June 2023 Newsletter
June 2023 Newsletter
Welcome to the Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Center’s June 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
Join the next SE CASC science seminar, jointly sponsored with SECAS, Scaling up Urban Growth Projections with FUTURES, by Anna Petrasova (NCSU), July 20, 10AM ET. Learn more and register.
Last month, 2019-20 Global Change Fellow Lise Montefiore presented a SE CASC Science Seminar on mapping estuarine vulnerability. View a recording of the seminar and read about her project.
SE CASC is offering a Fellowship on Climate Change and Wildlife Action Plans. Learn more and apply by July 21.
Climate Impacts Postdoctoral Scholar Kasia Nikiel and USGS Deputy Director Ryan Boyles are co-authors to Potential Effects of Climate Change on Emydoidea blandingii (Blanding’s Turtle).
Global Change Fellow Julianne Reas recently wrote a blog article, New Research Sheds Light on Pathways for Nature Connection, for the National Research Foundation.
2020-21 Global Change Fellow Hemant Kumar and SE CASC Faculty Affiliate Sankar Arumugam are co-authors to Understanding the Food-Energy-Water Nexus in Mixed Irrigation Regimes using a Regional Hydroeconomic Optimization Modeling Framework. Read a summary by Hemant.
2021-22 Global Change Fellow Lauren Pharr was featured in Sci NC video, This Bird Still Needs Our Help.
Spring 2018 Global Change Fellow Jared Balik and Faculty Affiliate Brad Taylor are co-authors to Consequences of climate-induced range expansions on multiple ecosystem functions.
SE CASC researchers Michael Osland (USGS), Deah Lieurance (UF), and Wesley Daniel (USGS) are co-authors to Plant migration due to winter climate change: range expansion of tropical invasive plants in response to warming winters.
Faculty Affiliates Lincoln Larson and J. Aaron Hipp co-authored Nature-based Pathways to Health Promotion: The Value of Parks and Greenspace.
Faculty Affiliate Katherine Anarde co-authored Data from the drain: A sensor framework that captures multiple drivers of chronic coastal floods.
Faculty Affiliate Elsa Youngsteadt is co-author to Larger pollen loads increase risk of heat stress in foraging bumblebees. Read article in St. Albert Gazette.
Conservation Corridor: ECODATA and MoveApps: new tools for animating wildlife movements across corridors
Project Spotlight
An Assessment of Invasive Species Range Shifts in the Southeastern U.S. and Actions to Manage Them
There are currently hundreds of invasive species with relatively restricted ranges in the southeastern U.S. As the climate changes these species are expected to expand their ranges to new regions. It is important to understand if and how these species might move and what actions we can take to lessen their impact on species and habitats. To achieve this goal, project researchers will use statistical models to predict the spread of invasive species under different scenarios of future climate change severity. The team will also consider how management strategies can be used to stop or slow the spread of invasive species. This research is a critical first step to ensure that these responses are informed and based on the best available science so that managers can continue to protect and conserve valuable natural areas for people and wildlife.This project is led by PI Brett Scheffers. Learn more.
Resources
2022 Annual CASC Summary. NCASC released the 2022 CASC Year in Review sharing milestone awards, science, and partnerships from each regional CASC. Learn more.
Information Toolkit to Coproduce Actionable Science for Public Land Management. This new toolkit by federal and CASC partners contains information sheets, videos, templates, examples, and checklists. Learn more.
Joint Ecosystem Modeling develops and applies ecological models and other decision support tools to Greater Everglades restoration project planning. Explore their tools, models, and data standards.
Nature-based Solutions Evidence Platform is an interactive map linking nature-based solutions to climate change adaptation outcomes by University of Oxford. Learn more.
Selecting Climate Information to Use in Climate Risk and Impact Assessments. This guide was developed by the White House for federal agency climate adaptation planners. Learn more.
The Changing Coast. Southern Environmental Law Center created an interactive map highlighting risks along the Southeastern US coast due to the accelerating impacts of climate change. Learn more.
In the Media
Troubled Waters: Smokies trout disappearing | WVLT Knoxville, TN
Fish of the Week! podcast | US FWS
The Challenge of Blue Carbon | Nautilus
Why a warming world is costing you precious hours of sleep | Washington Post
New Community Resilience Estimates Show Almost Half of Puerto Rico Population Had Three or More Risk Factors | US Census Bureau
Notable Publications
Ten lessons for effective place-based climate adaptation planning workshops
As climate change continues to impact communities, place-based adaptation planning workshops have risen in popularity to appropriately plan for climate change impacts. These workshops bring together a diverse group of individuals, including community members, non-profit organizations, and government agencies. In an effort to better understand the factors that lead to effective workshop outcomes, researchers performed a Delphi study to survey twenty-two experienced climate adaptation workshop facilitators. Recommendations from survey respondents addressed recruitment; fitting the local context; adequately preparing the participants; clarifying the objectives; facilitation strategies; promoting local leadership, efficacy and accountability; and providing post-workshop support. This project determined that adaptation workshops play a vital role in promoting social learning as they bring multi-level actors together, creating an enhanced sense of community and increased mutual understanding. Link to article.
