our work
Advising on Policy
Spearheaded by the the Network’s Policy Working Group, the Network informs the implementation of state adaptation policy, keeps the full Network up to date about relevant state and federal policy developments, and develops thought leadership on opportunities for future policy.
identifying Best Practices
The Network envisions investing in climate infrastructure that utilizes natural and built systems that allow our communities and ecosystems to function in the face of future conditions while protecting and prioritizing the needs of vulnerable people and places. We work to highlight best practices of adaptation strategies to help scale and replicate across New York State.
Cultivating Collaborations
The Network brings together climate adaptation practitioners across disciplines to build relationships and cultivate collaboration and coordination, reducing redundancies and learning from each other. Together, we are growing a statewide community of practice committed to advancing equitable, effective climate adaptation.
THE NYS ADAPTATION & INNOVATION AWARDS
In 2025, the New York State Adaptation Practitioners Network teamed up with partners to launch the NYS Adaptation & Innovation Awards. The awards are part of our work to support collaboration, build skills, and promote effective strategies for climate adaptation. Our goal is to inspire communities across New York State to create resilient infrastructure that improves quality of life by reducing risks, enhancing public spaces, and supporting community well-being. Learn More>>>
INFORMING NYS ADAPTATION PLANNING & POLICY
New York State is developing its first-ever statewide Adaptation and Resilience Plan, an important opportunity to shape how communities across the state prepare for climate impacts, protect critical infrastructure and ecosystems, and build a more resilient future. At our Fall Convening, we hosted a session designed to help re-energize practitioners and kick start this process, inviting environmental sociologist Ankit Bhardwaj to share research and lessons learned from sub-national climate planning efforts around the world. Participants explored successful engagement strategies and case studies that demonstrated how inclusive, action-oriented planning can lead to stronger outcomes for communities, local economies, and long-term resilience. These conversations set the stage for rich small-group discussions that generated ideas and recommendations to help inform New York State’s Adaptation and Resilience Plan. The Network continues to work closely with state agencies to play an ongoing role in the plan’s development and help ensure it reflects the needs, expertise, and experiences of practitioners across New York.