In 2021, we (UMCES-IAN) published the first-of-its kind assessment of climate adaptation in coastal communities. This document is the result of years of work with communities across the state to identify the greatest climate threats and biggest opportunities for resilience-building. It offers science-based recommendations for building adaptation to climate threats across Maryland’s coastal counties, and inspired the development of other, similar assessments.
By developing a suite of adaptation indicators and thresholds based on stakeholder expertise, the Coastal Adaptation Report Card provides a snapshot of the current adaptation status in Maryland’s coastal zone, and establishes a framework for measuring future progress. The report card features 15 indicators of adaptation and resilience to climate change, sorted into four categories. Overall, Maryland has a score of B- in coastal adaptation. Some indicators measured already meet, or are close to meeting, current adaptation goals, while others require significant investment to achieve adaptation goals.
To view the full report card, click here.
The Maryland Coastal Adaptation Report Card was developed in collaboration with the Adaptation and Resiliency Work Group (ARWG) of the Maryland Commission on Climate Change (MCCC) and University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Integration and Application Network (UMCES-IAN).
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