Climate change projections indicate an increase in average temperature across the year, a longer growing season, and a shift in precipitation from summer to winter, these changes will increase summer water stress, whereas in Alaska increased precipitation is projected along with warmer temperatures that will melt permafrost. These factors will have differential effects on plant and animal production systems depending on the timing of management practices, as well as plant and animal development. To better understand how climate change will affect agriculture explore the education materials below.
Climate Change Basics
Climate change basics for the Northwest provide background materials in various forms to provide an introduction to climate science, and clarify common misconceptions about climate change.
Blog & Newsletters
AgClimate-is a web-based hub for data, analysis and communication between regional scientists and stakeholders about climate change and agricultural and natural resources topics. A consortium of institutions including the USDA Northwest Climate Hub, Oregon State University, University of Idaho, and Washington State University, and individuals contribute content to this site and share articles and analyses.
How can agroforestry help landowners adapt to climate change? The benefits of agroforestry (working trees) in reducing climate risks from the National Agroforestry Center
How can agroforestry help landowners adapt to increased rain intensity? The benefits of agroforestry (working trees) in reducing effects of intense rain.
Mitigating heat stress in cattle The benefits of agroforestry (working trees) in mitigating heat stress in cattle
Northwest Biochar Working Group-events and information on biochar in the Northwest
Northwest Climate Science Digest-newsletter about climate change science and upcoming events and training opportunities relevant to your conservation work
REACCH-Regional Approaches to Climate Change-Pacific Northwest Agriculture-blog posts on climate change affecting agriculture in the Northwest
USDA Blog on Climate-blog on climate change affecting agriculture in the US
Courses, Videos, & Webinars
eXtension Animal Agriculture and Climate Change-resources for livestock producers
CLIMATE Learning.Net (eXtension)-Agriculture and Climate Change E-Learning Modules
Pacific Northwest Agriculture and Climate Change-webinar series on managing risks associated with climate change in the Pacific Northwest
REACCH: Regional Approaches to Climate Change-Pacific Northwest Agriculture-Climate-webinar series of the consequences of climate change
REACCH: Regional Approaches to Climate Change- Pacific Northwest Agriculture-Farmer Case Studies-Featured online videos of producers in the Inland PNW who are addressing concerns with production and changes to weather and climate
Water and climate change-webinars from Carpe Diem West that engage subject matter experts and practitioners in the field in a detailed discussion of issues at the intersection of water and climate change
Resources
Climate literacy: the essential principles of climate science-a guide for all ages, individuals and communities to learn the essentials of climate science
Livestock Forage Disaster Program- Farm Services Agency provides compensation to eligible livestock producers who have suffered grazing losses, fact sheet
National Climate Assessment-summary of climate change impacts in agriculture
National Farmers Union, Climate Leaders- community of farmers, ranchers, and concerned citizens concerned about agriculture and food security by climate change
ORECAL-briefs from a policy research collaboration between Oregon and California
How do Extreme Climate Events Affect Specialty Crops and Irrigation Management?
What are the Major Climate Risks for Agriculture in the U.S. Pacific Northwest?
USDA ARS Livestock GRACEnet Factsheets-publications related to reducing emissions from livestock production as well as a few related to modeling on-farm emissions
USDA Climate Change Program Office (CCPO)-extensive summary of the effects of and adaptation to climate change and agriculture in the US