Scientific Assessment

See also:
Press Release (dtd 29 May, 2008)

This national scientific assessment integrates, evaluates, and interprets the findings of the U.S. Climate Change Science Program (CCSP) and draws from and synthesizes findings from previous assessments of the science, including CCSP Synthesis and Assessment Products and reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). It analyzes the effects of global change on natural and human environments, agriculture, water resources, social systems, energy production and use, transportation, and human health. It analyzes current trends in global change, both natural and human-induced, and it projects major trends for the future. It is intended to help inform discussion of the relevant issues by decisionmakers, stakeholders, and the public. As such, this report addresses the requirements for assessment in the Global Change Research Act of 1990. See also Fact Sheet [pdf].

Expert Review

This scientific assessment was reviewed in draft form by individuals chosen for their breadth of perspective and technical expertise. The purpose of the independent review was to provide candid and critical comments that helped ensure the scientific soundness of the published report. The review comments remain confidential to protect the integrity of the deliberative process. See also expert review criteria. The following individuals are thanked for their review of this report:

Eric Barron, University of Texas, Austin
Sally Benson, Stanford University
Leon Clarke, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Randall Crane, University of California, Los Angeles
Andrew Dessler, Texas A&M University
William Emanuel, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
Marvin Geller, Stony Brook University
Jennifer Hayes, U.S. Forest Service
Gabrielle Hegerl, University of Edinburgh
Jeremy Hess, Emory University
Katherine Jacobs, Arizona Water Institute
Ashby Johnson, Houston-Galveston Area Council
Jay Lawrimore, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Thomas Lovejoy, Heinz Center
Robert Webb, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Warren Wiscombe, National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Scientific Assessment of the Effects of Global Change on the United States
[pdf]