Increasing the accessibility of climate science data is crucial to help strengthen community climate resilience and enhance local climate adaptation plans, particularly for communities of color, low-income areas, and communities in the Global South that are disproportionately affected by climate change.
This event will feature officials from the Biden administration, environmental justice advocates, and local leaders to discuss why the dissemination of climate science to disadvantaged communities is so critical, and how recent work in the United States on climate change data tools—including the recent release of the Climate Mapping for Resilience and Adaptation (CMRA) Portal—can help better engage and prepare communities for future climate events. The CMRA is an innovative and comprehensive census tract-level data tool that shows Americans the climate risks that could affect their communities.
Additionally, the discussion may explore what gaps remain in current climate communication, technical assistance, and capacity building, and propose policy changes that can further help communities access necessary resources and funding.