipitation are key determinants of snowpack levels. Therefore, climate change is likely to affect the role of snow and ice in the landscapes and hydrology of the Chugach National Forest region.Downscaled climate projections developed by Scenarios Network for Alaska and Arctic Planning (SNAP) are useful for examining projected...
Hayward, Gregory D.; Colt, Steve; McTeague, Monica L.; Hollingsworth, Teresa N.; Littell, Jeremy; McAfee, Stephanie A.; O'Neel, Shad; Sass, Louis C.; Burgess, Evan; Colt, Steve; Clark, Paul Global synthesis of the documented and projected effects of climate change on inland fishes
Although climate change is an important factor affecting inland fishes globally, a comprehensive review of how climate change has impacted and will continue to impact inland fishes worldwide does not currently exist. We conducted an extensive, systematic primary literature review to identify English-language, peer-reviewed journal publications...
Myers, Bonnie; Lynch, Abigail; Bunnell, David B.; Chu, Cindy ; Falke, Jeffrey A.; Kovach, Ryan; Krabbenhoft, Trevor J. ; Kwak, Thomas J.; Paukert, Craig P.
U.S. Department of the Interior Climate Science Centers and U.S. Geological Survey National Climate Change and Wildlife Science Center—Annual report for 2016
Introduction2016 was an exciting year for the Department of the Interior (DOI) Climate Science Centers (CSCs) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Climate Change and Wildlife Science Center (NCCWSC). In recognition of our ongoing efforts to raise awareness and provide the scientific data and tools needed to address the impacts of climate...
Weiskopf, Sarah R.; Varela Minder, Elda; Padgett, Holly A. Grand challenges in the management and conservation of North American inland fishes and fisheries
Even with long-standing management and extensive science support, North American inland fish and fisheries still face many conservation and management challenges. We used a grand challenges approach to identify critical roadblocks that if removed would help solve important problems in the management and long-term conservation of North American...
Lynch, Abigail; Cooke, Steven J.; Beard, Douglas; Kao, Yu-Chun; Lorenzen, Kai; Song, Andrew M.; Allen, Micheal S.; Basher, Zeenatul; Bunnell, David B.; Camp, Edward V.; Cowx, Ian G.; Freedman, Jonathan A.; Nguyen, Vivian M.; Nohner, Joel K.; Rogers, Mark W.; Siders, Zachary A.; Taylor, William W.; Youn, So-Jung Comparing stream-specific to generalized temperature models to guide salmonid management in a changing climate
Global climate change is predicted to increase air and stream temperatures and alter thermal habitat suitability for growth and survival of coldwater fishes, including brook charr (Salvelinus fontinalis), brown trout (Salmo trutta), and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). In a changing climate, accurate stream temperature modeling is increasingly...
Andrew K. Carlson; William W. Taylor; Hartikainen, Kelsey M. ; Dana M. Infante; Beard, Douglas; Lynch, AbigailThe images below show examples of the types of wildlife, habitats, and landscapes our researchers are studying. Our projects help resource managers and decision-makers protect these important animals and places. Learn more about our work and the ways that climate change will impact wildife and ecosystems by browsing through our website or checking out our library of webinar recordings.
Explore Our Webinars
Impact of Future Climate and Non-Natives on HI's Aquatic Ecosystems
A warming climate will have fundamental impacts on freshwater, a critical driver of tropical island ecosystems. Declining baseflows are of particular concern as they threaten to interrupt the link between the freshwater habitats of adult migratory fish and the marine environments where their larvae grow and disperse, especially where habitat availability is already limited
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Projecting Climate Change Impacts on Wetland-Dependent Birds - YouTube
Projections of climate and land use change can help inform the allocation of resources across space and among species. North Central CSC supported work in the Prairie Pothole Region highlighted a framework for projecting climate change impacts, and developed methods for assessing surrogate species relationships. Join this webinar to learn more about the degree to which
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Ungulates in a Warmer Climate
Researchers supported by NCCWSC are working to improve managers’ understanding of ungulates’ response to a warmer climate. For example, when surface water is unavailable, the water content within ungulates’ food provides them with their main source of water, and they must make resourceful foraging decisions to meet their water needs. Scientists researching desert bighorn
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Glacier off Sargent Icefield
Landscape view of an un-named glacier off the Sargent Icefield, directly across from Wolverine Glacier, above the Nellie Juan River, in Alaska. Taken during a visit to a wolverine glacier field site as part of a study to examine how alpine areas are changing as temperatures rise in Alaska.
Can Prescribed Fire Help Forests Survive Drought in the Sierra Nevadas
This webinar was conducted as part of the Climate Change Science and Management Webinar Series, held in partnership by the USGS National Climate Change and Wildlife Science Center and the FWS National Conservation Training Center.
