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Analysis of Global Change Assessments: Lessons Learned (2007)

Chapter: Appendix C Climate Change Science Program Synthesis and Assessment Products

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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C Climate Change Science Program Synthesis and Assessment Products." National Research Council. 2007. Analysis of Global Change Assessments: Lessons Learned. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/11868.
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C
Climate Change Science Program Synthesis and Assessment Products

In its 2003 strategic plan, the Climate Change Science Program (CCSP) identified 21 synthesis and assessment products that the program would produce (CCSP 2003). The products are listed below, organized by CCSP goals and with the federal agency leading each effort in parentheses.


CCSP GOAL 1 Extend knowledge of the Earth’s past and present climate and environment, including its natural variability, and improve understanding of the causes of observed changes

Product 1.1 Temperature trends in the lower atmosphere: steps for understanding and reconciling differences (NOAA)

Product 1.2 Past climate variability and change in the Arctic and at high latitudes (USGS)

Product 1.3 Reanalyses of historical climate data for key atmospheric features: implications for attribution of causes of observed change (NOAA)

CCSP GOAL 2 Improve quantification of the forces bringing about changes in the Earth’s climate and related systems

Product 2.1 Scenarios of greenhouse gas emissions and atmospheric concentrations and review of integrated scenario development and application (DOE)

Suggested Citation:"Appendix C Climate Change Science Program Synthesis and Assessment Products." National Research Council. 2007. Analysis of Global Change Assessments: Lessons Learned. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/11868.
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Product 2.2 North American carbon budget and implications for the global carbon cycle (NOAA)

Product 2.3 Aerosol properties and their impacts on climate (NASA)

Product 2.4 Trends in emissions of ozone-depleting substances, ozone layer recovery, and implications for ultraviolet radiation exposure and climate change (NOAA)

CCSP GOAL 3 Reduce uncertainty in projections of how the Earth’s climate and related systems may change in the future

Product 3.1 Climate models: an assessment of strengths and limitations for user applications (DOE)

Product 3.2 Climate projections for research and assessment based on emissions scenarios developed through the Climate Change Technology Program (NOAA)

Product 3.3 Climate extremes including documentation of current extremes: prospects for improving projections (NOAA)

Product 3.4 Risks of abrupt changes in global climate (USGS)

CCSP GOAL 4 Understand the sensitivity and adaptability of different natural and managed ecosystems and human systems to climate and related global changes

Product 4.1 Coastal elevation and sensitivity to sea-level rise (EPA)

Product 4.2 State of knowledge of thresholds of change that could lead to discontinuities (sudden changes) in some ecosystems and climate-sensitive resources (USGS)

Product 4.3 Analyses of the effects of global change on agriculture, biodiversity, land, and water resources (USDA)

Product 4.4 Preliminary review of adaptation options for climate-sensitive ecosystems and resources (EPA)

Product 4.5 Effects of global change on energy production and use (DOE)

Product 4.6 Analyses of the effects of global change on human health and welfare and human systems (EPA)

Product 4.7 Within the transportation sector, a summary of climate change and variability sensitivities, potential impacts, and response options (DOT)

CCSP GOAL 5 Explore the uses and identify the limits of evolving knowledge to manage risks and opportunities related to climate variability and change

Suggested Citation:"Appendix C Climate Change Science Program Synthesis and Assessment Products." National Research Council. 2007. Analysis of Global Change Assessments: Lessons Learned. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/11868.
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Product 5.1 Uses and limitations of observations, data, forecasts, and other projections in decision support for selected sectors and regions (NASA)

Product 5.2 Best-practice approaches for characterizing, communicating, and incorporating scientific uncertainty in decision making to be determined

Product 5.3 Decision-support experiments and evaluations using seasonal-to-interannual forecasts and observational data (NOAA)

Suggested Citation:"Appendix C Climate Change Science Program Synthesis and Assessment Products." National Research Council. 2007. Analysis of Global Change Assessments: Lessons Learned. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/11868.
×

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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C Climate Change Science Program Synthesis and Assessment Products." National Research Council. 2007. Analysis of Global Change Assessments: Lessons Learned. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/11868.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C Climate Change Science Program Synthesis and Assessment Products." National Research Council. 2007. Analysis of Global Change Assessments: Lessons Learned. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/11868.
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Page 160
Suggested Citation:"Appendix C Climate Change Science Program Synthesis and Assessment Products." National Research Council. 2007. Analysis of Global Change Assessments: Lessons Learned. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/11868.
×
Page 161
Suggested Citation:"Appendix C Climate Change Science Program Synthesis and Assessment Products." National Research Council. 2007. Analysis of Global Change Assessments: Lessons Learned. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/11868.
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Page 162
Next: Appendix D Climate Change Science Program Guidelines for Producing Its Synthesis and Assessment Products »
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Global change assessments inform decision makers about the scientific underpinnings of a range of environmental issues, such as climate change, stratospheric ozone depletion, and loss of biodiversity. Dozens of assessments have been conducted to date by various U.S. and international groups, many of them influencing public policies, technology development, and research directions. This report analyzes strengths and weaknesses of eight past assessments to inform future efforts. Common elements of effective assessments include strong leadership, extensive engagement with interested and affected parties, a transparent science-policy interface, and well defined communication strategies. The report identifies 11 essential elements of effective assessments and recommends that future assessments include decision support tools that make use of information at the regional and local level where decisions are made.

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