New Mexico EMNRD launches Climate Risk Map

Corn shows the affect of drought in Texas on Aug. 20, 2013. USDA photo by Bob Nichols. {Public Domain.}

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Susan Torres
Public Information Officer, EMNRD
susan.torres@state.nm.us
505-476-3226
June 17, 2021

Produced in partnership with UNM’s Earth Data Analysis Center (EDAC) the map shows environmental factors in different communities throughout New Mexico

Santa Fe, NM – The Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department’s (EMNRD) Energy
Conservation and Management Division (ECMD) announces the launch of the Climate Risk
Map, a new tool to provide New Mexicans with information about how climate change may
impact their community. Created in collaboration with The University of New Mexico, Earth
Data Analysis Center (EDAC), the free online map tells a robust story of how natural hazards
exacerbated by climate change and socioeconomic factors can contribute to communities’
overall climate risk.

“This administration is committed to acting on climate and promoting transparency,” said
EMNRD Cabinet Secretary Sarah Cottrell Propst. “The Climate Risk Map speaks to both of these
priorities by providing illuminating data in a user-friendly way that will give communities
resources to address areas that could be most at risk.”

The map was created by compiling environmental and health data from multiple state and
federal agencies along with census data into one user-friendly interactive map. Users can search by address and explore dozens of data layers that relate to five climate hazards—air quality, drought, flood, heat, and wildfire—and factors that may make communities more sensitive or better adapted to them. Users can also download a location-specific data report on everything from air quality to drought predictions to infrastructure threats for any county, tribal area, or city in New Mexico.

“The Climate Risk Map aims to show the real impact of a changing climate,” said ECMD
Director Louise Martinez. “We hope the map will be a useful tool to New Mexico communities
seeking to prepare for the effects of climate change, and to inspire action on mitigating its worst impacts.”

Dr. Shawn Penman with EDAC said, “The Climate Risk Map provides a localized picture of
future climate impacts across the New Mexico. I encourage you to take time to explore how
climate change will affect you at nmclimaterisk.org.”

The map comes with a user guide to show the public the functionality available within the site.
ECMD welcomes feedback on the map and is available to provide technical assistance to users.

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The Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department provides resource protection and renewable energy resource development services to the public and other state agencies.
http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us