The South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center (SC CASC) recently chose eight new research projects. These projects will contribute to climate adaptation efforts in the south-central region of Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Louisiana. The initiatives will support efforts such as Tribal climate adaptation goals, addressing wetland adaptation management, controlling invasive plants, and assessing the impacts on water resources.

Hear from three of our PIs to learn more about their funded projects.

Hamed Gholizadeh from Oklahoma State University, the agroecosystems project, “Optimizing Invasive Plant Management in Grasslands,” focuses on the invasive plant Lespedeza cuneata. By integrating remote sensing and climate sciences, this project will deliver actionable information for effective management of this invasive species in grassland ecosystems, helping to preserve native biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Jeremy Ross from the University of Oklahoma leads one of the two cultural projects titled, “Empowering Tribal Nations to Plan for Extreme Climate Change Threats.” This initiative will collaborate with Indigenous horticulturalists and Tribal nations to create an Extreme Climate Action Plan for Culturally Important Agroecosystems (ECAPCIA). By leveraging Indigenous knowledge and values, the project aims to strengthen water resilience and preserve culturally important agroecosystems.

Kathryn Powlen from the USGS – OK/TX Water Science Center is leading the other cultural project, “Identifying Opportunities to Strengthen Climate Resilience in Flood-Prone Underserved Communities.” Focusing on Harris County, Texas, this project will develop a flood vulnerability assessment and examine distributive equity in flood mitigation efforts. By modeling flood exposure and analyzing mitigation investments, the project will prioritize vulnerable areas for future mitigation projects, ensuring equitable and effective flood risk reduction.

You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
When: Nov 4, 2024 11:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://oklahoma.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMvc-qspj4pGNSC2uniNiRdeBM8H4a6EIxR

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.