Agricultural and natural resource managers need climate information at the regional and local levels to address short- and long-term challenges posed by variable and changing climate. Risks posed by climate variability would include hurricanes, drought, floods, freezes, heat stress, and wild fires. Risks posed by climate change, include changes in the frequency and intensity of extreme events, sea level rise, and agricultural emissions of greenhouse gases. In addition to risks, climate change offers new economic opportunities for agricultural and natural resource managers, such as bio-fuel production and carbon sequestration.

Because of the complex interplay between agricultural and natural resource vulnerabilities, risks, and opportunities, solutions will depend on integrated research, teaching, and extension programs, with decision-makers and other stakeholders included as partners in these programs. We will need new educational curricula, new research programs, and new communications tools to provide information that decision makers can use to manage risks and benefit from new opportunities.

To help us prepare for these challenges, CIMR will address three objectives:

• To provide a forum for climate professionals and agricultural and natural resource managers to share knowledge, experiences, and ideas.

• To identify priorities and plan strategies for future climate research, education, and outreach that will enable universities, agencies, and organizations to provide climate information for decision makers in agriculture and natural resource management.

• To explore opportunities and needs for developing climate information and decision support systems, as well as how to downscale and apply global climate information at both regional and local levels.