Webinar Summary: Prescribed fire is commonly used by managers in the western U.S. to remove potential wildfire fuel, such as small trees
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Boreal bog in the Adirondack Park, New York
Boreal bog in the Adirondack Park, New York
Rainfall Variability and Drought in the Hawaiian Islands
This webinar was conducted as part of the Climate Change Science and Management Webinar Series, held in partnership by the USGS National Climate Change and Wildilfe Science Center and the USFWS National Conservation Training Center. Webinar Description: Drought is a prominent feature of the climate of Hawai‘i with severe impacts in multiple sectors. Over the last century,
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Developing Effective Drought Monitoring Tools for Farmers and Ranchers
This webinar was conducted on August 7, 2017 as part of the USGS National Climate Change and Wildlife Science Center’s Climate Change Science and Management Webinar Series, held in partnership with the USFWS National Conservation Training Center.
Webinar Summary: The South Central U.S. is one of the main agricultural regions in North America: annual agricultural
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Sagebrush Ecosystems in a Changing Climate and Adaptive Management
This webinar was conducted on July 17, 2017 as part of the USGS National Climate Change and Wildlife Science Center Climate Change Science and Management Webinar Series, held in partnership with FWS National Conservation Training Center.
Webinar Summary: Sagebrush steppe rangelands comprise a large fraction of North America, but they are in decline due to increases
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Hydrologic Research and Assessment: From Local to Regional Scales
This webinar was recorded on May 18, 2017 as part of the Climate Change Science and Management Webinar Series, held in partnership by the USGS National Climate Change and Wildlife Science Center and the USFWS National Conservation Training Center.
Webinar Summary: Estimates of streamflow are critical to inform natural resource managers about water availability for
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Using Drought Forecasts to Improve Natural Resource Management
Natural resource managers face increasing challenges in dealing with drought. As competition for water increases between its various uses (water supply, energy demands, ecological services, recreation, and other environmental and ecological needs), our ability to forecast the onset and termination of drought becomes ever more important. This is particularly true given
...Check out our news and announcements to stay up-to-date on webinars, events, publications, funding opportunities, and other items of interest.
Browse More News Items
Upcoming Webinar: Evaluating Playa Wetland Vulnerability in Future Climates
Climate change threatens playa ecosystems. Research was conducted to evaluate responses of playa plant communities and soil processes to changing precipitation and temperature. Some factors may not be affected but social perceptions may limit adaptability.
Post-fire Sagebrush Recovery Looks to Landsat Time Series Data for Solutions
A new multi-CASC funded project will explore post-fire sagebrush recovery using Landsat data.
CASC Presentations at the 2018 AGU Meeting
Are you attending the American Geophysical Union (AGU) Fall Meeting this year in D.C.? Don't miss these presentations from staff and partners from across the CASC network!
Climate Change Adaptation for Wildlife Managers: A Hands-on Workbook Process
The Northeast CASC and partners collaborated on a Climate Change Adaptation for Wildlife Managers workshop for January 2019. Here, wildlife managers will learn about adaptation action development for effects of climate change on wildlife in the Midwest.
Practitioners Gather to Build Integrated Climate Adaptation Network in the Southwest
Adaptation and assessment practitioners gathered at the inaugural Southwest Adaptation Forum (SWAF) in October 2018, to identify shared challenges, lessons learned, and opportunities for future collaboration.
New Resources Support Tribes in Preparing for Climate Change
Native tribes maintain culturally significant traditions and livelihoods through the natural environment. Many are interested in protecting their increasingly limited resources through climate change planning. A new online tool has been created to help.
Building Relations with Northwest Tribal Nations: The Role of Chas Jones, Tribal Liaison
The Northwest CASC Tribal Liaison is Chas Jones, employed by the Associated Tribes of Northwest Indians through a BIA-funded program. He utilizes knowledge of Northwest tribal cultures to aid tribal resiliency to changing climate and landscape conditions.
Southwest CASC Receives $4.5 Million for Continued Research
Following an open competition and extensive review by scientific experts, a host institution and consortium partners have been selected for the Southwest CASC.
2019 Science to Action Fellowship: Statements of Interest Being Accepted Starting Oct. 31
The National Climate Adaptation Science Center will begin accepting Statements of Interest for the 2019 Science to Action Fellowship beginning October 31.
CU Boulder to Host Federal Climate Adaptation Science Center
The University of Colorado Boulder has been selected as the new host for the North Central CASC.
Southeast CASC Project Recognized with DOI Environmental Achievement Award
Southeast CASC project "Protecting Cultural Resources in the Face of Climate Change" has received honorable mention for the 2017 Department of the Interior Environmental Achievement Award.
News from the Tribal Resilience Liaisons
The Bureau of Indian Affairs, the USGS, and Tribal organizations have collaborated to place Tribal Resilience Liaisons at the regional CASCs. Read on to meet the Liaisons and learn about their recent activities to promote resilient Tribal communities.
Learn more about our research projects and initiatives by contacting us or checking out our various social media pages!
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National Climate Adaptation Science Center
casc@usgs.gov
Phone: (703) 648-5801
Alaska Climate Adaptation Science Center
North Central Climate Adaptation Science Center
Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center
Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center
Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Center
Southwest Climate Adaptation Science Center