Rapidly Changing Range Limits in a Warming World: Critical Data Limitations and Knowledge Gaps for Advancing Understanding of Mangrove Range Dynamics in the Southeastern USA
Climate change is having a significant impact on ecosystems, altering the distribution of species around the world. In the coastal wetlands of southeastern USA, warming winter temperatures have led to the poleward range expansion of tropical and subtropical, cold-sensitive mangrove forests. Such an expansion can come at the cost of cold-tolerant marsh plants. While both mangrove and salt marsh plants are considered foundation plant species, mangrove expansion can hinder critical ecosystem goods, such as coastal protection from storms. This study used existing data and expert knowledge to assess the distribution of mangroves in the southeastern USA and to identify data limitations and knowledge gaps on past, current, and future mangrove range dynamics. It was determined that expert elicitation is useful for advancing understanding on species’ changing range limits due to climate change. Insights from this project can be applied to other range-shifting species, providing a basis for understanding effects of range expansion on ecosystem services. Link to article.
Demystifying global climate models for use in the life sciences
In a world continuously affected by climate change, the need for science-based policy solutions have become increasingly pertinent. During each assessment cycle of the IPCC, life science researchers are asked to provide evidence of a changing future. Unfortunately, this information relies heavily on technical and complex model outputs from climate models that may not be fully understood outside of the climate modeling community. This manuscript aims to provide an accessible introduction of climate model outputs to equip life science researchers with the appropriate tools to address and answer questions about humans and the natural systems in a changing world. Interdisciplinary collaboration between life scientists and model experts will assist in the development of robust evidence to address climate change impacts.Link to article.
Mitigation and adaptation emissions embedded in the broader climate transition
As climate change continues to pose an existential threat to society, there are two ways in which we may address this issue: 1) greenhouse gas emission reductions and 2) adaptation of infrastructure and other human activities. Unfortunately, efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as investment in renewables still requires a large amount of energy and materials thus driving emissions. However, with a rapid implementation of renewable energy, the transition from fossil fuels can be powered by cleaner energy, thereby minimizing embedded emissions. Results from this research reveal the benefits of a more ambitious energy decarbonization approach and the importance of considering embedded transition emissions when developing effective climate policy. Link to article.
Opportunities for nature-based solutions to contribute to climate-resilient development pathways
Through the integrated approach to mitigation, adaptation, and sustainable development, nature-based solutions (NbS) can contribute to climate-resilient development (CRD). A climate-resilient development pathways (CRDP) approach was taken to study the relationship between CRD and NbS. Application of a climate justice lens reveals how NbS can either undermine or enhance CRD by highlighting the politics involved in deciding between NbS trade-offs. This study developed a framework combining climate justice and CRDP into an analytical tool for understanding the potential for NbS to support CRD in specific places. With community collaboration, NbS can contribute to CRDP. However, without this collaboration through efforts that ignore Indigenous knowledge, exacerbate inequalities, or benefit privileged communities, NbS is unlikely to lead to CRD. Justice must be prioritized to prevent the structural dynamics that constrain CRDP. 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.
Austin Peay State University’s Southeastern Grasslands Institute invites applications for a Tribal Liaison position. Position open until filled. Learn more.
Biden-Harris Administration announced $48 Million for Water Sanitation, Irrigation, Power and Dam Safety Projects in Indian Country. Learn more.
National Association of Wetland Managers and EPA worked with Tribes to develop the Tribal Wetland Programs Webinar Series taking place on June 15, Sep. 21, and Nov. 2 from 3-4:30PM ET. Learn more.
Indian Affairs Office of Indian Economic Development is accepting applications from Tribes and Tribal organizations for the Living Languages Grant Program. Learn more and apply by August 18.
The application deadline for Formula Grants to Indian Tribes for Preventing Outages and Enhancing the Resilience of the Electric Grid has been extended to Aug. 31. Learn more and apply here.
Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, and Northwest CASC are collaboratively hosting the 2023 Tribal Climate Camp. Learn more and register by June 19.
United Nations Institute for Training and Research is hosting Indigenous Youth Leaders for the Global Indigenous Youth Summit on Climate Change. Members will help develop the agenda for this summit convened by, for and among Indigenous youths across the world. Learn more; register by July 9.
Tribal Solar Gap Funding Grant supports solar projects of any type that require a tribal cost-share or are leveraging funding from other grant opportunities or initiatives. Rolling deadline. Learn more and apply.
