Advancing Adaptation and Resilience in a Changing Climate

Korey stringer instituteClimate change is affecting Connecticut’s communities, land, and water resources. There is a growing threat for residents and those whose livelihoods directly depend on natural resources including flooding, more intense storm events, heat waves, invasive and nuisance species, and issues with trees and power infrastructure.

Unfortunately, many residents still do not understand the causes and implications of climate change and adaptation strategies, nor do they have all the tools and resources needed to address these new climate realities. CAHNR is addressing these growing challenges through collaborative work among researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders. Together, we are creating and maintaining a sustainable environment, a robust economy, and a higher quality of life for current and future generations. Our climate adaptation and resilience programs seek to:

  • Promote human, plant, and animal health that is resilient to the effects of climate change
  • Promote resilient and well-adapted Connecticut communities and economies
  • Engage and educate individuals, communities, and partners in climate adaptation, integrating research and outreach to ensure informed decision-making
  • Enhance the management, conservation, and protection of ecosystems.

Examples

Heat-related issues negatively impact everyone from athletes to soldiers and outdoor laborers. The Korey Stringer Institute (KSI), an internationally recognized leader in heat illness research,  identified heat as the leading cause of fatalities and work-related injuries on U.S. job sites. KSI offers ongoing education and promotes health and safety among all audiences affected by extreme heat exposure.

Climate-smart agriculture is an integrative approach that goes further than sustainable farming methods. Research conducted at CAHNR found that using biochar, a charcoal-like material, can improve a soil’s capacity to hold water and nutrients, making the soil more resilient during droughts while sustaining crop yields.

Climate change affects animals as well as humans. A research project is using cutting-edge genomic research to determine how to make dairy cattle adapt better to heat stress. The research is ongoing, and the future impact will be identifying which genetics are best for cattle in each region of the United States.

Invasive species, including several types of ticks, are in Connecticut now because of warmer temperatures. The Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory monitors the spread of disease between humans and animals, including through tick testing. The Lab works with state and federal agencies, local veterinarians, and the public.

Connecticut Sea Grant’s Sustainable and Resilient Communities Program offers resources and opportunities statewide to share and implement strategies for municipalities, community organizations, and residents. Many of these focus on climate change and adaptation, including living shorelines, applied research on coastal land change, and flood erosion control, among others.