Climate Vulnerabilities
Vulnerability assessments determine the effects of climate change on natural or human system. To understand system susceptibility, these assessments consider exposure, sensitivity, and capacity to adapt. The USDA Climate Hubs, as a science delivery and a listening and learning organization, continually assess aspects of climate vulnerability in forestry, agriculture, and rural communities. The Climate Hubs published a series of regional vulnerability assessments which provide a baseline “snapshot” of climate vulnerabilities, along with management strategies to increase the resilience of working lands. These assessments also identify opportunities to reduce emissions and increase carbon storage. The USDA Climate Hubs contribute to the National Climate Assessments that assess how climate change affects regions and sectors across the U.S., now and throughout this century.
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Puget Sound Urban Tree Vulnerability
Climate change will impact the vulnerability and suitability of urban tree species in the Puget Sound region
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Investigating Sea Level Rise and Saltwater Intrusion in Forests
To better understand the risks and enable climate-smart decision-making, researchers at Rutgers University were engaged…
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Climate Change and Wild Foods in Alaska
Climate change is altering the abundance and location of a variety of wild foods in Alaska, affecting food security.
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Urban Heat Islands in the Northwest
Urban areas are heating up faster than rural areas, affecting public health and increasing energy demands in the…
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How Does a Changing Climate Impact Dams? The Agriculture Research Service is Looking for the Answers
How do the extreme weather changes resulting from climate change impact the condition of our nation’s aging dams? Do…
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Adaptation Resources for Agriculture: Responding to Changes in Climate in Alaska
Information, resources, and case studies to help agricultural producers in Alaska adapt to a changing climate.
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Farming on a Saltier Coast
A new report by NOAA provides updated predictions on the rate of sea level rise within the United States. When coupled…
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Emerging Forest Threats - State Fact Sheets
The forestlands of the Southeast United States are some of them most productive in the world. However, there are…
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Northern Plains Grasslands Vulnerability Assessment
The Northern Plains Grasslands Vulnerability Assessment synthesizes the scientific literature about the vulnerability…