January 2023 Newsletter
January 2023 Newsletter
Welcome to the Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Center’s January 2023 Newsletter.
For news and upcoming events related to the Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Center, subscribe to our monthly newsletter
SE CASC News | Resources | Publications | Tribal News | Partner News | Webinars | Events | Opportunities
Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Center News
Happy New Year! As we look forward to 2023 we wanted to take a moment to remember some of our accomplishments over the past year. Check out the 2022 SE CASC Retrospective here.
Next in our Virtual Science Seminar Series will be an Introduction to New SE CASC Projects, on Feb. 14 at 11am ET. Learn more and register for the event.
In case you missed it, a recording of our third Fall/Winter Science Seminar on the Facilitating Accurate and Effective Application of Coastal Marsh Models on Jan. 12, is available here. Visit the series page.
Researcher Spotlight: Learn more about Global Change Fellows Shannon McGovern and Emily Nastase.
SE CASC/USGS Research Ecologist Adam Terando and NC State Faculty Affiliate Jared Bowden co-authored: Working Group 1: Geophysical and Chemical Scientific Knowledge. State of the Climate Report. Puerto Rico Climate Change Council.
Global Change Fellow Julianne Reas was recently interviewed about her research for an article in the NC State College of Natural Resource News. Learn more.
Spring 2018 and 2019-20 Global Change Fellow Emily Reed is co-author to Life-history stage and the population genetics of the tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus at a fine spatial scale, supported during her time as a Fellow. Read a summary of the paper here.
SE CASC University Director Becky Irwin co-authored: Current and lagged climate affects phenology across diverse taxonomic groups. Read an article about the study here.
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians was awarded a $300,000 grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundations America the Beautiful Challenge for Interagency Conservation Planning for Culturally Significant Species, a SE CASC supported project. Learn more.
2018-19 Global Change Fellow Deja Perkins co-authored Evaluating the use of semi-structured crowdsourced data to quantify inequitable access to urban biodiversity: A case study with eBird.
2014-15 Global Change Fellow Marketa Zimova was mentioned in a recent article for her work on High fitness costs of climate change-induced camouflage mismatch. Read the article here.
Faculty Affiliates Chris Moorman (NCSU) and Katherine Martin (NCSU) are co-authors to Breeding bird abundance and species diversity greatest in high-severity wildfire patches in central hardwood forests.
Faculty Affiliates Katherine Martin (NCSU), Ryan Emanuel (Duke), and Georgina Sanchez (NCSU) are co-authors to Riparian buffers increase future baseflow and reduce peakflows in a developing watershed.
Faculty Affiliate Marcelo Ardon (NCSU) is co-author to Hydrologic Restoration Decreases Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Shrub Bog Peatlands in Southeastern US. Read an article about the study here.
Conservation Corridor: Species vulnerable to climate change in the Appalachian forest corridor.
SE RISCC: The next SE RISCC Webinar, Range expansion of tropical invasive plants due to warming winters, will be presented by Mike Osland (USGS) on Jan. 19 at 1pm ET. Register here.
Project Spotlight
Climate- and Land-Cover-Induced Shifts in the Distribution and Abundance of Invasive Fish and Their Impacts on Native Fish Communities in the Tennessee and Cumberland River Basins
The climate of the Southeast is changing rapidly. As streams warm and streamflow dynamics change due to climate and land-cover changes, previously unsuitable habitats may become hospitable for invasive species. SE CASC researchers are investigating the effect of these changes on fish invasions and resulting impacts on native fish in the Tennessee and Cumberland River Basins. The study will integrate a robust set of fish monitoring data from state and federal agencies, historical species occurrence data from museums and online databases, and data and models for simulating stream temperatures and streamflow dynamics. The knowledge gained in this study will help natural resource managers more effectively prioritize fish monitoring and conservation to mitigate species invasions and their impacts. The project is being led by PI Xingli Giam (UTK). Learn more about this SE CASC project.
Resources
Coral Reef Restoration for Risk Reduction (CR4): A Guide to Project Design and Proposal Development. The USGS – along with collaborators from UCSC, FEMA, USACE, and NOAA – released a new report that outlines how coastal communities can reduce risks from flooding and erosion by restoring coral reefs. The report provides organizations with guidance on how to create, design, and implement a CR4 project. Learn more.
Avian Knowledge Network (AKN). AKN and its stakeholders aim to facilitate and enhance bird conservation through publicly available data tools and products. These tools can be used to aid in decisions about conservation actions, project siting, as well as bird status and occurrence. Learn more.
Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services developed this assessment of knowledge on biodiversity and ecosystem services on a global level. IPBES also provides regional assessments looking at the status and trends of biodiversity and ecosystem services and its impact on human well-being. Learn more.
State of the Climate in 2021. The American Meteorological Society published the 32nd annual assessment documenting the status and trajectory of global climate indicators and notable weather events. Compiled by NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information, the report is released each summer. Learn more.
International Co-Sponsored Meeting on Culture, Heritage, and Climate Change. Recent reports from the International Council on Monuments and Sites include a summary research and action agenda, intangible cultural heritage, diverse knowledge systems and climate change, impacts, vulnerability & risks to cultural heritage, and the role of heritage in climate action. Learn more.
Connectivity & Climate Change Toolkit. The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ Climate Adaptation Committee developed this toolkit to provide fish and wildlife agencies with the information necessary to ensure climate considerations are being accounted for and incorporated in the planning and implementation of terrestrial and aquatic connectivity initiatives Learn more.
In the Media
The Fate of a Dam in Cherokee | American Rivers
Puerto Rico Moves to Limit Coastal Damage From Hurricanes and Other Threats | PEW
Grants awarded to establish living shorelines in Beaufort County | WCSC
APSU’s Southeastern Grasslands Institute looks to conserve 14 Million Acres of Grasslands | Clarksville Online
Notable Publications
Will climate change degrade the efficacy of marine resource management policies?
Resource management institutions face a multitude of challenges when it comes to sustainably harvesting resources. Fisheries management presents an avenue by which researchers can understand the unique challenges posed by climate change in conjunction with societal, biophysical, economic, and cultural factors that impact the day-to-day decisions of resource managers. Research surrounding the sustainable development of marine resources has focused on adaptation rather than how climate change can impact the efficacy of resource management policies. Traditionally, resource managers utilize the precautionary principle which builds on this idea and focuses on the conservation and active management of resources. The authors argue however that this approach does not account for the impact of climate change on (1) efforts to assess and contextualize stock status, and (2) the implementation of precautionary policies. Ultimately the authors argue that marine resource management institutions can best account for uncertainty emanating from climate change by pursuing anticipatory governance strategies which focus on planning for a range of potential climate impact scenarios. Link to article.
Invasive Species Policy Must Embrace a Changing Climate.
At a national and local level, climate change is often not incorporated into invasive species policy and management. The authors argue that it is becoming more and more important to incorporate climate change because interactions between invasive species and climate change can compound harm to ecosystems. To do this, the authors highlight ways for the development of a more integrated approach to invasive species management. First, they argue that there needs to be a better system for sharing information about best management practices, at the federal level, to establish a standard operating procedure for how to address invaders and potential risk. Second they argue for the identification of high-risk species through horizon scanning, which should be shared at the federal level. Third, the authors advocate for the creation of more proactive, climate-smart, policy and management regulations. Fourth, combining invasive species treatment and climate-smart restoration would be a win-win for conservation. Fifth, public support and incentivizing climate-smart action (ex. native planting) is essential for reducing the ecological impacts of invasive species. Link to article.
Drivers and ecological impacts of a wildfire outbreak in the southern Appalachian Mountains after decades of fire exclusion.
Forests in the southern Appalachian mountains, including in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee, experienced relatively low wildfire activity prior to the fall of 2016. Historically, fire was used as a management tool by Native Americans and European Colonists for many purposes, but fire suppression in the 20th century put an end to the regular use of fire. In 2016, 30 large fires erupted in southern Appalachia during an intense drought in late fall. As a result, the authors conducted a broad assessment of past and current forest structures, ecological implications, and management considerations to better understand the different drivers of fire under drought and future climatic conditions. Some key management challenges identified by the authors include a rise in non-native species invasions, mesophication acceleration (shifting species dominance), post-fire mortality, etc. In all, the authors argue that the 2016 fires provide researchers with an understanding of how vulnerable forests are under future climate conditions and of the complex drivers of fire during drought. Link to article.
Increasing Hurricane Intensification Rate Near the US Atlantic Coast.
As hurricanes continue to devastate coastal communities, the authors wanted to better understand near coastal changes in hurricane intensification which can pose serious challenges to coastal residents. The authors used observation and numerical model simulations for the period 1979-2018 to measure hurricane intensification within 200 miles of the U.S Atlantic coast. Researchers found that observed changes in nearshore hurricane intensification, based on trends in the Atlantic hurricane database, show an increase in intensification over the 40-year period. The authors also found that the nearshore hurricane environment, based on ERA5 reanalysis from the same period, is increasingly favorable for hurricane intensification. With sea surface temperatures having a major impact on the results. Furthermore, CMIP6 model simulations show that climate change has played a role in creating increasingly favorable hurricane environments near the Atlantic coast (along with some natural variability). Climate models at high emissions scenarios show that the nearshore environment will become more conducive to hurricane intensification, highlighting the need to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Link to article.
The missing risks of climate change.
Climate change poses serious challenges for communities and governments around the world. There are risks associated with climate change, however, that cannot or have not been quantified and added to economic evaluations and decision-making processes. As climate change continues to worsen, addressing these risks is becoming increasingly important. The authors identify these “missing risks” which are not currently included in economic evaluations, identify reasons for exclusion, and suggest ways to incorporate them into things like Integrated Model Assessments (IAMs) which calculate the social cost of carbon. These risks include, missing biophysical impacts, spatial and temporal extremes, feedback risks and interactions, deep uncertainties, and unidentified risks that remain unquantifiable. The authors argue for a long-term restructuring of economic evaluations that includes greater coordination among the scientific community, improving existing models, and representations of uncertainty, among other improvements. The authors further provide a framework for quantifying missing risks that can help get this process started. Link to article.
