The status of the National Climate Assessment — a key report mandated by Congress to evaluate climate change impacts across the United States — is in question, following recent developments within the agencies typically responsible for its production. It remains unclear who will take on the task of authoring the comprehensive scientific review, or whether the report will continue to be written at all.
The National Climate Assessment, prepared every four years, plays a crucial role in informing federal policy and public understanding of climate change’s effects on sectors such as agriculture, energy, health, and infrastructure. The report synthesizes input from federal scientists, academic researchers, and other stakeholders.
The uncertainty comes amid growing concerns about the politicization of climate science and changing priorities within key government agencies. Experts warn that delaying or disregarding the report could undermine national efforts to plan for and mitigate climate-related risks.
As of now, federal officials have not provided a timeline or leadership plan for the upcoming edition of the assessment. Advocates for climate transparency and policy are urging the Biden administration to clarify its commitment to continuing this vital resource.
The potential disruption to the National Climate Assessment raises broader concerns about the role of science in informing climate policy and the federal government’s capacity to respond to a rapidly changing environment.
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