The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced on Thursday its collaboration with Climate Mayors, a network of nearly 350 mayors focused on local climate action, to enhance the use of climate data and expertise at the community level. This partnership is formalized through a five-year memorandum of understanding that aims to improve local access to climate science and resources.
As part of the agreement, NOAA will provide annual briefings to the leadership of Climate Mayors, offer local climate decision support services to its members, and collaborate on case studies related to climate resilience. This initiative comes in response to findings from the Fifth National Climate Assessment, which indicated that U.S. local governments are not adapting swiftly enough to the impending challenges presented by climate change.
Many local authorities are increasingly relying on scientific data to aid in their preparations for extreme weather events, often collaborating with tech firms like Google. Kate Wright, Executive Director of Climate Mayors, emphasized the importance of understanding climate science to develop effective solutions for cities facing climate change.
Under the terms of the agreement, NOAA is set to equip Climate Mayors with regional and local climate decision support services, offering vital information to assist communities in navigating extreme weather and climate-related challenges. Furthermore, NOAA will keep the group updated on climate tools and products pertinent to seasonal and high-impact events, while also briefing the leadership annually on various climate resources and opportunities.
In return, Climate Mayors will collaborate with NOAA to enhance the development and delivery of climate services, showcasing successful adaptation efforts, contributing to case studies, and promoting active engagement among its members in NOAA’s monitoring and evaluation initiatives.