What is the Second National Climate Assessment?
The Second National Climate Assessment, entitled Global Change Impacts in the United States, was published in 2009 and summarizes the science and the impacts of climate change on the U.S., now and in the future. It is largely based on results of the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP), and integrates those results with related research from around the world.
What are the objectives of this Assessment?
The Second National Climate Assessment focuses on climate change impacts in different regions of the U.S. and on various aspects of society and the economy such as energy, water, agriculture, and health. It is written in plain language, with the goal of better informing public and private decision making at all levels.
In addition to discussing the impacts of climate change in the U.S., the report also highlights the choices we face in response to human-induced climate change. The report provides many of the scientific underpinnings for effective decisions to be made – at the national and at the regional level.
Who is responsible for this Assessment?
The USGCRP called for this report. An expert team of scientists operating under the authority of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, assisted by communication specialists, wrote the document. The report was extensively reviewed and revised based on comments from experts and the public.
The report was approved by its lead USGCRP Agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the other USGCRP agencies, and the Committee on the Environment and Natural Resources on behalf of the National Science and Technology Council.b This report meets all Federal requirements associated with the Information Quality Act, including those pertaining to public comment and transparency. For information regarding USGCRP Scientific Assessments, please contact Emily Cloyd.
Assessment Products
Quick Links
An affiliated website was created specifically for the 2009 National Climate Assessment so that the report would be more accessible to a variety of interested readers.
Click on the links below to explore the 2009 National Climate Assessment website and to learn more about the findings, products, and authors of the report.
