WCS Climate Adaptation Fund

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Climate change poses problems. We fund solutions.

The WCS Climate Adaptation Fund provides grant awards to conservation non-profits across the United States to catalyze innovative, science-driven projects responding to the impacts of climate change on wildlife and people.

Photo:S Pavone

We have awarded over $24 million to 123 adaptation projects across 48 States, Commonwealths, Territories, and Tribal Lands.

Our grant partners implement ground breaking, science based projects, using traditional and new conservation tools applied in strategic ways to help wildlife and ecosystems adapt to a range of climate impacts. Learn more about the projects supported on the interactive map below.

Climate Adaptation Fund Projects are:

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Explore our Map of Projects by Ecosystem Type and Climate Challenge

See the color-coded key for climate challenge type.
Click the filter buttons to filter by ecosystem type.
Use the search bar to search the portfolio of projects.
See a full project list and their pages HERE.

Climate Challenges

Hydrological Changes

Effects on Habitat & Species

Rising Seas

Human Responses

Bigger and Hotter Fires

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Managing Risks to Conservation Investments: A Practical Guide for Funders

Managing Risks to Conservation Investments: A Practical Guide for Funders

Read the report

The Sights and Sounds of Climate Adaptation in Action

The Sights and Sounds of Climate Adaptation in Action

Explore funded adaptation projects through film and learn more about the Fund and adaptation from our podcasts and Tedx Talk!

New published science from the Fund

New published science from the Fund

Two new resources - the 5Ws framework and R-R-T classification - to help with climate-informed conservation planning.

Read the papers here.

The WCS Climate Adaptation Fund: proudly supporting innovative actions to address the impacts of climate change since 2011

In this season of extreme temps and #wildfire, check out our blog on three adaptation strategies that work: @mongabay https://news.mongabay.com/2019/11/in-a-season-of-wildfire-three-strategies-that-work-commentary/

The Chickasaw Nation’s tribal territory has high #biodiversity and resilience, making it a strategic #conservation location. To ensure this landscape remains resilient in the face of climate change, TNC OK will use prescribed fire and promote c

With climate change driving hotter temps across the US, many areas are looking at an increased risk of drought and fires. For real, tested solutions to these threats, check out our project map and explore projects across different ecosystems/geograph

Did you see our summer newsletter? A lot has happened with the Fund so far this year! https://mailchi.mp/wcs/caf-summer-newsletter

For updates like this, be sure to subscribe to our email list and continue following us at @WCSAdapts.

In the US, pine rockland ecosystems are found only in the southernmost part of FL, and 80% of these ecosystems are vulnerable to climate-driven sea-level rise.

Our 2020 grant partner, @nababutterfly is restoring connectivity between pine rockland p

Our 2020 grant partner Borderlands Restoration Network is working in one of the remaining migratory wildlife corridors between the U.S. and Mexico. They are installing erosion control structures and revegetating native plant communities, to recharge

Southwest CO's Mancos River supports riparian ecosystems, and the livelihoods and Indigenous lands of over 4,000 people. However, this river is vulnerable to climate-driven drought. @mountainstudiesinstitute along w/ the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe is wor

Bringing climate adaptation to scale requires a well-developed strategic communications plan. Don't know where to start? Our website has a guide to help you out! https://www.wcsclimateadaptationfund.org/strategic-communications

Have you read our recent 5Ws paper? It introduces a framework to make #conservation and nature-based solutions more resilient to #climatechange, drawing on lessons learned from a decade of funding over 100 projects. Read it here: #nbs https://conbio.

California islands are scarce, have high endemism, and serve as a refuge for 17 species of seabirds. However, #climatechange and high temperatures are threatening their survival. @oikonos_org is providing 185 durable, climate-resilient nests for seab

As #drought impacts the West, we hope lessons can be drawn from projects that have dealt with this climate impact.

Our project with @WWF improved water retention in the Big Bend region of TX by reconnecting the Rio Grande with its floodplain. Learn

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