Climate

The Challenge

Increased storm events, changing snowpack that may decimate the natural water storage of the western United States, dwindling reservoirs, invasive species, coastal erosion, heat waves threatening the young and aging alike, diminishing island nations and seaboard communities: climate change presents some of the most complex and pressing challenges facing the world today and for the foreseeable future. For cities, farms, and those on the forefront of threats to adapt and become more resilient, we need coordinated and sustained efforts from all sectors of society. CBI has been working across sectors—from transportation to agriculture, from water resources to land use—to help governments at all levels and their citizens prepare for and increase resilience to climate change.

Our Approach

CBI mediators and facilitators have over two decades of experience bringing together policymakers, technical experts, and those affected by climate change. Our approach includes:

• Working with communities to address localized effects, from flooding to heat waves
• Supporting state governments developing climate resilience and impact plans
• Helping elected officials, planners, businesses, non-profits, scientists, and residents work together to respond to pressing risks, despite differences in priorities and values 

We have worked with communities along the Hudson River to prepare for increasing numbers of floods and storm events. We have worked with the City of Cambridge, Massachusetts, to develop climate-resilient zoning. We have worked with farmers and ranchers from Vermont to California, exploring potential impacts and developing programs to increase soil health, maximize carbon storage, and protect water quality in the face of change. Our Climigration Network of funders, communities, organizations, and individuals across the U.S. has advanced work around equitable relocation prompted by climate change. We have helped both New York and Massachusetts draft climate impact assessments to provide sectors across both states the information they need to prepare for change.  

Areas of Expertise:

CBI designs and facilitates collaborative processes around a variety of climate-related issues, including:

• Climate impact assessments
• Coastal adaptation and vulnerability assessments
• Community relocation
• Use of green infrastructure and contributions of natural and working lands