NEW HAMPSHIRE — Just over a decade ago, the USDA climate hubs were announced. I happened to be in the room where the Northeast Climate Hub would be hosted. On a detail with the Northern Research Station at the time, I was seeking a new opportunity after 17 years with the National Forest System. Hearing that the Northeast Climate Hub would need some help, I jumped at the chance. Along with Director Dave Hollinger and Co-Director Lindsey Rustad, our thus far forestry-focused careers were about to pivot with the new challenge ahead of us. Together, we set out with a mission to deliver usable science to meet the needs of both forestry and agricultural producers as they deal with intensifying climate change.  

Regional hubs for risk adaptation and mitigation to climate change were created to address the risks posed by climate change to working lands. First named in President Obama’s Climate Action Plan, the establishment of these climate hubs showed progress in maintaining productivity through the delivery of science-based knowledge to forest landowners, natural resource managers, ranchers and farmers, helping them understand and prepare for the effects of climate change. The climate hubs were established to support decision-making on working lands.  

Recognizing the importance of using evidence-based decision support and leveraging available strengths, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack embedded the ten regional climate hubs within research-focused agencies throughout USDA. Forest Service Research and Development and the Agricultural Research Service was one of those agencies. In the Northeast, we quickly built our regional team with leadership from both ARS and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. NRCS has a long history of making science usable for foresters and agricultural producers.  

The priority for the Northeast Climate Hub —and my first task as coordinator— involved developing connections and partnerships. In the first year, we identified key people at the Northeast Land Grant Colleges and Universities who were already working with forest producers and farmers to address challenges they faced, including the changing climate. The decade-long relationship these connections formed served as the backbone to the Northeast Climate Hub’s work.  

With a background in natural resources planning and management in the national forests, I embraced our role in providing resources to USDA agencies and partners. A few forest-centric examples include The Pulse, Sightline and Mapping Saltwater Intrusion. Our approach begins with identifying the need for information from the perspective of our audience, then co-developing methods and creating tools to support decision-making. Overall, the climate hubs offer a departmentwide, science-based perspective on addressing climate related issues.

Over the years, while our priorities have shifted and expanded, our mission has stayed true. We work across USDA and with partners toward building our vision of healthy forests, robust agriculture and resilient communities. As we increase our understanding of regional vulnerabilities and adaptation strategies, we continue developing science-based solutions. This approach is leading to changes in the way working lands are managed. As decisions become more informed by climate science, the outcome is increased resiliency and productivity on our landscapes. Climate mitigation—reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing carbon sequestration—has always been part of the climate hub’s mission. This work will increase in the coming years as the Inflation Reduction Act is implemented, helping more forest managers and agricultural producers adopt climate-smart practices.  

Two achievements stand out as I reflect on a decade of work—the team we built and our impact on climate resilience. In 2014, we had no full-time climate hub staff. And while it took most of the last ten years, our regional climate hub is now a collaborative cross-functional team of over 20 scientists and communication experts, composed of federal employees, fellows and partner-supported staff.  

The need for incorporating climate science and adaptation solutions into planning and management has grown, as the challenges related to climate change grow. A leading example of our work to deliver climate resilience information is through contributions to the Fourth and Fifth National Climate Assessments. These accessible and broadly read publications increase awareness about the impact of climate change to our regions and the sectors we care about. Our nation is making significant progress in line with the NCA, by actively developing and implementing strategies for climate adaptation and mitigation.  

The necessary work done by the climate hubs continues as we keep up with the increased workload and growing expectations from USDA, our partners and the people we serve. We feel honored that the climate hubs are acknowledged 250 times in USDA climate adaptation plans, a reminder that the responsibility to serve has increased. Climate change is a complex issue that needs an all-hands approach to find solutions. The climate hubs are well positioned to convene partners and to develop strategies to promote climate-informed decision-making. As a whole, we maintain resilience and flexibility to changing challenges and resources.  

By addressing climate change as a top priority of the administration and USDA, we are showing up for the assignment. As the climate hubs celebrate ten years of service, I reflect on what we have built and remain optimistic that the climate hubs are prepared for what lies ahead.