The Global Change Research Act of 1990 mandates that the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) deliver a report to Congress and the President no less than every four years that “1) integrates, evaluates, and interprets the findings of the Program…; 2) analyzes the effects of global change on the natural environment, agriculture, energy production and use, land and water resources, transportation, human health and welfare, human social systems, and biological diversity; and 3) analyzes current trends in global change, both human-induced and natural, and projects major trends for the subsequent 25 to 100 years.”

The Fifth National Climate Assessment (NCA5) fulfills that mandate through the documentation of observed and projected vulnerabilities, risks, and impacts associated with climate change across the United States as well as examples of climate adaptation and actions underway by Tribal Nations, states, municipalities, and communities.  The report covers the physical science behind climate change trends, specific impacts as well as adaptation actions across 10 regions and 24 national topics, including Tribes and Indigenous Peoples, Covid19 and Climate Change, the Blue Carbon Economy, Risks to Supply Chains, and Social Systems and Justice.

Fifth National Climate Assessment Home Page

USET Regions of Interest:

21. Northeast

22. Southeast

26. Southern Great Plains

Chapter Informational Webinars