Adapting to Climate Change in the United States: What and How Are We Learning from Each Other?

Deborah A. Rudnick (), Carey Schafer, Lara J. Hansen and Jennifer Brousseau
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Deborah A. Rudnick: EcoAdapt, P.O. Box 11195, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, USA
Carey Schafer: EcoAdapt, P.O. Box 11195, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, USA
Lara J. Hansen: EcoAdapt, P.O. Box 11195, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, USA
Jennifer Brousseau: School of Marine and Environmental Programs, University of New England, 11 Hills Beach Road, Biddeford, ME 04005, USA

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 19, 1-19

Abstract: Climate adaptation convenings have emerged in the last decade to share knowledge and accelerate learning in the field. Convenings provide a wealth of information for understanding what issues are being researched and addressed, for evaluating what practices and key components of convenings are considered particularly valuable to practitioners, and for understanding where there are gaps in our knowledge or trends in learning that should be supported. We analyzed survey and attendance data from online and in-person climate convenings in the U.S. to assess perceived outcomes and future intentions, as well as explored thematic changes in sessions at in-person conferences. We performed descriptive analyses on survey and attendance data and conducted thematic analysis of sessions at in-person conferences. Both online and in-person formats achieved high levels of learning and satisfaction reported by respondents, but with higher connectivity and relationship building at in-person events. Topics addressed in forums showed small but meaningful shifts, as some areas of interest increased (e.g., social justice, nature-based solutions) while others decreased (e.g., decision-making tools, infrastructure) or showed variable responses. These trends and feedback provide a foundation for continuing to grow effective practices to support climate adaptation practitioners with the knowledge and opportunities for connection needed to advance the adaptation field.

Keywords: climate change; adaptation; online; conference; peer learning (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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