Adaptation Consulting with Tribal and Local government partners: A podcast discussion with Sascha Petersen of Adaptation International

In this episode of America Adapts, I talk with Sascha Petersen, founder and lead of Adaptation International, an Austin, Texas based consulting firm. Sascha talks about his experiences working on adaptation projects with local governments and tribal interests. Learn the nuances of dealing with adaptation with tribal communities and how those lessons could be applied elsewhere. We also discuss if the private sector world of adaptation is growing and what new opportunities exist for those seeking opportunities outside the government and non-governmental sector.  Sascha has a unique experience in becoming an adaptation professional and we discuss his journey through this process, especially how he pivoted from sustainability and mitigation, to working mainly in adaptation planning.  We also test out how one communicates adaptation in an environment like Texas (it involves a belt buckle and plenty of enthusiasm).  

We then pivot and talk about about Sascha’s experiences as the first Managing Director of the American Society of Adaptation Professionals. Learn the history of that group; why it was inevitable that the field of adaptation would need a professional society and also if things like adaptation certification are necessary. Finally, Sascha talks about his travels as ASAP director and all the interesting and inspiring people he got to meet working in the the field of adaptation.  Sascha shares a lot more insight on the field of adaptation and happens to be one of the emerging field’s most enthusiastic boosters. Have a listen to Sascha’s amazing adaptation journey.

Sascha has been working specifically on climate change for more than 10 years.  He was the first managing director of the American Society of Adaptation Professionals, a Lead Author for the Great Plains Region of the National Climate Assessment (2014), and  has worked with both climate scientists and municipal governments. He focuses on bridging the gaps between climate change science, policy, and action.

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