CONNECTING WILDLANDS & COMMUNITIES

Planning for climate-ready landscales in SoCal

With funding from the California State Strategic Growth Council, the Institute for Ecological Monitoring and Management at San Diego State University and the Climate Science Alliance are leading an interdisciplinary team of planners, environmental engineers, ecologists, and geographers to explore how connected landscapes can support adaptation and resilience to climate change for both ecosystems and local communities in southern California.

Photo from the Lewison Lab

DUNAS

Descendants United for Nature, Adaptation, and Sustainability

Through a partnership with Dr. Isabel Rivera-Collazo, Para la Naturaleza, Vida Marina, and the Center for Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the DUNAS project is a community based, climate adaptation focused dune restoration pilot project at Hacienda la Esperanza Reserve in Puerto Rico. This project leverages post-hurricane information to restore dunes in areas that protect both ecological and cultural assets and includes a robust community engagement component including the launch of Climate Kids-Puerto Rico. 

RESILIENT ROOTS

Climate Smart Agriculture & Food Systems

San Diego's agricultural sector holds significant economic, cultural, ecological, and historic value. With funding from the California Coastal Conservancy, California Department of Food and Agriculture, and San Diego Gas & Electric the Climate Science Alliance is working collaboratively with regional producers and growers to understand the region's agricultural landscape, opportunities for climate-smart practices, and the potential for water resilience in a changing climate.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY

ECOSYSTEMS:

The Ecological Impacts of Climate Change on a Biodiversity Hotspot

Under the umbrella of the Climate Science Alliance, a team of ecologists and climatologists conducted a review of the most current, regionally specific climate information and paired that with current research on local species and habitats of the South Coast that are at risk due to climate variability and other stressors. These findings are made accessible to stakeholders and community members through five different products.

TRIBAL SUMMITS

Southwestern Tribal Climate Change Summit

The Southwestern Tribal Climate Change Summit is a biennial gathering that provides an opportunity to come together, focus on climate strategies and solutions, and advance Tribal resilience efforts throughout the Southwest and North America. 

TRIBAL WORKING GROUP

A Collaboration with Regional Tribal Partners

Through the use of education, environmental programs, and traditional ecological knowledge, and a focus on community priorities, local ecosystems, and holistic management, we collaborate to safeguard the lands and cultures of southern California’s Indian tribes from the threat of climate change.

CLIMATE KIDS - TRIBES

A Project of the Alliance's Climate Kids Program

Through invitation the Climate Science Alliance has brought Climate Kids activities to tribal earth day events, youth field trips, school programs, and other community events for the whole family. Support from the Tribes, Bureau of Indian Affairs, California Coastal Commission's Whale Tale Grant, and California Coastal Conservancy's Explore the Coast Grant has supported curriculum and resource development specific to the tribes of Southern California. The Alliance is grateful for the many partnerships that have allowed Climate Kids programming to reach hundreds of youth in local Tribal Nations.

BAJA WORKING GROUP

A Climate Collaboration for Nature and People Across the US-Mexico Border

The Baja Working Group is a collaboration between the Climate Science Alliance and the International Community Foundation. This workgroup convenes local and international scientists, managers, conservation groups, educators, philanthropists, and other stakeholders to advance collaborative efforts that build resilience in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and in human communities.

If you are interested in being part of this workgroup please contact Paula Ezcurra at

CLIMATE KIDS - MEXICO

A Project of the Alliance's Climate Kids Program

In partnership with Profesora Escalante the Climate Science Alliance launched Climate Kids - Mexico in 2015. This program piloted a unique approach to training high school students to deliver the Climate Kids program in elementary and middle school classes in Tijuana, Baja Mexico. The program has expanded to additional schools and partner programs across northern Baja and is having a positive impact in the community through its environmental stewardship activities, workshops, and outreach.  Climate Kids-Mexico reaches thousands of students a year with climate change science, art, and storytelling.

CASE STUDIES