Matrix completed a Resilience Threat Assessment for the Fort Huachuca Joint Resource Use Study. As part of this assessment, Matrix developed a Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment Matrix that aligns Army climate change hazard indicators with predicted climate change and extreme weather events for the study region, cross-referenced against Army mission resiliency categories: 1) Operations, Training, Testing and Readiness; 2) Facilities and Infrastructure; 3) Environment, Environmental Compliance; and Conservation; and 4) Acquisition and Supply Chain.
This risk assessment leveraged the most recent scientific climate literature, analyses, and predicted, quantifiable changes to identify specific anticipated regional climate impacts to Fort Huachuca. Using this method, Matrix identified the frequency, magnitude, and probability of risk for each category of climate change and extreme weather event and assessed the most likely future impacts.
Matrix used the latest geospatial mapping techniques and data to illustrate the spatial distribution of climate change vulnerabilities. For the Fort Huachuca JRUS, Matrix developed raster-based maps showing increased desertification and increased wildland fire risks.
This assessment provides the complete understanding of assessed vulnerabilities needed for Fort Huachuca stakeholders to develop an installation resiliency strategy that identifies preparedness, planning, regulatory, and physical measures that can reduce both the probability and severity of climate change and extreme weather impacts. These strategies will be incorporated into a community implementation action plan to inform military, community, and state leaders regarding identified vulnerabilities so they can strategically enhance emergency response capabilities, identify short- and long-term capital improvement plans, leverage natural infrastructure, and define organizational equities and responsibilities.