American Geophysical Union & partners launch community climate resilience program with the office of science and technology policy
The American Geophysical Union (AGU) today announced the launch of the Resilience Dialogues, a collaborative effort between federal agencies, non-profit organizations, and private partners, to help local communities address climate-related vulnerabilities. The program will initially focus on historically underserved communities by prioritizing urban, tribal, and small rural communities.
Local communities face unique challenges in preparing for a changing climate, including access to scientists, knowledge of available resources, and time and budget constraints. The Resilience Dialogues helps community leaders identify, access, and tailor scientific information and expertise to solve or inform their unique climate challenges. The program connects community leaders with scientists and facilitators who have relevant skills and experience; provides an extended online platform for open and ongoing communication between community leaders, scientists, and resilience professionals; facilitates resilience-focused dialogue between participants; and provides access to a network of scientists and community leaders who can share real-world experience.
"Through the Thriving Earth Exchange and our network of Earth and space scientists who are eager to communicate their science, AGU is uniquely positioned to help communities plan for a sustainable future in the face of climate change," said Chris McEntee, AGU's Executive Director and CEO. "We're pleased to work alongside the White House and all our Resilience Dialogues partners on this important effort to address climate change on a local level by preparing communities for the increasing threats they may face."
The Resilience Dialogues was inspired by the success of programs like the AGU's own Thriving Earth Exchange which brings communities together with Earth and space scientists to address local challenges related to natural resources, natural hazards, and climate issues. The formal launch of the Resilience Dialogues initiative follows a successful pilot program, led by the Thriving Earth Exchange, featuring five U.S. communities and more than 22 participating organizations.
In addition to six federal agencies, coordinated by the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP), the Resilience Dialogues leadership team includes several non-profit organizations and private partners working in coordination with several community-based resilience networks. AGU's Thriving Earth Exchange and USGCRP are lead partners on the effort. The Resilience Dialogues is supported by a grant from the Kresge Foundation's Environment Program, which focuses on helping communities build resilience in the face of climate change.
Press Release