Towards a National RISA Network:Components of a Full Coverage Network for Co-Production of Science and Decision-Making

The NOAA Regional Integrated Sciences and Assessments (RISA) program funds a network of eleven RISA research teams around the country to help build the capacity of those seeking to prepare for the impacts of climate variability and extreme events. RISA teams work hand-in-hand with stakeholders and decision-makers to develop new knowledge, tools and information and to ensure that climate research and information is tailored to their needs. They advance knowledge on climate adaptation approaches and practices at local to regional scales. As the program has been in place for two decades, much has been learned about the components that would make successful RISA teams and efforts. RISA activities are currently highly leveraged and yet greatly underfunded given the rising the demand by communities, planners and managers for interdisciplinary experts who can research and sift through data and information while working iteratively with decision makers on their concerns.

This presentation will focus on what is needed for national and comprehensive coverage of the U.S. by RISA research and engagement efforts. Currently, RISA does not cover the entire U.S. nor do the existing teams have the funding for all of the components that would allow them to engage fully with decision makers. Components that make a more effective and comprehensive RISA will be presented and will be drawn from numerous discussions with existing RISA teams, applicants to the RISA program, and the experience of RISA Program Managers. How to divide up the remainder of the U.S. will be presented and is based on discussions among RISA program staff, NOAA regional climate services managers, other federal agency efforts, and proposed geographies from applicants to the program. Questions of how RISA benefits the nation, what is the federal role of RISA, what would full and comprehensive coverage look like, and what makes for a successful RISA will be addressed.

The type of partnerships in which RISAs engage as well as examples of RISA research and engagement activities that produce outcomes for communities will be presented. Examples will be drawn from work with policy and decision making in the areas of national security, public health, infrastucture planning and investment, transportation and community resilience.