The 7th National Adaptation Forum (Pittsburgh, PA) (May 12-14)
Each year, the National Adaptation Forum team develops special session topics to prioritize specific areas that are becoming increasingly imperative for the growth of the adaptation field. The 2026 Special Sessions for the National Adaptation Forum focus on priority issues that are increasingly important to advancing climate adaptation practice and policy. The sessions encourage proposals and discussions on ten key themes, including evaluating whether adaptation efforts are effective through monitoring and evaluation; addressing funding challenges for adaptation projects; integrating climate adaptation into public health systems; and managing climate-driven relocation ("managed retreat") in equitable ways. Additional topics emphasize motivating behavioral change for adaptation, improving collaboration across tribal, state, and local governments, addressing the unique needs of rural and island communities, protecting ecosystems and biodiversity, strengthening practitioner training and workforce development, and navigating shifting federal policies and political challenges affecting climate adaptation work. Together, these sessions aim to foster collaboration, share practical solutions, and strengthen the capacity of professionals working to build climate resilience across sectors and communities.