Preparing for Change

In the decades and century to come, we will experience extraordinary changes on our planet, with consequences that may dramatically change the way we live our lives. Reducing uncertainty, whether in predicting future climate, severe weather, or changes in ecosystems, requires scientific research to continuously improve our understanding of the Earth as an interdependent system of ocean, air, land, and living world.

NOAA’s Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, along with our partners, strengthens the science that underpins NOAA’s products and services. Whether improving warning lead times for tornadoes or hurricanes or understanding the response of ecosystems in a rapidly changing ocean environment, OAR’s preeminent research ultimately enables solutions that prevent loss of human life, improve management of natural resources, build understanding of the Earth-system, and strengthen the economy.

Research Highlights

The documents below (accessible via PDF--download the reader here) highlight NOAA's research:

Climate | Weather and Tsunami Forecasts | Public Health

Ocean-Climate | Economic Vitality | Education