Chris Elfring, Director The National Academies Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate AMS PPPF...
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Transcript of Chris Elfring, Director The National Academies Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate AMS PPPF...
Chris Elfring, Director
The National Academies
Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate
AMS PPPFApril 22, 2009
The BASC Mission
conducts studies/workshops on emerging scientific and policy issues in response to specific requests from federal agencies and others;
provides program reviews, issue analysis, assessment of priorities; helps ensure that research efforts are responsive to national needs and
fosters application of that research; facilitates communication and collaboration among academia, industry,
and government; provides a forum to address atmospheric and climate research needs,
policy issues, and the provision of weather and climate services; assists U.S. participation in international research efforts in the
atmospheric and climate sciences.
… advance understanding of the earth's atmosphere and climate, and serve as a source for objective, independent advice to the federal government and others.
The Climate Research Committee
Provides focused oversight to NRC studies pertaining to climate;
Advises government agencies on matters pertaining to scientific aspects of climate and climate change;
Serves as the U.S. National Committee for the World Climate Research Program (WCRP) and maintains liaison with the WCRP;
Maintains coordination with relevant NRC entities with climate-related responsibilities; and
Takes the initiative to promote progress in climate research, such as by organizing meetings and workshops.
… is a standing committee under BASC – formed in 1981 to focus attention on those aspects of atmospheric, oceanic, and related research aimed at advancing understanding of climate variability and change.
Why the Academies? Independence (non-profit, non-government)
freedom to be critical Balance (range of perspectives represented; report is
based on consensus)expertise to evaluate and consider key issues
Objectivity (pro bono; conflict of interest procedures)freedom from financial consequences, undue bias
Quality (NRC oversight, external peer review)ensure that recommendations are well supported
Reputation (credibility, history, stature of participants)“the gold standard”
Each activity is conducted by a group of volunteer experts, selected for that specific task, and overseen by the National Research Council.
Criteria for Studies
some real impact (on science, an agency, or the nation) or contribute something unique
clearly stated objectives and a well-defined end product
appropriate for the NRC consensus approach and not better done by some other entity
we have access to the right individuals with the necessary expertise and willingness to participate
one or more sponsors have a demonstrated interest in the project
Sample BASC Studies
Type: Broad policy guidance to an agency
Origin: NSF-National Science Board
Process: Two phases to provide initial input and more detailed analysis
Example: Advice on Future Directions
Type: Independent view of science controversy
Origin: Congress Process: Fast track – 6
months (2 meetings, 1 a large public input event)
Example: Science Controversy
Example: Technical Focus
Type: Interface of science and technology
Origin: NASA, NOAA Process: Focused, fast-
track to give concrete guidance for decision-making
Example: Broad Issue of Interest
Type: Guidance to government with broader implications
Origin: NOAA Process: Regular “full” study
with multiple meetings, approximately 15 months
Example: Peer Review
Type: Provide Independent Peer Review a document (or program)
Origin: NOAA/CCSP Process: Focused, fast
track review (read, one meeting, write, and deliver
in 6 months)
Review of CCSP Synthesis and Assessment
Products
1.1, 5.2, 3.3, 3.2, 2.4, 1.3
Climate at the National Academies Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate (BASC) Climate Research Committee (CRC) Committee on the Human Dimensions of Global Change
(CHDGC) Space Studies Board (SSB) Ocean Studies Board (OSB) Polar Research Board (PRB) Water Science and Technology Board (WSTB) Board on Life Sciences (BLS) Institute of Medicine (IOM) Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources (BANR) Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology (BEST) Board on Energy and Environmental Studies (BEES) Transportation Research Board (TRB)
Examples of Non-BASC Climate Work
Informing Decisions in a
Changing Climate
Climate-Related Current Projects America’s Energy Future
The Importance of Deep-Time Geologic Records for Understanding Climate Change Impacts
Potential Energy Savings and Greenhouse Gas Reductions From Transportation
Relationships Among Development Patterns, Vehicle Miles Traveled, and Energy Consumption
Health, Environmental, and Other External Costs and Benefits of Energy Production and Consumption
Intra-seasonal to Inter-annual Climate Prediction and Predictability
Congressional Request
“…investigate and study the serious and sweeping issues relating to global climate change and make recommendations regarding what steps must be taken and what strategies must be adopted in response to global climate change, including the science and technology challenges thereof.”
The Department of Commerce Appropriations Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-161) calls for NOAA to execute an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences to establish a committee that will:
Key Aspects of Study Strategy
Q&A approach Future and action-oriented US focus, recognizing international context Emphasizes short-term / long-term timeframes Utilizes and builds on existing information Flexible/practical - each group to identify and target
important sectors/stakeholders, spatial scales, and decision makers for their questions
Policy relevant
Key Aspects of Study Strategy
Will produce 5 reports: 4 panel reports by late 2009-early 2010 1 final committee report by spring 2010
Special workshops held as needed to gather information or focus on specific topics (e.g., geo-engineering)
Suite of communication activities, including the Summit, a final Symposium, opportunities for input and feedback, study website, derivative products, & outreach activities
Goal: to inform decision makers at all levels and across the many sectors facing critical decisions related to climate change
Public-Focused Products Ecological Impacts of Climate Change Understanding and Responding to Climate Change What You Need to Know About Energy Earth Observations from Space CD Reports in Brief
Cost of Studies (1997-2007)
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
BASC and the AMS Community Interest in many similar
issues Engage many of the
same experts and stakeholders
Looking to have impact Looking to provide
leadership and scientific voice in decision making
Have different mechanisms for action
Sits within large, diverse organization
Fundamental constraint of providing advice “when asked”
Could AMS or PPPF ask for a BASC study?
Contact Information
Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate
The National Academies
500 Fifth Street NW
Washington DC 20001 [email protected]
www.nationalacademies.org/basc
(202) 334-3512