Climate change has been, is, and will continue to affect Indigenous peoples across the south-central United States, amplifying a need to plan for and adapt to these changes before the impacts become catastrophic. Since June 2012, the South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center (CASC) has partnered with Tribes across Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas to conduct research, education, and outreach related to climate change, adaptation, and resilience; however, much more work is needed to prepare for climate change impacts on Indigenous lands, waters, and people.
In this project, the research team will focus on strengthening South Central CASC partnerships with the Tribes and Pueblos in the South Central CASC region, (OK, TX, NM, and LA). The primary goal of this research is to grow the current network of experts, leaders, and learned decision makers versed on issues of climate change and management of natural and cultural resources. A South Central CASC Research Associate and Tribal Liaison will work toward this goal in two primary ways: (1) listen and communicate with the Tribes and Pueblos to better understand their concerns for the issues they face with climate related impacts, and (2) invite relationship-building among Tribal natural and cultural resource managers with the USGS, the University of Oklahoma, and the broader research community to conduct actionable science that is responsive to Tribal partners.
South Central CASC activities will include coordinating partnerships between Tribal natural and cultural resource managers and USGS or university researchers, and aiding in science-based research and adaptation planning with Tribal partners. This information exchange will inform the co-development of educational workshops and trainings, and other communication of contemporary science results to Tribal partners.
