PROJECTS
ECOSYSTEM RESILIENCE
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.
CONNECTING WILDLANDS & COMMUNITIES
Planning for climate-ready landscales in SoCal
Connected landscapes, which deliver essential ecosystem services to local communities, also play an important role in climate resilient communities. The Climate Science Alliance and California Department of Fish and Wildlife first partnered with San Diego State University (SDSU) to develop connectivity linkage maps for the South Coast Ecoregion based on comprehensive species and landscape analyses and mapping. With new funding from the California State Strategic Growth Council, the Alliance and SDSU will build upon this on-going project to examine how an integrated ecosystem-based approach to planning for connected landscapes can support adaptation to climate change in southern California's ecosystems and local communities.
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.
BATIQUITOS LAGOON RESILIENCY PLAN
for the Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve
The development and implementation of the Batiquitos Lagoon Resiliency Plan will increase ecosystem resiliency by providing jointly developed recommendations to coastal decision-makers on how to consider climate change in managing natural resources at the Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve.
RESILIENT COASTLINES PROJECT
of Greater San Diego
2015 - 2018
The Resilient Coastlines Project of Greater San Diego represented a regional and multi-faceted approach to building coastal resilience. The project was designed to connect several local sea-level rise initiatives through a regional strategy, fill existing knowledge gaps that were barriers to resilience planning and implementation, and further engage scientific experts and community members in building coastal resilience for the San Diego region.
MARSHES ON THE MARGINS
Developing Tidal Wetlands Adaptation Strategies in Southern California
This project will identify how the dynamic estuarine systems of Southern California will be affected (physically and biologically) by sea level rise and determine how and where nature-based solutions can be used to provide resilience to these effects.
CLIMATE RESILIENT RESTORATION
Guide for Land Managers and Environmental Professionals
The partners working on the Climate Resilient Restoration Project are looking to provide guidance for land managers and environmental professionals to think about leveraging restoration projects to build resilience to climate impacts now with an eye towards transformation of plant community assemblages in the future. Upland habitat types under consideration include coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and grasslands. Once completed, restoration guides will be made available on this webpage.
TRIBAL RESILIENCE
TRIBAL SUMMITS
Southwestern Tribal Climate Change Summit
In collaboration with partners from across the region, the Climate Science Alliance, La Jolla Band of Luiseno 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
The Climate Science Alliance collaborates with over a dozen Tribes to support efforts to safeguard the lands and cultures of southern California's Indian tribes from the threat of climate change. In partnership with Tribes, the Alliance pursues educational programming with youth and families, supports Tribal environmental programs, and provides staff support for the Tribal Working Group.
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 RESILIENCE
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.