Regional Partner News
SECAS: Improve the Blueprint by mapping the places you know and love with OpenStreetMap
FEMA: Building Community Resilience with Nature-based Solutions: Strategies for Success
National Wildlife Federation: Newly Launched Environmental Justice Fellowship Program Will Inform, Inspire Emerging Leaders
NIACS: Forest Carbon and Climate Change in the Southeast Region of the United States
Pew Charitable Trust: New Plan Would Save Future of 1 Million Acres of Salt Marshes Along Southeast U.S. Coast
National Integrated Drought Information System Launches Improved and Expanded State Pages on Drought.Gov
Webinars
Find more upcoming events in our calendar.
June 15 | 10am-11am | Third Thursday Web Forum: Putting your community on the map: Digitizing local and natural cultural resources with OpenStreetMap
June 27 | 10am-11am | NOAA NIDIS Southeast Climate Monthly Webinar
July 6 | 9am-10am | Climate and Conservation Coffee
July 25 | 10am-11am | NOAA NIDIS Southeast Climate Monthly Webinar
Upcoming Events
Jun. 26-29 | 2023 Tribal Self-Governance Conference | Tulsa, OK
Jun. 29-30 | Ethical Space Workshop: Indigenous Engagement for Environmental Science Professionals | Virtual
Jul. 11-14 | 2023 USET Tribal Climate Resilience Camp | Durham, NC
Jul. 17-21 | Summer Institute For Climate Change Education | Virtual, may vary by region
Aug. 14-17 | Tribal Lands and Environment Forum | Syracuse, NY & Virtual
Sep. 23-27 | Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies 113th Annual Meeting | Alberta, Canada
Oct. 23-25 | Climate Change Adaptation for Tribes and Tribal Partners | Sulphur, OK
Opportunities
Student Announcements
Registration is open for the ATNI 2023 Changing Currents: Tribal Water Summit in North Bend, OR, June 26-30. Learn more about youth registration and Youth Summit Scholarships.
Eagle Rock Analytics is hiring 2 to 3 Summer Research Associates in Climate Data Analytics to perform research on climate and weather data platforms for CA state agencies. Learn more.
National Wildlife Federation is sponsoring a Student Innovative Policy Memo Contest for law/graduate/university students to generate new ideas for state and local policies to help promote nature based solutions. Learn more; deadline is June 30.
Georgia Sea Grant State Fellowship Program offers educational and professional opportunites to eligible graduate students interested in coastal and marine resources in GA. Learn more; apply by July 7.
Hiring Announcements
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Institute for Water Resources, Water Resources Center is seeking an Interdisciplinary Climate Scientist. Learn more and apply by June 15.
U.S. Forest Service Southern Research Station is hiring for a Climate Scientist in Research Triangle Park, NC, or Asheville, NC. Learn more and apply by June 16.
USGS is hiring a Physical Scientist/Geographer within the Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center in Santa Cruz, California. Learn more and apply by June 30.
American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) and the Southwest CASC are hiring a Senior Tribal Climate Resilience Liaison. Learn more.
Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice is looking for an Environmental Journalist. Learn more.
Navigating the New Arctic Community Office welcomes applications for an Indigenous Engagement Coordinator at Alaska Pacific University. Position open until filled. Learn more.
NFWF has multiple full-time job openings in Washington D.C. Learn more.
Western Wildfire Resilience Index has multiple job opportunities ranging from data analyst to science communicator. Learn more.
Funding Opportunities
Drawdown Georgia Climate Solutions & Equity Grant is now open for a new round of applications. Learn more; submit a Letter of Introduction by July 7.
GLISA is offering several 2-year grants to advance equitable climate adaptation in the Great Lakes region. Learn more; submit a letter of intent by June 23.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has released the FY2023 Tribal Wildlife Grant Opportunity to provide technical and financial assistance to Tribes. Learn more; apply by June 23.
NFWF is soliciting proposals for the Southeast Aquatics Fund to restore watershed habitats and improve water quality in targeted river basins and watersheds of the Southeast. Learn more; deadline is July 18.
Inflation Reduction Act: Open Funding Opportunities. Explore funding opportunities through grant and loan programs for clean energy and climate action here.
Miscellaneous
Department of the Interior published a proposal to guide the balanced management of America’s public lands for the benefit of current and future generations. Submit comments here by June 20.
USDA Forest Service is inviting public feedback and initiating Tribal consultation about organization, functions, and procedures at the Forest Service, due by June 20. Submit a comment.
USGS and its partners are requesting public comment and nomination on Assessment of Biodiversity and Climate Change. Comments regarding the draft prospectus and nominations for participation on the authoring team must be submitted by July 7. Learn more.
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