This resource list is specific to this region (AZ, NM, NV, UT) and provides both comprehensive and topic-specific information related to climate change, ecosystem vulnerability, and adaptation. A list of the major science organizations and partners within the region is also provided, and we encourage you to connect with them should you require further resources.
The resources listed below include a variety of published reports, including the 2018 National Climate Change Assessment and various ecosystem-based vulnerability assessments produced by partners in this region. Be sure to also familiarize yourself with the Explore Climate Impacts tool found at AdaptationWorkbook.org. There you can explore short but detailed summaries of how climate change is expected to impact or further impact your region.
Before diving into climate change resources, if you feel like you need a refresher on climate change basics consider accessing our education modules (~30 min long). The modules feature information on Climate 101, Climate effects on Forests, Climate Adaptation, and Forest-Carbon management
Some selected resources:
- Summary of climate change trends for the Southwest: National Climate Assessment: Southwest Climate Assessment Highlights (2018)
- Southwest FireClime Science Synthesis and Vulnerability Assessment. More tools through Southwest FireClime available here.
- Socioeconomic Vulnerability to Ecological Changes to National Forests and Grasslands in the Southwest
More climate change resources...
Regional Climate Change Resources
- State climate summaries (NOAA, NCICS)
- States at risk (Climate Central)
- Foundational information for this region: National Climate Assessment: Southwest Climate Assessment Highlights (2018)
- Data you can use: Climate Mapper and Alaska Climate and Weather tools
- Southwest Climate Adaptation Science Center Fact Sheets
- Detailed summary and narrative for this region - Southwest Climate Assessment Report (2013)
- Broad summary *quick read* regarding climate impacts nationally. Interactive site will highlight climate trends at the county level (2020).
- NOAA Statewide summaries of observed and future climate change
- Observed drought data for all regions
- USDA Southwest Climate Hub - After Fire: Toolkit for the Southwest
- USDA Southwest Climate Hub - Water Adaptation Techniques Atlas (WATA)
- Climate Quick Reference Guides (USDA SWCH)
- A Clearinghouse for Urban and Community Forestry Resources
Forestry/Vegetation
- Managing Effects of Drought in the Interior West (2019)
- Climate change vulnerability assessment of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems in the U.S. Forest Service Rocky Mountain Region
- Forest Resource Index for Decisions in Adaptation (FRIDA)
Regional assessments that include vulnerability assessments of forests, ecosystems, hydrology, recreation, and more
Adaptation resources and examples
Wetlands
Carbon
- Can We Store Carbon and Have Our Timber and Habitat Too? (2017)
- USFS Climate Change Resource Center “Carbon and Land Management” - Introduction, Carbon Management Objectives and Considerations”
- USFS Climate Change Resource Center “Forest Management for Carbon Benefits”
Science organizations in this region
- Southwest Climate Adaptation Science Center
- Southwest Climate Hub
- Southwest FireClime
- Climate Assessment for the Southwest
Did we forget a resource? Please let us know! Contact Danielle.