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Fifth National Climate Assessment - Read the Report

National Climate Assessments

The Fifth National Climate Assessment was released in November 2023. Please visit globalchange.gov/nca5 for information on the Assessment development process and engagement opportunities.

USGCRP has four major sets of responsibilities, as defined by the Global Change Research Act (GCRA): a) coordinating global change research across the Federal Government, b) developing and distributing mandated products, c) helping to inform decisions, and d) facilitating international research coordination.  

In addition to an annual report to Congress and a Strategic Plan, the GCRA requires USGCRP to develop a quadrennial assessment, referred to as the National Climate Assessment, which: 

  • Integrates, evaluates, and interprets the findings of the Program and discusses the scientific uncertainties associated with such findings

  • 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

  • Analyzes current trends in global change, both human-induced and natural, and projects major trends for the subsequent 25 to 100 years

Past National Climate Assessments and other USGCRP assessment reports: