Climate Risk Management Practices

Climate change is a major challenge for resource management decision making because of the uncertainties of how future conditions may unfold. Past techniques for responding to environmental challenges may not be as effective in the future. Adaptation options generated through a series of climate change vulnerability assessments and adaptation workshops in the Western United States were synthesized and are presented here as key climate change sensitivities and risk management practices for: forest vegetation, non-forest vegetation, water and infrastructure, fisheries and fish habitat, wetlands and riparian areas, wildlife, and recreation. These practices can be applied in resource management planning and on-the-ground projects.