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 stakeholder-driven approaches to assessing the impact of climate extremes on natural and cultural resources.
The Department of the Interior 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.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At the South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center (CASC), we strongly support diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts that are key to progressing society forward and overcoming community-level challenges, such as climate change. Previous research has shown that DEI efforts are necessary for healthy workplaces and building community resilience. Diverse and inclusive workforces often result in higher productivity and creativity, which are necessary for assisting our stakeholders 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 encourage all of our employees to take part in diversity trainings offered through their institution and become allies and advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion. We will continue to engage underrepresented groups in STEM through our workshops, internships, and outreach events. Moving forward, we will work alongside diverse communities of color, cultures, and backgrounds to further the worldwide effort in creating a more sustainable and equitable world in the face of climate change.