Climate Resilient Engagement: One Firm's Experience and a Vision for the Future

There is an increasing recognition on the part of climate and weather scientists concerning the need to effectively engage the public on climate issues. This recognition has grown even to the point of generating the “Transforming Communication” theme of the 2018 AMS Annual Meeting. Such engagement is part of the mission of CASE Consultants International, a consultancy based in Asheville, NC.

Over the past several years, CASE has mainstreamed climate science into the practices of professionals whose work can be climate-sensitive. This engagement has occurred through a series of workshops tailored to the needs and interests of groups such as the American Planning Association, the American Society of Landscape Architects, and the American Institute of Architects. The content of the workshops allows participants to receive continuing education credits in their respective fields while learning about the risks and opportunities that climate change poses, thus obtaining information critical to their professions. Professionals share their own experiences and best practices in climate resiliency, both in the short term and in long term strategic planning. They also learn from climate and environmental scientists affiliated with the National Centers for Environmental Information, the Cooperative Institute for Climate and Sattelites, and the American Association of State Climatologists, all of which are headquartered in Asheville.

This presentation highlights CASE’s experience in conducting workshops focusing on brownfields, energy, and resilient buildings and infrastructure. In addition, presenters discuss the potential for future engagement opportunities at the small community level, promoting effective interaction that can lead to climate resilience in these communities.