Frequently Asked Questions

The Search page allows a user to access all resources in the database, searchable by region, topic, resource type, planning phase, and agency. The Case Studies, Resource by Topic, and Tools & Data pages are shortcuts to curated searches based on the information of interest.

If you are embarking on climate adaptation and resiliency strategies for the first time, a good starting place to learn about adaptation activities is the online Adaptation Planning Guide (APG). The APG lays out a step-by step-process for community planning and provides introductory information on the goals, process, and considerations that come up when adapting to climate change.

If you are looking for examples of how others are planning to adapt to climate impacts, consider exploring the Case Studies section of the site. To dive into climate impact information and understand the data and climate science relevant to your region in California, consider exploring the resources in the Tools & Data section. Resources By Topic also provide introductory information on how climate change will impact different industries and natural resources, examples of different adaptations in those sectors, and state resources.

Another way to explore the resources on this site are to browse the searchable database of over 1000 resources from across California. Use the Search All Resources page to find resources specific to your needs based on location, climate impacts, planning phase, and more.

While this site is geared towards local and regional planning, it can be useful to anyone looking for resources relevant to adaptation and resiliency such as communication and educational materials. Additionally, the site includes examples in settings other than cities or regions such as schools, and in topics of interest such as agriculture, biodiversity and habitat, forests, etc.

If you have a suggestion for a resource, case study, or any other feedback for consideration to the ICARP team, please email climateservices@lci.ca.gov with any questions.

You may use the same link as mentioned above, or you may email climateservices@lci.ca.gov.

When you enter search terms into the search bar (i.e., "sea level rise plan"), the database queries the tags and descriptions assigned to each resource by OPR staff. The search bar is NOT conducting a full-text search across the resources.

The clearinghouse database was designed to provide users with a curated set of resources, relevant to specific questions or areas of need. During site-development, OPR found that providing a full-text search diluted the search results, diminishing the utility of the database. For example, full-text search results do not distinguish resources that included a search term once versus a resource that substantively addresses the topic. Future enhancements to the Adaptation Clearinghouse may include a full-text search option as an advanced search feature.

The filters correspond to the tags that are used to organize the resources in the database. Tags are assigned by knowledgeable staff after carefully reviewing each resource before it is entered into the database.

The Public Agencies filter enables a user to search for resources developed by Federal, State, Local, or Tribal governments.

Tags are keywords that are assigned to each resource. Tags are grouped into categories, such as “climate impact”, “topic”, and “resource type”, etc. As an example, the category “Topic” includes the tags “public health”, “transportation”, “water”, etc. The full back-end database includes 24 different categories, with over a hundred unique tags. Many of these categories are visible to users on the front end of the site, however all categories and tags are searchable using the “search bar” (see also search bar question above). Download the full list of categories and tags used in the database.