2016 Great Lakes Adaptation Forum

This session would use the workgroup format to explore creation of a community of practice (CoP) to address hazards resilience and climate adaptation issues in the Great Lakes region. The CoP would connect scientists, outreach specialists, extension agents, and professional association staff with local and regional government officials to apply resilience and adaptation best practices. The session would explore the structure and benefits of a CoP and learn from the model of the successful Gulf of Mexico Climate Outreach CoP (http://masgc.org/climate-outreach-community-of-practice/summary). The Great Lakes Coastal Storms Program would support travel for a representative from the Gulf CoP to attend the Great Lakes Adaptation Forum and would seek additional travel support to add a community perspective from the Gulf. This would further an exchange where representatives from the Great Lakes attended the 2015 Gulf CoP in St. Pete Beach, FL. The desired outcome of the session would be increased collaboration on hazards resilience and climate adaptation in the Great Lakes region.