Feds to establish seven regional climate hubs to assist and inform farmers during disasters

The Obama administration has announced the creation of seven climate hubs and two sub-hubs spread out regionally across the U.S. and one in Puerto Rico to help farmers during disasters. "The hubs will provide information about ways producers can prepare for potential threats to their crops and livestock as parts of the country are experiencing increasing severe weather events and pest invasions, which scientists have tied to the effects of climate change," David Nakamura reports for The Washington Post. "And they will coordinate resources through federal and state governments, universities and non-governmental agencies."

"The announcement is part of President Obama's post-State of the Union push to build public support for his initiatives, including a series of executive actions aimed at advancing his agenda in areas where he has not gotten much cooperation from Congress," Nakamura writes. Climate hubs and sub-hubs will be located in Ames, Iowa; Houghton, Mich.; Durham, N.H.; Raleigh, N.C.; Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico; Fort Collins, Colo.; El Reno, Okla.; Corvallis, Ore.; and Las Cruces, N.M. (Read more)