Letter from the Director
2020 was a challenging year that impacted people in many different ways. Despite these significant obstacles, the Climate Science Alliance has strengthened our commitment to all of you and our planet.
Over the past 5 years we have worked collaboratively alongside our community of partners to build the Alliance, grow the network, and establish the foundation to launch projects that are truly transformational. We are excited to build upon this solid foundation and for the continued growth and transformation ahead.
Sincerely,
Amber Pairis, Ph.D.
Director and Founder,
Climate Science Alliance
TRANSFORMATIONAL ADAPTATION
Building off 5 successful years, the Climate Science Alliance looks forward to the work ahead with an eye towards Transformational Adaptation, a multi-year vision that encompasses all areas of our work:
Building Resilience. Building Capacity. Building Community.
Together, we will continue to transform the way climate adaptation planning and projects are approached, including transforming our own tools and techniques to support your leadership and activities. In support of the voices within the Climate Science Alliance network, we will work to transform the understanding of how climate adaptation work needs to be done - in an equitable and just way that equally values all ways of knowing.
We are appreciative of your continued partnership and commitment.
The Climate Science Alliance Team acknowledges the Indigenous peoples on whose traditional territory we work. We honor the continued presence and resilience of Indigenous communities and nations today, and thank those we work with for your friendship and your good will in our efforts to collaborate.
We encourage you to learn more about the traditional territories where you live, work, and travel as a first step towards meaningful acknowledgement. Get started at native-lands.ca
Supporting regionally-specific, cross-disciplinary research to better inform climate solutions.
Meeting people where they are with accessible information on climate science, planning, and management.
BUILDING RESILIENCE
BUILDING COMMUNITY
BUILDING CAPACITY
Bridging the gap between climate research and the community through multiple innovative avenues of science translation.
you are here
Reflecting on Our Successes
Since our beginnings in 2015, the Climate Science Alliance has . . .
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Collaborated on more than a science-focused projects
dozen
Partnered with
over
organizations
Engaged with over
community members
200,000
CONNECTING WILDLANDS AND COMMUNITIES
The Connecting Wildlands and Communities (CWC) project brings together an interdisciplinary team of planners, environmental engineers, ecologists, and geographers to explore how connected landscapes can support adaptation and resilience to climate change for both ecosystems and local communities in Southern California.
WHERE WE'RE HEADED:
The Connecting Wildlands and Communities project will serve as a model for Transformational Adaptation at the upcoming 2021 Southwest Adaptation Forum, hosted by the Climate Science Alliance, and project data and tools will be leveraged to support the progression of the Southern California Montane Forests project and other regional climate planning initiatives.
TRIBAL RESILIENCE PROJECTS
Through the use of education, environmental programs, and traditional ecological knowledge, and a focus on community priorities, local ecosystems, and holistic management, the Climate Science Alliance and Tribal Working Group collaborates with partners to safeguard the lands and cultures of southern California’s Tribes from the threat of climate change.
WHERE WE'RE HEADED:
As the need for climate science education and tools to prepare for the impacts of climate change expands, so does our response. The Climate Science Alliance looks forward to addressing those needs through the expansion of our Climate Kids Traveling Trunks Program and at the 2022 Southwestern Tribal Climate Change Summit.
RESILIENT ROOTS
RESILIENT RESTORATION
Agriculture plays a prominent role in Southern California, holding significant economic, cultural, ecological, and historic value. The Climate Science Alliance team worked collaboratively with the California Department of Food and Agriculture and other regional partners to elevate the role of local agriculture as part of our region's climate solution- testing strategies and educating youth and the public on our local food system.
WHERE WE'RE HEADED:
We are excited to announce a new project led by the Climate Science Alliance Tribal Working Group in partnership with researchers at the University of California, Riverside and San Diego State University. Resilient Restoration: Advancing Ecological, Cultural, and Community Resilience with Tribal Nations in Southern California has been funded by the California Strategic Growth Council Climate Research Program and will promote Tribal resilience by developing knowledge and supporting actions that enhance persistence of cultural practices with a focus on preserving the ecosystems and species that are integral to Tribal communities.
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CROSS-BORDER PARTNERSHIPS
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Through binational, interdisciplinary collaboration, the Climate Science Alliance and the Baja Working Group advance climate science and adaptation solutions by connecting and working alongside researchers, stakeholders, and communities throughout the Baja California Peninsula and surrounding regions.
WHERE WE'RE HEADED:
As we work to complete the State of the Science - Baja California and better understand the downscaled climate knowledge for the Baja California Peninsula we are actively working to identify needs, future areas of collaboration, and projects for the Baja Working Group. In addition, we are excited to continue our ongoing partnership with Climate Kids - Mexico and the work we are doing in supporting youth leaders now and in the future.
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PROYECTO DUNAS
The Descendants United for Nature, Adaptation, and Sustainability (DUNAS) project was convened to restore coastal dunes in northern Puerto Rico that were severely degraded by Hurricane Maria. Although sand dunes are vulnerable to damage, they are critical for protecting ecological environments, cultural artifacts, and human communities. By weaving together cultural, ecological, and community values we lay the groundwork for a resilient future.
WHERE WE'RE HEADED:
With the DUNAS project, we are excited to successfully apply the Climate Science Alliance model to a new system. Though the final dune restoration was temporarily delayed due to the global pandemic, the work within the community continues and we have adapted many of our educational resources to a virtual landscape. We look forward to the culmination of this project in 2021.
Five Stories of Resilience
To celebrate five years with you, we are sharing five projects through which we have built resilience, capacity, and community. Join us in reflecting on these stories of resilience and learn what we have planned next!
Looking Forward
This past year has presented many unique challenges, but also provided many opportunities. Through these challenges, the Climate Science Alliance and our network of partners have grown immensely and truly transformed. Looking to the future, we are committed to pursuing projects and actions that embody Transformational Adaptation in our communities and beyond. Because of our strong network and partnerships, climate hope is on the horizon. We are excited to lead and pursue this vision together, and look forward to the work ahead.
HOW OUR NETWORK HELPED US TRANSFORM IN NEW WAYS
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HELP US CONTINUE TO TRANSFORM OUR REGION AND COMMUNITIES
Thank You To Our Sponsors and Partners
Thank you to our sponsors and partners for supporting the Climate Science Alliance's endeavors in 2020 and our goals for 2021! Your generosity has helped us transform the climate conversation and work across our region and beyond. We look forward to continuing this good work together.
Want to join our partners in making a difference?
DONATE TODAY!
The California Wildlife Foundation (CWF), which serves as the fiscal sponsor for the Climate Science Alliance, is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Contributions are tax-deductible as allowed by law. CWF’s federal identification number is 68-0234744.
If you'd like to contribute to a specific project, please add a note to your donation or contact us at info@climatesciencealliance.org
That's a wrap
Download a PDF version of the 2020-2021 Impact Report here:
Watch the snapshot of our year!
