US Government Launches Climate Mapping Website

The Biden administration has introduced a new website designed to help communities understand climate-related hazards in their areas.

The Climate Mapping for Resilience and Adaptation tool features a map showing both climate and non-climate data. It can also give users insights into past, present and future climate conditions and severe climate exposure risks.

CMRA can help federal, state, local and tribal governments, as well as non-profit organizations, in creating emergency preparedness plans. The tool can also be used to support federal investments and federal grant programs for climate resilience efforts.

The platform was launched in partnership with the Department of the Interior and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Department of Commerce said.

According to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, the tool combines climate data and climate hazard information with other resources to help improve funding for resilience and adaptation projects.

Entities that want to apply for grants can use CMRA to ensure that their projects have accounted for current and future climate-related hazards. Prospective grant applicants can also use the tool to guarantee that their projects equitably and inclusively reduce risks.

The tool was developed by Esri, a software company that provides geographic information systems. The development was co-funded by NOAA and the Interior Department using 2022 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding.