CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Climatologists from the Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) are partnering with the American Planning Association in a two-year project to assist five Illinois pilot communities in preparing for more frequent climate extremes using current weather and climate data.

The $300,000 project, “Incorporating Local Science to Help Communities Plan for Climate Extremes” is designed to better inform communities on how to use climate data in planning initiatives.  This knowledge helps to make communities more resilient to disasters, such as drought and flooding, and reduces the economic losses from these disasters.

Two of the five pilot communities in northeastern Illinois have been identified: the City of Berwyn and the Village of Richton Park, IL.  Planners and climatologists will work with these cities to incorporate climate data into planning efforts and create guidelines that other communities can use.

Illinois State Climatologist Jim Angel and Extension Climatologist Molly Woloszyn will offer their expertise to the project, providing technical and scientific information, and co-chair a technical advisory committee.  Other organizations involved in the project include the Midwestern Regional Climate Center, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning and the Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant Consortium. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration sponsors the grant.

When the project is completed, free online resources will be provided for identifying trustworthy climate data sources and incorporating climate data when planning community initiatives.