This resource list is specific to this region 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:
Portals and informational warehouses
- USFS Climate Change Resource Center’s resources for the Pacific Southwest Region - Find climate change tools, adaptation and mitigation reports
Comprehensive Reports
- CA Climate Change Assessments - statewide, by region and topic (2018)
- Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation for Infrastructure and Recreation in the Sierra Nevada
- State climate summaries (NOAA, NCICS)
- States at risk (Climate Central)
More climate change resources...
Climate
- Data tool - NOAA Climate Explorer (Explore graphs and maps of historical and projected climate variables for any county in the contiguous United States)
- California Heat Assessment Tool
- Cal-Adapt Climate Tools
- California Climate Console
- Climate Quick Reference Guides
Forestry/Vegetation
- Climate Change vulnerability Assessment of California’s Terrestrial Vegetation (2016)
- Sierra Nevada Recreation and Infrastructure Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Strategy (2019) ; online story map describing the assessment
- Climate Adaptation Project for the Sierra Nevada (2014)
- Effects of drought on forests and rangelands in the United States: translating science into management responses - California
Adaptation Resources and Examples
- Adaptation Strategies and Approaches for California Forest Ecosystems
- USFS Compendium of Adaptation Approaches (sort by region)
- Climate-Smart Adaptation for North-central California Coastal Habitats
- California 2009 Climate Adaptation Strategy
- Southern California Climate Adaptation Project Syntheses
- Climate Change Adaptation Strategies for Focal Resources of the Sierra Nevada
- Adapting to Climate Change: A Planning Guide for State Coastal Managers
- USDA Southwest Climate Hub - After Fire: Toolkit for the Southwest
Hydrology
- San Francisco Bay Sea Level Rise Viewer - Future Tidal Marshes
- San Francisco Bay Area Watershed Climate Smart Watershed Analyst
- California Department of Water Resources - Data Exchange Center
- California Basin Characterization Model - Climate and Hydrology Change Graphs
- Observed drought data for all regions
- USDA Southwest Climate Hub - Water Adaptation Techniques Atlas (WATA)
Wildlife
- Projected Effects of Climate Change in California: Ecoregional Summaries Emphasizing Consequences for Wildlife
- Vulnerability of California Fish, Wildlife and Plants to Climate Change
- Climate vulnerability assessment for Pacific salmon and steelhead in the California Current Large Marine Ecosystem
Culture & Recreation
Carbon
- Carbon and Land Management - Introduction, Carbon Management Objectives and Considerations
- USFS Climate Change Resource Center - Forest Management for Carbon Benefits
- Forest Health and Carbon Storage
- Carbon Management in Fire-Prone Forests
- California Forest Carbon Plan
Science organizations in this region
Did we forget a resource? Please let us know! Contact Danielle.