Climate Ready Great Lakes

Abstract

The Great Lakes region is predicted to experience significant coastal impacts due to global climate change that are different than impacts being predicted for our ocean coasts. Specialized education, training and community planning are needed to assist Great Lakes coastal communities in adapting to changes resulting from climate change. To help address these needs, students from the University of Michigan’s School of Natural Resources and Environment collaborated with NOAA Great Lakes Regional Collaboration team members and Sea Grant professionals to develop training materials on adaptation to climate change in the Great Lakes region. The project resulted in three educational modules that can be delivered individually or as a unit to prepare local officials to develop climate change adaptation plans for their communities: Module 1: “Climate Impacts: What am I Adapting To?” summarizes recent climate change research results and long-term forecasts for climate change impacts. Module 2: “How do I Develop an Adaptation Plan?” prepares leaders to identify and consider management actions necessary to respond to forecasted changes through climate adaptation plans. Module 3: “What Tools are Available for me to Adapt?” familiarizes leaders with decision tools and science based resources needed to make coastal development, resource protection, and infrastructure decisions that that will shape their communities coastline and keep communities sustainable for the next 50-100 years. These outreach modules were developed to allow use by Sea Grant Program Extension Staff, USDA Extension Staff, Coastal Zone Management Programs, and other trained outreach professionals who work with local community decision makers in the Great Lakes region. Modules were designed to allow for maximum flexibility and adaptability and can easily be modified to include future research and tools that increase the information useful for local decision makers.