Engage Community Partners in Climate-Relevant Research

This initiative proposes to broaden and incentivize community engagement and transdisciplinary approaches to climate-related research, including climate mitigation, adaptation, sustainability, communication of climate risks, resilience, and environmental justice. By leveraging existing resources and partnerships, the University of Arizona aims to enhance student and faculty involvement with community partners to address climate issues effectively. This initiative seeks to build on the university's leadership in climate research by expanding partnerships with NGOs and public and private entities, ensuring reciprocal and long-term community benefits. Actionable items include:

• Provide mandatory training for researchers on effective community engagement and best practices, incorporating these into undergraduate training and mentoring programs.
• Increase and retool funding for graduate students, faculty, and community partners to support climate-related community engagement.
• Leverage current internship programs and partnership opportunities to enhance their impact and foster new community connections.
• Develop coordinated outreach efforts, such as events and workshops, to raise awareness of climate-related research and build stronger community partnerships.
• Establish awards to celebrate exemplary work in community engagement on climate issues, recognizing both researchers and community partners with financial rewards.