Representing Climate Adaptation Professionals in Congress

By: Beth Gibbons, ASAP Executive Director

On April 14 Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-12) invited me to testify before the House Committee on Science, Space & Technology. Speaking alongside three other experts, my role was to share expert insights on the needs of climate adaptation professionals, recent advances in the adaptation field, and what our community of professionals needs from the federal government today. Preparing to deliver this testimony gave me a unique opportunity to reflect on where we are as a community of professionals and to appreciate how much work we have accomplished in the past several years, often with very few resources.

More than anything I wanted to insist that Congress take to heart, mind, and budget the experience and advice of adaptation professionals and frontline communities who are practicing and improving adaptation and resilience practice everyday.

My testimony highlighted the progress we have made forming standards and values for our field; the importance of networks as vehicles for two-way communication between communities and federal agencies; and some of the notable trends emerging in the adaptation field.

Testifying on behalf of our community of adaptation professionals is one of the greatest honors I have received in my career. I hope to have many more opportunities like this one in the future and I look forward to continuing to advocate for the needs of communities and professionals who are facing climate risks head-on and building just and equitable climate solutions across North America.

Watch the full hearing including expert testimony from Richard Moss, PhD, Liz Williams Russell, Jeff Basara, PhD

Read the full testimony from Beth Gibbons & Richard Moss:
Beth Gibbons Testimony
Richard Moss, PhD Testimony