USDA’s Regional Climate Hubs were established in February of 2014 to deliver science-based knowledge, practical information, and program support to farmers, ranchers, forest landowners, and resource managers to enable climate-informed decision-making in light of the increased risks and vulnerabilities associated with a changing climate. As part of their function, the Hubs were tasked with providing periodic regional assessments of risk and vulnerability to production sectors and rural economies, building on material provided under the National Climate Assessment conducted through the United States Global Change Research Program (USGCRP).
Throughout 2015, eight regional vulnerability assessments have been published that represent all of the Climate Hub regions across the country. With the publication of these Vulnerability Assessments, the Regional Climate Hubs have provided an introduction to the region, regional sensitivities and adaptation strategies for working lands, a greenhouse gas emissions profile with mitigation opportunities, and an overview of how partner USDA agencies are being affected by a changing climate. These vulnerability assessments are an important first step in establishing a baseline “snapshot” of current climate vulnerabilities, and provide region-specific adaptation and mitigation strategies to increase the resilience of working lands in the region.
Click on a region below to read about your region’s vulnerabilities and adaptation/mitigation opportunities.
Northeast and Northern Forests Region (includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia and District of Columbia)
Full Report
Regional Abstract
Northern Forests Abstract
Southeast Region (includes Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia)
Full Report
Abstract
Midwest and Northern Forests Region (includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin)
Full Report
Abstract
Caribbean Region (includes Puerto Rico, Vieques, Culebra, St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John)
Full Report
Abstract
Northern Plains Region (includes Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming)
Full Report
Abstract
Southern Plains Region (includes Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas)
Full Report
Abstract
Northwest Region (includes Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska)
Full Report
Abstract
Southwest Region and California (includes Arizona, California, Hawaii and the U.S. affiliated Pacific Islands, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah)
Full Report
Regional Abstract
California Abstract