The Fifth National Climate Assessment Southwest Engagement Workshop — CA

Join us for a discussion featuring Dave White, Chapter Lead Author for the Southwest for the Fifth National Climate Assessment. The chapter overview will be followed by an interactive panel featuring Elizabeth Crosson on water, Halley Froelich on oceans/coasts, V. Kelly Turner on heat/human health, and Steven Ostoja on agriculture. This panel will be followed by an audience discussion about the use of NCA5 for climate adaptation decision-making in California and the Southwest. 

Climate change is threatening water resources, increasing challenges to food and fiber production, and compromising human health in the Southwest through drought, wildfire, intense precipitation, sea level rise, and marine heatwaves. These changes are affecting ecosystems, infrastructure, agriculture, fisheries and other economic sectors. Effective adaptation will require flexible decision-making and the incorporation of technological innovation with Indigenous and local knowledges.

The Fifth National Climate Assessment is the U.S. Government’s preeminent report on climate change impacts, risks and responses. It is a congressionally mandated interagency effort that provides the scientific foundation to support informed decision-making across the United States.