Scientific assessments are essential tools for linking science and decision making. They survey and synthesize science, within and between disciplines and across sectors and regions. They highlight key knowledge that can improve policy choices and identify significant gaps that can limit effective decision making. Assessments also track progress by identifying changes in the condition of the Earth, changes in human response, and advances in science over time.
Today, delivering on a legal mandate and the President’s Climate Action Plan, the U.S. Global Change Research Program released the 3rd National Climate Assessment. The report, only available digitally, can be found at http://nca2014.globalchange.gov/
- Informs the Nation about observed changes, the current status of the climate, and anticipated trends for the
future;
- Integrates scientific information from multiple sources and sectors to highlight key findings and significant gaps in knowledge;
- Establishes consistent methods for evaluating climate impacts in the United States in the context of broader global change; and
- Is used by the U.S. Government, citizens, communities, and businesses as they create more sustainable and environmentally sound plans for the future.
From the report: “It is important that these findings and response options be shared broadly to inform citizens and communities across our nation. Climate change presents a major challenge for society. This report advances our understanding of that challenge and the need for the American people to prepare for and respond to its far-reaching implications.”