|Assess the U.S. Climate|
Coming Soon: The Third National Climate Assessment
What are assessments?
Assessments are essential tools for linking science and decision making. They survey, integrate, and synthesize science, within and between scientific disciplines and across sectors and regions.
Why do we need assessments?Assessments support the critical analysis of issues, highlighting key knowledge that can improve policy choices and identifying significant gaps that can limit effective decision making. Assessment activities also track progress by identifying changes in the condition of the integrated Earth system over time, advances in the underlying science, and changes in human response.
What is the National Climate Assessment (NCA)?
Assessments have been integral components of USGCRP since its inception. Along with its strategic role as coordinator of Federal global change research, USGCRP is required by the Global Change Research Act of 1990 to conduct a National Climate Assessment (NCA). The NCA is an important resource for understanding and communicating climate change science and impacts in the United States. The Assessment:
When will the next National Climate Assessment be completed?
The next National Climate Assessment is scheduled to be completed in early 2014. Information about the current assessment can be found on this site by following the links below and in the sidebar.
The National Climate Assessment and Development Advisory Committee (NCADAC) has overseen the development of the draft Third National Climate Assessment report, engaging over 240 authors in its creation. Access the draft report here.
National Climate Assessment Quick Links
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