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Paper published in the journal Water by EDF scientists reviews the evidence that implementing natural infrastructure in upstream agricultural landscapes could improve water quality and reduce flood risk for downstream communities, and identifies a suite of natural infrastructure measures that provide the greatest benefits.

This post is authored by Kjellen Belcher, Senior Analyst for U.S. Climate at EDF. This past summer, the Pacific Northwest endured record-breaking high temperatures, with Portland reaching 116 degrees F. Hundreds of Oregonians are still reeling from the wildfires of 2020 —  one of the most destructive seasons on record for Oregon. And a new …

EDF seeks to identify effective and equitable energy solutions that can bring clean, community-centered electricity to Puerto Rico and can meet the daily needs of residents, while making the archipelago more resilient to climate change.

Statement by Will McDow, Director, Climate Resilient Coasts and Watersheds, Environmental Defense Fund

EDF report focuses on groundwater conservation districts and the regulatory tools that are available to these districts to manage groundwater sustainably.

EDF and nearly 100 organizations send a call to action urging the Corps to usher in a new era of comprehensive and nature-based flood risk reduction.

A new report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) provides insight into how to do that, showing that natural infrastructure can save hundreds of billions of dollars annually in climate adaptation costs, while delivering the same or better outcomes as traditional, hardened infrastructure. The post Natural infrastructure can address growing climate impacts and save hundreds of billions of dollars annually in the process first appeared on Growing Returns.

Many have established Chief Resilience Officers to provide coordinated statewide leadership to reduce risks, protect communities, and the environment.

This report is the result of an EDF-led collaboration that included active CROs as well as officials from states that have been exploring creating a CRO. In addition to recommendations for establishing and supporting these positions, the roadmap outlines how the role of CRO originated and how states have established these positions over time.

It’s critical we prepare now to capture and store water during shorter, intense wet periods so that more water is available during the inevitable increasingly severe drought years ahead. The post Capturing water from atmospheric rivers will help build drought resilience in California. Here’s how. first appeared on Growing Returns.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers just released their “International Guidelines on the use of Natural and Nature-Based Features (NNBF) for Flood Risk Management.” Here’s why that’s a big deal. The post New Army Corps guidelines will expand natural infrastructure to reduce flood risk and more first appeared on Growing Returns.

This new platform from EDF, NASA, Desert Research Institute, Google and others helps farmers figure out how to get as much as they can out of every drop of water.

Here's how Virginia can make flood resilience a reality. The post 3 ways Virginia can continue to advance flood resilience statewide first appeared on Growing Returns.

EDF partnered with Cooperative Extension at North Carolina A&T State University to study the financial impacts of climate resilience on farms in North Carolina.

Gov. Gavin Newsom approved a budget in SB 170 that dedicates $50 million for a new land repurposing program to help farmers reduce groundwater use.

To tackle 21st century water challenges, we need new skills. The Water Leadership Institute can help. The post Developing rural water leaders as drought and water scarcity intensify first appeared on Growing Returns.

Here's how New York and New Jersey can prepare for future hurricanes. The post 3 ways New York and New Jersey can address flooding in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida first appeared on Growing Returns.

A report released by a subcommittee of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission examines the threat that increasingly extreme and volatile weather poses to the stability of financial markets, including U.S. agricultural markets. Representatives from EDF served on the 35-member panel.

Let’s choose to pursue a just transition to a river basin with less water. The post Climate change is destabilizing the Colorado River Basin. Where do we go from here? first appeared on Growing Returns.

A new EDF report outlines common ground among diverse groundwater stakeholders in Texas. The post 5 principles for resilient groundwater management in Texas first appeared on Growing Returns.

How state revolving loan funds can finance natural infrastructure projects quickly to reduce climate risk. The post 5 ways FEMA and states can leverage financial tools to build resilience, fast first appeared on Growing Returns.

This report was prepared to assist Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) in providing recommendations to FEMA about how a new loan program resulting from the Safeguarding Tomorrow through Ongoing Risk Mitigation (STORM) Act can be structured to encourage nature-based solutions.

How Aaron Fukuda is taking action to keep groundwater sustainable in this region of California. The post As drought intensifies, this California water manager is testing new tools to help farmers, communities and wildlife first appeared on Growing Returns.

How policymakers and coastal planners can expand access to flood protection and achieve more equitable results for coastal communities. The post 5 ways federal policymakers can bring equity into flood risk reduction first appeared on Growing Returns.

Letter to OMB Acting Director Shalanda Young for advancing equity and support for underserved communities.