U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit

This manual describes a method developed by the Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN) at Columbia University for climate vulnerability mapping that can be applied to any geographic area. The manual was designed for a five-day training course for GIS analysts in the framework, data, and methods to develop a vulnerability map using the spatial index approach. The primary focus is on the methods needed to process and transform the raw spatial data in order to develop a spatial vulnerability index (and constituent indices for exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity) using a combination of ArcGIS and R statistical computing software. Developed with Tetra Tech ARD under the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Planning for Resilience in East Africa through Policy, Adaptation, Research, and Economic Development (PREPARED) and the African and Latin American Resilience to Climate Change (ARCC) projects. Best used as a guide for training courses, though can be used by individuals to develop vulnerability maps.

This workshop process—developed through The Nature Conservancy's Coastal Resilience network (coastalresilience.org)—fosters collaboration with and among community stakeholders to advance education, planning, and ultimately implementation of priority resilience actions. The freely downloadable Workshop Guide provides instructions on how to lead your community towards resilience, illustrating the essentials of the process as well as “before” and “after” workshop steps to help ensure that immediate goals, outcomes, and strategic direction are realized within your community. Also available from the website are workshop support materials, including a risk matrix, invitation language, community survey questions, and suggestions for participant affiliations.

Communities experiencing increasing incidents of coastal flooding are looking for relief. This online guide shows spatial analysts how to incorporate nature-based solutions, or green infrastructure, into their GIS work. A GIS work plan is provided, along with examples, process guidance, case studies, and templates.

This training module is designed to increase understanding of the causes of climate change, its potential impacts on water resources, and the challenges water resource managers are facing. Optional supplementary information on climate change impacts in the United States is included at the end of the course. This module is one of the core modules for the Watershed Academy Certificate Program. Completing this course entitles EPA employees to one Continuous Learning Point (CLP); non-EPA professional certifications can be used as described on the course's webpage.

Thousands of workers are affected by heat illness each year—environmental heat is a recognized hazard. Workers have the right to receive information and training about hazards and their prevention, and it is the employer's responsibility to provide this. In a training, it is important to include the health effects of heat, how and when to respond to symptoms, and how to prevent them from occurring. This OSHA Heat Illness Prevention Training Guide, in PDF format, includes information in short, interactive lesson plans that can be completed in a tailgate or toolbox talk. Training should be in a language that the worker can understand.

This training will teach and reinforce awareness of heat-related illness among coaches, athletic trainers, students, school nurses, parents, and teachers. It will also promote the development and implementation of guidelines by these participants.

Climate change interpretation can occur in many venues and formats. This modular self-study curriculum was designed by the National Park Service's Interpretive Development Program to hone knowledge and skills for interpreting climate change, and can be completed at the user's own time and pace. There are several ways to engage with the material—either in-depth with each of the study guides, or accessing information as and when needed. The training includes four modules: (1) Introduction to Interpreting Climate Change; (2) Knowledge of the Resource Issue; (3) Knowledge of the Audience; and (4) Appropriate Techniques and Strategies. Each module contains a Study Guide that provides activities, questions, and links to additional resources, as well as a Learning Companion, the content document developed by a subject matter team.

This educational module provides a brief overview of the climate system, greenhouse gases, climate models, current climate change impacts, and future projections. A friendly and neutral approach seeks to demystify and remove the charge from climate change. There is a 14-question activity at the end of the module, and users who complete the activity will receive a printable certificate with their name and the date completed.

This educational module provides a brief overview of current and projected climate change effects on water resources, vegetation, wildlife, and disturbances, specifically geared towards forest and grassland ecosystems. A friendly and neutral approach provides animations, examples, and outward links to more information. There is a 10-question activity at the end of the module, and users who complete the activity will receive a printable certificate with their name and the date completed.

EPA’s Local Government Climate Adaptation Training helps local officials, municipal staff, and community leaders understand the changing climate and threats posed by climate change to local government services. The module covers climate impacts to water and wastewater services, air quality, public health, contaminated site management, and emergency response. The training also highlights some communities that have taken adaptation actions and provides a list of resources to support climate adaptation planning and implementation in local communities.