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Co-Producing Actionable Climate Science Through Community Engagement: Lessons from the South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center

Session:

Presenting Author:

Dolly Na-Yemeh

Authors:

Na-Yemeh, Dolly¹, Tomer, Marina², Winn, Codie³

(1) University of Oklahoma, South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center, NORMAN, Oklahoma, USA, (2) University of Oklahoma, Department of Geography and Environmental Sustainability, Norman, Oklahoma, USA, (3) University of Oklahoma, The National Weather Center, College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences, NORMAN, Oklahoma, USA,

Abstract:

The South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center (South Central CASC) has, for over a decade, partnered directly with natural and cultural resource managers and community stakeholders across Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Louisiana to co-produce climate science that informs sustainability and resilience planning. By embedding full-time boundary spanners within both research and management organizations, the Center bridges gaps between scientists, decision-makers, and local communities, ensuring that data on water resources, land use, and climate impacts are not only generated but also tailored to real-world needs. We reflect on the Center’s iterative, trans-disciplinary engagement process—from collaboratively identifying regional climate information needs to integrating results into on-the-ground adaptation actions and sharing best practices for sustaining inclusive partnerships. Our findings highlight the pivotal role of dedicated relationship managers in enhancing the usability of climate information, advancing environmental justice, and strengthening community resilience. Looking ahead, boundary-spanning roles can be expanded to address emerging challenges in energy, air quality, and land management, thereby advancing actionable science that drives sustainable outcomes, particularly for underserved communities in the South-Central U.S.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 57, No. 6, 2025

doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-5044