The U. S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) is developing a new decadal strategic plan in compliance with the terms of the Global Change Research Act (GCRA) of 1990.  The plan, which will dictate the direction of the program from 2011-2020, will provide guidance to ensure that the USGCRP functions successfully around the new program priorities, which include adaptation science, climate services, integrated observations, fundamental research, modeling, Assessments, and communication, education, and engagement.  The goal of the new USGCRP strategy is to be a truly integrated “end-to-end” program that not only provides basic science, but also tools to use the science, and to translate it to a broad audience. The primary challenge is to develop a plan that has sufficient flexibility and agility to respond to scientific and technological advances, changing user needs, and economic fluctuations.

There will be  opportunities for public outreach on the plan, including a webinar on the outline of the plan, a public comment period, townhalls at professional meetings, among others. There has also already been significant input into the strategic planning process, including 21 public “Listening Sessions” held throughout the US in 2007-2009. Reports from these listening sessions are available at www.globalchange.gov. USGCRP and Member Agencies have also commissioned more than twenty reports on related topics from the National Research Council (NRC) over the last four years that will also be used to help guide the creation of the plan. The final strategic plan is expected to be released by the end of 2011.