The challenges of climate change and nature loss are interconnected. Yet, the significance of nature in recent patterns of intensifying floods, heat stress, and wildfire is often overlooked. More frequent and extreme floods are the result of climate change and the extensive loss of wetlands that once acted as buffers, reducing some flood impacts. More intense heat waves stem from climate change and the loss of forests’ cooling canopies in cities and around farms. These interacting aspects of global change need to be understood and confronted together.

To better understand the full picture of what is happening with nature, USGCRP is undertaking a National Nature Assessment, which will take stock of U.S. lands, waters, wildlife and the benefits they provide to our economy, health, climate, environmental justice, and national security. The Assessment will also look ahead at how nature might change in the future, and what those changes may mean for our economy and our lives.

The National Nature Assessment is in the early stages of development and is anticipated to be released in 2026. As with other USGCRP assessments, the National Nature Assessment will draw on expertise from the Federal Government, Indigenous communities, academia, non-profit organizations, and the private sector. The Assessment team will hold an array of public engagement opportunities to ensure the report answers questions that are important to every American’s life, and is informed by the best available evidence.

For more information and updates on the National Nature Assessment, please subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on social media.

Updates

Request for Information. Provide input on the first ever National Nature Assessment. The opportunity to submit comments to inform the framing, development, and use of the National Nature Assessment is open through March 31, 2023. Please visit our Open Notices page for more information on the call and to learn how to participate, or watch this brief video introduction.

Public Collaboration Sessions. Whether you are a conservation professional, scientist, Indigenous Knowledge holder, or someone who just cares about nature, the Federal Steering Committee guiding the National Nature Assessment wants to hear from you: What does nature mean to you? What decisions should this assessment support? What questions should it answer? How do we make this assessment as useful as possible? These sessions will provide a brief overview of the scope of the National Nature Assessment and an opportunity to give direct input to the open request for information on framing the assessment. The events are free and open to the public, but registration is required (see links below for more information).

• National Nature Assessment Public Listening Session – Outdoor Recreation
  May 11th, 2023 | 2:00pm - 3:30pm ET (Register here)

• National Nature Assessment Public Listening Session – Marine Perspectives
  May 16th, 2023 | 2:00pm - 3:30pm ET (Register here)