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 Lewinson 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, we are launching a community based, climate adaptation focused dune restoration pilot project at Hacienda la Esperanza Reserve in Puerto Rico. This project will leverage 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

In collaboration with partners from across the region, the Climate Science Alliance, La Jolla Band of Luiseño Indians, Pala Band of Mission Indians, and Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals convene a Southwestern Tribal Climate Change Summit every other year, with the second Summit planned for August 13-16, 2019. This summit 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 Collaboration with Partners in Baja California, Mexico

The Climate Science Alliance looks forward to continuing to expand our bi-national partnerships throughout Baja California with our new Baja workgroup. In early 2019 we will convene local and international scientists, managers, conservation groups, educators, and other stakeholders to assess and strategize activities focused on climate impacts and solutions for terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

If you are interested in being part of this workgroup please contact:

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.  Since the program started Climate Kids-Mexico has reached more than 6,000 students a year with climate change science, art, and storytelling.

CASE STUDIES