Southwest Climate Change Network

The Southwest Climate Change Network is a virtual community for scientists, other experts, decision makers, and the public to share information on climate change and collaborate on solutions.

The Southwest region, including Northern Mexico, is projected to be warmer and possibly drier in the coming decades as a result of greenhouse gas emissions. Emissions likely will be reduced, but in the short term, a pressing need exists for reliable science and policy information that allows decision makers to plan for and adapt to climate change in our region. The Southwest Climate Change Network is designed to help meet this need.

Many agencies, companies, and organizations identify climate change as a planning priority but may not know where to obtain specific information. The Network will organize scientists and other experts to accelerate understanding of climate change and support action.

Recognizing the growing need for information about our changing climate, the Institute of the Environment and the Climate Assessment for the Southwest (CLIMAS) at The University of Arizona developed and jointly administer the Southwest Climate Change Network. The Institute of the Environment is a cross-campus resource and catalyst in the area of environment and society; it promotes both disciplinary and interdisciplinary research relating to the Earth’s environment, from local to global scales, and how this environment is likely to change in coming seasons, years, and decades. CLIMAS is a project housed within the Institute and funded by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to carry out stakeholder-driven interdisciplinary climate research. For more than 10 years, CLIMAS has contributed to the Southwest’s ability to respond sufficiently and appropriately to climatic events and climate changes.