New Scientific Collection on Climate Change Amid National Assessment Concerns
In response to the recent dismissal of nearly 400 scientists involved in the preparation of the National Climate Assessment, two prominent scientific organizations have announced a groundbreaking initiative to compile a special collection focused on climate change research in the United States.
Organizations Involved
The American Geophysical Union (AGU), the world’s largest association for earth and space scientists, and the American Meteorological Society (AMS), which represents professionals in atmospheric and related sciences, are spearheading this effort. They emphasize that this new collection aims to complement, rather than replace, the National Climate Assessment.
The National Climate Assessment
Legally mandated under the Global Change Research Act of 1990, the National Climate Assessment is a comprehensive report released every four years, summarizing climate change impacts in the U.S. The sixth edition is slated for publication in 2027, but the recent changes in its scientific team raise concerns about its breadth and depth.
Expert Perspectives
David Stensrud, president of AMS, highlighted the importance of the National Climate Assessment, describing it as essential for decision-making processes across government and industry. He stated, “It’s vital to support and help expand this collaborative scientific effort to benefit the U.S. and the world.”
Collection Details and Objectives
According to a joint statement from the AGU and AMS, the new initiative will involve a range of scientific papers submitted by researchers. The collection will specifically focus on various aspects of climate change affecting the U.S., forming a critical resource for understanding and addressing this global challenge.
Brandon Jones, president of AGU, noted, “This collaboration provides a critical pathway for a wide range of researchers to come together and provide the science needed to support the global enterprise pursuing solutions to climate change.” Authors previously engaged in the National Climate Assessment are encouraged to contribute their insights and findings.
Timeline and Publication Process
While the AGU and AMS anticipate a gradual compilation of research, they have yet to establish a definitive timeline for publication. The rigorous peer-review process required for each submission is expected to prolong the overall completion of the collection, potentially taking several months or even years.
Conclusion
This initiative signals a proactive response to the gaps created by recent changes within the National Climate Assessment team. As preparations for the upcoming edition continue, the AGU and AMS aim to ensure that crucial scientific insights into climate change remain accessible to policymakers, researchers, and the general public.