Advancing the Science of Climate Change

Climate change is occurring, is caused largely by human activities, and poses significant risks for—and in many cases is already affecting—a broad range of human and natural systems. The compelling case for these conclusions is provided in Advancing the Science of Climate Change, part of a congressionally requested suite of studies known as America's Climate Choices. While noting that there is always more to learn and that the scientific process is never closed, the book shows that hypotheses about climate change are supported by multiple lines of evidence and have stood firm in the face of serious debate and careful evaluation of alternative explanations. As decision makers respond to these risks, the nation's scientific enterprise can contribute through research that improves understanding of the causes and consequences of climate change and also is useful to decision makers at the local, regional, national, and international levels. The book identifies decisions being made in 12 sectors, ranging from agriculture to transportation, to identify decisions being made in response to climate change. Advancing the Science of Climate Change calls for a single federal entity or program to coordinate a national, multidisciplinary research effort aimed at improving both understanding and responses to climate change. Seven cross-cutting research themes are identified to support this scientific enterprise. In addition, leaders of federal climate research should redouble efforts to deploy a comprehensive climate observing system, improve climate models and other analytical tools, invest in human capital, and improve linkages between research and decisions by forming partnerships with action-oriented programs. Table of ContentsFront MatterSummaryPart I1 Introduction: Science for Understanding and Responding to Climate Change2 What We Know About Climate Change and Its Interactions with People and Ecosystems3 A New Era of Climate Change Research4 Integrative Themes for Climate Change Research5 Recommendations for Meeting the Challenge of Climate Change ResearchPart II: Technical Chapters6 Changes in the Climate System7 Sea Level Rise and the Coastal Environment8 Freshwater Resources9 Ecosystems, Ecosystem Services, and Biodiversity10 Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Production11 Public Health12 Cities and the Built Environment13 Transportation14 Energy Supply and Use15 Solar Radiation Management16 National and Human Security17 Designing, Implementing, and Evaluating Climate PoliciesReferencesAppendix A: America's Climate Choices: Membership ListsAppendix B: Panel on Advancing the Science of Climate Change: Statement of TaskAppendix C: Panel on Advancing the Science of Climate Change: Biographical SketchesAppendix D: Uncertainty TerminologyAppendix E: The United States Global Change Research ProgramAppendix F: Geoengineering Options to Respond to Climate Change: Steps to Establish a Research AgendaAppendix G: Acronyms and Initialisms