Climate Science Alliance Director Dr. Amber Pairis facilitates “Adaptation Issues in Tribal Lands” panel at the inaugural Southwest Adaptation Forum, a two-day event gathering climate adaptation and assessment practitioners to find integrated, community-based adaptation stories.
Dr. Amber Pairis, Director of the Climate Science Alliance and Advisor to the Center for Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, traveled to Tuscon, Arizona for the inaugural Southwest Adaptation Forum (SWAF). Dr. Pairis is a Senior Advisor to the Southwest Climate Adaptation Science Center (SW CASC), one of eight CASCs in the nation.
Dr. Pairis facilitated the “Adaptation Issues in Tribal Lands” panel on the first day of the forum, joined by Karletta Chief of University of Arizona, Leanna Begay of Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals, Althea Walker of SWCASC, and Trent Teegerstrom of Cooperative Extension.
The two-day forum, held at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona from October 29-31, was co-hosted by the SWCASC and the Center for Climate Adaptation Science and Solutions. The invite-only forum placed a special focus on the Interior southwestern states of Utah, Arizona, and Nevada. The goal of SWAF is to gather climate adaptation and assessment practitioners in the Southwest to share stories, obstacles, and best practices from their work and, together, build a network of partners dedicated to finding integrated, community-based adaptation solutions. Intended outcomes include (1) strengthening existing and building new relationships among partners in the region, (2) identifying gaps in our existing networks, and (3) generating synergy and momentum for future engagement among partners and stakeholder groups. SWAF is part of the regional adaptation forum network co-led by the American Society of Adaptation Professionals and is associated with the biennial National Adaptation Forum.
Programs and materials presented at this event were made possible through the support of our partners, including the California Coastal Commission and the Whale Tail Grant. Thank you!
Photo from Ladd Keith on Twitter