The Department of Commerce and Its Role in Climate Research |
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) comprise the Department of Commerce contribution to the USGCRP.
NOAA's missions are to understand and anticipate changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts; to publicly share that knowledge and information; and to conserve and manage marine resources. NOAA's world-class research and information services continually advance scientific understanding of climate variability and change, and their impacts on human and natural systems. In this way, the agency generates tremendous value for the nation and the world by imp roving society's ability to use its climate science data and
services make informed decisions. • Assessments of current and future states of the climate system that
identify potential impacts and inform science, service, and stewardship
decision; The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) comprise the U.S. Department of Commerce's contributions to the USGCRP. NIST provides measurements and standards that support accurate and reliable climate observations. NIST also performs calibrations and special tests of a wide range of instruments and techniques for accurate measurements. In FY 2009, NIST is included as a discrete element of the USGCRP cross-cut to enhance and provide specific measurement standards and perform research on advanced measurement capabilities of direct relevance to the program.
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