The resilience and adaptation action team

  • Studies how our changing climate may impact Minnesota communities
  • Pinpoints measures that will build capacity and prepare for extreme weather and other climate-change effects
  • Identifies policies and strategies to make Minnesota more resilience to climate change

If you or your organization would like to participate in this work, please reach out to our team contacts listed below.

We want to hear from you: share your ideas for climate solutions for natural and working lands using this online comment form.

 


Recent work

In 2020, the resiliency and adaptation action team held twelve listening sessions with partners and stakeholders about the policies and strategies would help make Minnesota more resilient to climate change. The team is focused equity in its recommendations and working closely with vulnerable populations to better prepare for climate change.

 


Background

The team has drafted seven climate initiatives to help prepare our communities and natural resources for climate change. Providing funding for resiliency is the team’s top initiative. Extreme rain events in Minnesota are more intense and more frequent than at any time on record, with devastating effects for homes, businesses, and local communities. Governor Walz has called for $2.9 million to help local and tribal governments assess vulnerabilities and adapt to climate change impacts.

 


Portrait of Katrina Kessler

Team chair

Katrina Kessler

Assistant Commissioner
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
katrina.kessler@state.mn.us   

 


Team lead

Sharon Stephens

Climate Resilience & Adaptation Coordinator
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
sharon.stephens@state.mn.us, 651-757-2172

 


Team members

  • 1854 Treaty Authority
  • Board of Soil & Water Resources
  • Department of Administration
  • Department of Agriculture
  • Department of Commerce
  • Department of Corrections
  • Department of Employment & Economic Development
  • Department of Health
  • Department of Labor & Industry
  • Department of Natural Resources
  • Department of Public Service
  • Department of Transportation
  • Hennepin County
  • Metropolitan Council
  • Housing Finance Agency
  • Pollution Control Agency