The not so distant past provides an example of environmental disaster that led to extreme societal and economic hardship. The combination of extreme weather and man-made technological advances and practices produced The Dust Bowl, a devastating scourge for countless communities across the Southern Plains.

Today, the climate is changing at an increasing rate and is putting communities at risk from climate hazards that impact the land, water, and quality of life for the region. Central Oklahoma communities are seeing extreme weather and heat, ice storms, flooding and drought, water quality and quantity concerns, and wildfires. Warming temperatures are worsening air pollution by elevating near-surface ozone levels. The Oklahoma City Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) is rapidly growing, and that growth is contributing to increases in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, resulting in accelerated climate change. Climate action for the region will rely on comprehensive planning and implementation strategies for mitigation (emissions reductions) and adaptation actions (strategies to reduce the impacts).