US Climate Change Science ProgramIncorporating the US Global Change Research Program and the Climate Change Research Initiative

U.S. Climate Change Science ProgramU.S. Climate Change Science Program

Listening SessionListening Session

www.climatescience.gov

What is the U.S. Climate Change Science Program?

The U.S. Climate Change Science Program (CCSP) coordinates and integrates scientific research on climate change and global change across 13 participating agencies of the U.S. Government.

The program is mandated by the Global Change Research Act of 1990.

The CCSP facilitates the creation and application of knowledge of the Earth’s global environment through research, observations, decision support, and communication.

Program’s Goal: To empower the nation and global community by providing the scientific information and tools necessary to manage the risks and opportunities presented by changes in the climate and other environmental systems.

Climate Change Impacts: Making a Difference

Most Alaskan Glaciers Retreating, Thinning, Or Stagnating

Science Daily (Oct. 6, 2008) — Most glaciers in every mountain range and island group in Alaska are experiencing significant retreat, thinning or stagnation, especially glaciers at lower elevations, according to a new book published by the U.S. Geological Survey. In places, these changes began as early as the middle of the 18th century.

Climate Change Impacts: Making a Difference

Listening Session Objectives

• Primary Objective: – To engage stakeholders to inform the federal government’s strategic

planning of climate change research activities.

• Secondary Objectives:– Inform stakeholders about the federal climate science program and its

strategic planning process.– Generate a list of stakeholders with an interest in CCSP for information

sharing and ongoing interactions.

Discussion Questions

What can an interagency federal climate program offer to better meet your climate science and information needs?

What climate-related decisions are you involved in?• For what decisions is the needed climate information not yet available?• What is preventing you from obtaining or using the information?

How can CCSP research better inform decision making on both mitigation and adaptation?

Are scientific assessments related to climate change valuable to you?

What delivery mechanisms are important to you in getting science information incorporated into your climate change decision making?

Discussion Questions

What are the biggest research gaps?

What types of research are needed to better inform decisions related to mitigation and adaptation?

What are your highest priority observational/measurement needs:• for your research?• to support decision making?

What are the greatest future research and modeling opportunities?

US C

limat

e Ch

ange

Scie

nce

Prog

ram

Inco

rpor

atin

g th

e U

S G

loba

l Cha

nge

Res

earc

h Pr

ogra

m a

nd th

e C

limat

e C

hang

e R

esea

rch

Initi

ativ

e

You may also provide written comments toYou may also provide written comments toinput@usgcrp.govinput@usgcrp.gov