Climate change is poised to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events – such as tornadoes, flooding, drought, and snowstorms – which may damage buildings and other structures, cause economic hardship, disrupt plant and wildlife communities, and endanger people’s physical and emotional health.
The purpose of this project was to enhance the knowledge of local tribal environmental professionals in Oklahoma related to planning for extreme weather events as a result of climate change. Researchers hosted a one-day workshop at the University of Oklahoma (OU) that was attended by professionals representing at least five tribes, as well as interdisciplinary scholars and students engaged in climate change research. Participants were provided with background information on climate change, led through a simple process for identifying their community’s vulnerabilities, and pointed toward data sources available to support planning efforts.
This workshop was a vital part of increasing local tribes’ knowledge regarding planning for climate change. In addition, Division of Regional and City Planning faculty and students were introduced to tribal communities’ planning needs related to climate change. The workshop was used to leverage funding from the Bureau of Indian Affairs for OU’s Planning Division to work with five tribes (Citizen Potawatomie Nation, Kaw Nation, Otoe-Missouria Tribe, Fort Sill Apache Nation, and Wichita and Affiliated Tribes) interested in pursuing a deeper understanding of the potential impacts of climate change on their communities and lands.
