Our Mission
Established in 2012, the South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center provides decision makers with the science, tools, and information they need to address the impacts of climate variability and change on their areas of responsibility. The Center will transform how climate science is conducted and applied in the south-central United States. We support big thinking, including multi-institutional and decision-maker-driven approaches to assessing the impact of climate extremes on natural and cultural resources.
The South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center (CASC) is part of a federal network of nine Climate Adaptation Science Centers managed by the U.S. Geological Survey National Climate Adaptation Science Center (NCASC). The NCASC and regional CASCs work with natural and cultural resource managers to gather the scientific information and build the tools needed to help fish, wildlife and ecosystems adapt to the impacts of climate change.
The regional CASCs and NCASC focus on the generation of data, decision-support tools, and other products that are practical and relevant to managers’ climate change monitoring and adaptation work. The south central region covers Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, and New Mexico.
Tap on the Regional CASC name below to visit their website
Our Commitment to Overburdened Communities in the Climate Crisis
At the South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center (CASC), we support efforts that are key to progressing society forward, strengthening community resilience, and overcoming community-level challenges as related to climate change. Including multiple perspectives in our own workforces has resulted in higher productivity and creativity, which are necessary for assisting decision-makers, rights-holders, and our partners in their climate adaptation efforts. We cannot work towards effective and innovative climate adaptation in the evolving climate crisis without embracing the experiences and knowledge from all peoples. At the South Central CASC, we are committed to ensuring that our workforce and the science community represent the diversity of our Nation.
At the South Central CASC, we will continue to engage with underrepresented groups in STEM, including low-income communities and underserved populations, through our workshops, internships, and outreach events. We hope to inspire current and the next generation of researchers, practitioners, and educators as we continue to face the challenges brought on by climate change. Moving forward, we will work alongside diverse communities, cultures, and backgrounds to further the worldwide effort in creating a more sustainable and equitable world in the face of climate change. In all that we do, we will be reflective and mindful of the consequences that our decisions will have today and into the future.