Engaging Tribal Communities Around Climate and Weather Extremes

1. Engaging Tribal Communities Around Climate and Weather Extremes Chad McNutt, National Integrated Drought Information System, NOAA’s Climate Program Office Doug Kluck, National Climatic Data Center, Central Region Climate Services Director

2. Outline and Partners NOAA mission related to climate and weather extremes Missouri River Basin Tribes Four Corners Summary

3. Mission • To understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts, to share that knowledge and information with others, and to conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources • The National Weather Service provides weather, hydrologic, and climate forecasts and warnings for the protection of life and property and the enhancement of the national economy • NOAA's Climate Mission is to strengthen the production and delivery of climate data and information to inform the management of climate-related risks

4. Forecast Uncertainty Outlook Years Seasons Guidance Months Threats Assessments 2 Week Forecast Lead Time 1 Week Forecasts Days Watches Hours Warnings & Alert Coordination Minutes Benefits State/Local Planning Energy Health Reservoir Control Space Operation Agriculture Recreation Commerce Ecosystem Flood Mitigation & Navigation Hydropower Protection of Life & Property Environment Fire Weather Transportation Weather & Climate Prediction Climate Change Boundary Conditions Climate Prediction Weather Prediction Initial Conditions Trenberth

5. Missouri River Basin Engagement 2011 flood Lower Brule 2012 Midwest drought Discussion around weather/climate extremes, emergency preparedness, and adaptation in a manner that acknowledges the perspectives of the Tribal Communities as presented by those Communities, in the hopes of bringing meaningful collaboration in light of the needs and responsibilities of both parties

6. Outcomes • Networking: between tribal emergency planners/natural resource managers and weather and climate communities: • State Climatologists, Regional Climate Center, Weather Forecast Offices, universities • Sharing what other groups are doing: e.g. Drought monitoring and planning • Involvement in Great Plains and Midwest Climate and Drought Webinar: doug.kluck@noaa.gov • Research program targeted at Tribal Colleges and Universities for improving resilience in tribal communities

7. Drought Monitoring & Planning

8. Four Corners • Drought Indicators to Support Tribal Decision Making • University of Arizona team: Daniel Ferguson, Michael Crimmins, and Anna Masayesva • Partner organization: Hopi Department of Natural Resource • What are Hopi drought vulnerabilities (now & future)? • What are drought indicators that represent vulnerabilities? • What existing data and information can be utilized to monitor drought for the purposes of decision making?

9. Hopi Drought Status Report Hopi DNR & CLIMAS produce Quarterly Drought Status Report

10. Climate Change and Variability on the Navajo Nation www.drought.gov • Potential climate change and variability impacts • Water resources, farming, range, human health, cultural resources, community infrastructure and services, tourism biodiversity • Vulnerability & adaptive capacity factors • Potential adaptation strategies • Potential funding & other support

11. Summary Focus on improving partnerships and networks Sharing best practices around monitoring and planning for climate extremes Supporting projects through partner institutions Expand work to other regions and tribes

12. Thanks Chad.mcnutt@noaa.gov Doug.Kluck@noaa.gov