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ARS Home » Plains Area » Las Cruces, New Mexico » Range Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #324088
Title: Tools for adaptation and mitigation of climate change on southwestern working-lands

Author
item Elias, Emile
item Rango, Albert
item STEELE, CAITI - New Mexico State University
item Havstad, Kris
item BROWN, JOEL - Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS, USDA)
item SMITH, RYANN - New Mexico State University

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/9/2015
Publication Date: 10/9/2015
Citation: Elias, E.H., Rango, A., Steele, C., Havstad, K.M., Brown, J., Smith, R. 2015. Tools for adaptation and mitigation of climate change on southwestern working-lands [abstract]. New Mexico Water Conference, October 9, 2015, Taos, NM. Poster No. 39.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: In February 2014, the USDA established 7 Hubs and 3 Sub Hubs across the nation to assist farmers, ranchers and foresters in adapting to the effects of climate change. Specific vulnerabilities related to projected climatic changes in the Southwest (SW) include water scarcity, the effects of elevated temperatures on livestock production and regional cropping systems and elevated wildfire risk. In the first 18 months, the SW Climate Hub initiated projects and programs to help New Mexico farmers and ranchers adapt to climate change. The Climate Hub Tool Shed provides information on tools that can assist agricultural and forest land managers in adapting to climate variability and change. The SW Hub launched several projects to translate scientific information and reach the public such as 1) authoring of a vulnerability assessment of southwestern working lands to climate change, 2) partnering with Cooperative Extension Service to host landowner workshops on climate change and 3) supporting education of future generations via a climate change - water cycle educational module, tailored to the SW, comprised of 10 one-hour lessons. To reach a broad audience, the SW Hub hosts a website, provides a monthly bulletin, partners with sister federal climate change programs and convenes sessions at scientific meetings.