Tribal News
Visit USET Climate Change Headlines for updates on information regarding climate science events, funding opportunities, best practices, and highlights from across the USET region.
Tribal fish and wildlife professionals, students, and partners are invited to submit abstracts for oral and poster presentation for the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society 2023 Annual National Conference. Proposals are due Feb. 10. Learn more.
The 2023 application period for students from Federally Recognized Tribes to participate in the summer Native Youth Climate Adaptation Leadership Congress (NYCALC) is now open. This is an opportunity for students to discuss community adaptation and related environmental issues impacting Native peoples. Apply by Feb. 28. Learn more.
Applications are open for the National Native American Environmental Awareness Summer Youth Practicum (SYP). The SYP is designed to provide Native American high-school students an opportunity to gain hands-on and in-lecture experience in the interdisciplinary components of natural resource management and Indigenous knowledge. Apply by May 5. Learn more.
Regional Partner News
USDA Climate Hubs: Climate Hubs Website Usability Research Survey for USDA.gov
Southeast Conservation Adaptation Strategy: The Southeast Blueprint Explorer – Now with more to explore!
Bureau of Indian Affairs: BIA Branch of Tribal Climate Resilience Regional Assessment Report
NOAA & NFWF: NOAA, NFWF announce record $136 million for coastal resilience
Southeast Regional Partnership for Planning and Sustainability: The Power of Unconventional Partnerships
National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis: Gulf Ecosystem Initiative
Webinars
Jan. 18 | 2pm-3:30pm | The Nature-Based Solutions Roadmap for the United States
Jan. 19 | 10am-11am | South Atlantic Third Thursday Web Forum
Jan. 19 | 1pm-2pm | Southeast RISCC Management Network Monthly Webinar
Jan. 24 | 10am-11am | Southeast Climate Monthly Webinar
Jan. 25 | 1pm-2pm | RNPN Stories of Resilience 2023 Kickoff
Jan. 31 | 9:30am-10:30am | The Climate Mapping for Resilience and Adaptation (CMRA) tool
Jan. 31 | 9:30am-10:30am | NOAA Eastern Region Climate Services Webinar
Feb. 2 | 9am-10am | Climate and Conservation Coffee
Feb. 14 | 11am-12pm | SE CASC Science Seminar: Introduction to New SE CASC Projects
Upcoming Events
Jan. 23-26 | ATNI 2023 Winter Convention | Portland, OR
Jan. 24-25 | SCDRP 2023 Annual Meeting | Miami, FL
Feb. 28 | North Carolina Resilient Communities Funding Forum | Greenville, NC
Mar. 1-2 | Climate Change Preparedness Conference | Washington, DC
April 24-27 | NAFWS 40th Annual National Conference | Anchorage, AK
May 9-11 | 20th Annual Climate Prediction Applications Science Workshop (CPASW) | Asheville, NC
Opportunities
Student Announcements
The University of North Carolina Asheville, with support from the National Science Foundation, is accepting applications for the Summer 2023 Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program. Apply by Feb. 14. Learn more.
Applications open for new Bald Head Island Conservancy Graduate Student Fellowships in Barrier Island Research or Coastal Sustainability. Applications are due by 5 p.m. EST on February 1, 2023.
Hiring Announcements
The USVI Department of Planning and Natural Resources is looking for a Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Planner. Apply by Jan. 20 here. Learn more.
Funding Opportunities
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation has extended the Longleaf Landscape Stewardship Fund 2023 Request for Proposals. This is a funding opportunity for on-the-ground conservation projects within the historical longleaf pine range. Learn more and apply by Feb. 9.
Department of Energy’s Office of Science published a grant opportunity for the development of Climate Resilience Centers developed at HBCUs. The goal of the Center would be to address critical research questions in support of the needs of stakeholders and communities in the pursuit of equitable climate solutions. Learn more and apply by Mar. 30.
National Science Foundation is asking for Planning Proposals to Catalyze Innovative and Inclusive Wildland Fire Science through Diverse Collaborations. Proposals should incorporate creative strategies and new collaborations aimed at bringing together diverse perspectives for building fire science research capacity and improving understanding of the use, causes and consequences of future wildland fires. Submissions are due May 31. Learn more.
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation is requesting proposals for the 2023 Coral Reef Conservation Fund. The fund is a partnership with NOAA’s Coral Reef Conservation Program and receives additional funding support from the USDA National Resource Conservation Service and Aramco Corporation. Learn more and apply by April 20.
Miscellaneous
The U.S. Global Change Research Program is seeking input to inform the framing, development, and use of the National Nature Assessment. USGCRP is requesting feedback on the definition of nature, what questions the assessment can help answer, potential audiences and engagement processes, trends and projections, and relevant information sources. Learn more and submit comments by March 31, 2023.
The U.S. Global Change Research Program announced the Art x Climate: A Project of the Fifth National Climate Assessment that engages artists in a project to visualize climate change in the United States. Submissions are due Jan. 27. Learn more.
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