USDA Updates Climate Change Adaptation Policy

The USDA has announced additional steps it is taking to integrate climate change adaptation into the department’s programs and operations.

According to a statement issued by USDA, these efforts will help ensure taxpayer resources are invested wisely and that USDA services and operations remain effective under current and future climate conditions.

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The potential effects of climate change are complex and far-reaching and could impact the department’s ability to fulfill its core mission. USDA recognizes that climate stressors have consequences for food production, yields of staple crops, forests and grasslands. These, in turn, affect the economic well-being of individuals.

Under the announced changes, USDA will:

  • Integrate climate change adaptation planning, implementing actions, and performance metrics into USDA programs, policies and operations to minimize climate risks and exploit new opportunities that climate change may bring;
  • Analyze how climate change is likely to affect the department’s ability to achieve its mission, operations and policy and program objectives;
  • Identify appropriate key performance measures to evaluate progress in climate change adaptation;
  • Participate in adaptation implementation as part of a broader commitment to developing the next generation of regional climate solutions through USDA Regional Hubs for Risk Adaptation and Mitigation to Climate Change;
  • Incorporate climate-resilient decision making into international development programs and investments of relevant USDA agencies; and
  • Develop and maintain an adaptation plan for managing the challenges and consider potential climate change impacts when undertaking long-term exercise, setting priorities for scientific research and developing performance measures.

More information on USDA’s Climate Change activities can be found online.

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Source – USDA

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