Climate Adaptation Science Centers
The Climate Adaptation Science Centers (CASCs) are a network of nine regional centers managed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to provide science to help natural and cultural resource managers adapt to climate change impacts.
Mission
The mission of the CASCs is to deliver actionable science to help fish, wildlife, ecosystems, and the communities they support adapt to a changing climate, providing research, tools, and partnerships that inform resource management decisions.
Parent organization
* Administered by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
Legislation
The CASCs were authorized by the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010, which established the National Climate Change and Wildlife Science Center and its regional centers.[1]
Number of employees
The number of employees varies across the nine centers but includes staff from USGS, host universities, and partner institutions.
Organization structure
Each CASC has:
- **Director** who oversees operations and strategic direction.
- **Research Coordinators** who manage research portfolios.
- **Tribal Liaisons** to engage with indigenous communities.
- **Advisory Committees** that include stakeholders from federal, state, tribal, and local levels.
List of programs
- Research projects on climate impacts and adaptation
- Fellowships and training for students and professionals
- Tribal engagement and partnerships
- Science communication and stakeholder outreach
- Development of decision-support tools
Last total enacted budget
Specific budget details for the CASCs as a whole are not publicly itemized, but they are funded through the USGS budget, which for FY 2023 was $1.3 billion for all USGS programs.[2]
Leader
The title of the leader for each CASC is **Director**. There's also a National CASC Director who oversees the entire network.
Services provided
CASCs provide scientific research, data, and tools to resource managers to aid in climate change adaptation. They focus on understanding climate impacts on natural resources, supporting decision-making through science, and fostering partnerships for conservation and management.
Regulations overseen
CASCs do not directly oversee regulations but support the development of science-based policies and management practices by providing crucial data and insights into climate change effects.
Headquarters address
The National CASC is located at: USGS Headquarters, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, VA 20192[3]
Website
https://www.usgs.gov/programs/climate-adaptation-science-centers
Wikipedia article
wikipedia:Climate Adaptation Science Centers