Lead Scientist: Michael Humber
Associate Research Professor
Department of Geographical Sciences
Contact: mhumber@umd.edu
The Climate Resilience Network seeks to promote climate-resilient agriculture in Maryland. To do this, we developed the Maryland Climate Impact Dashboard to showcase (1) the potential effects of climate change on Maryland’s agriculture, (2) impacts of Maryland agriculture on the environment, and (3) other climate-related issues related to agricultural production in Maryland. The specific map components and analysis included in this app dashboard are based on the needs of the stakeholders as it was designed to support research-based decision-making.
The dashboard addresses climate impacts directly and provides analysis for related vulnerabilities. Specifically, the application provides insight into:
- Climate forecasts: Projections of future temperature and precipitation shifts to help users anticipate seasonal stresses on crops and adapt planting schedules accordingly
- Sea level rise & coastal flooding: Current and projected sea level rise and flooding extents across Maryland’s agricultural lands to pinpoint areas most at risk from inundation
- Erosion risk: Maps of soils most prone to erosion to support targeted conservation practices
- Groundwater vulnerability: Analysis of where groundwater supplies are most susceptible to salinization.
At the local level, the Maryland Climate Impact Dashboard empowers Maryland farmers and community stakeholders to make data-driven decisions. By integrating high-resolution maps of climate patterns, sea-level rise, tidal flooding, soil vulnerability, and land use change, the dashboard provides users with clear, timely insights into risks to fields and production, ensuring that resources are focused where they are most needed. Farmers can use this information to adjust planting/harvesting times or integrate sustainable farming practices. Local extension agents can use these tools to prioritize outreach and target areas for conservation. On the local level, county resilience works and other community planners can use this information to design protective measures for vulnerable coastal areas. On the national level and through the NASA Acres consortium, our satellite-based analytics help inform operational decisions relating to agriculture.