A Request for Information (RFI) issued today by the White House seeks public input on next steps for the U.S. National Climate Assessment. This RFI affirms the Administration’s commitment to supporting and sustaining U.S. assessment capacity.

Effectively managing the risks of climate change requires the best-available scientific information, continually updated to address rapidly evolving national needs. Building on the momentum of the 2014 National Climate Assessment report, USGCRP is conducting a sustained assessment process that enhances the Federal Government's ability to deliver timely, scientifically sound products in support of climate-related decisions across the country. This process also fosters collaboration among decision makers at the national, regional, tribal, and local levels. Through the sustained assessment process, scientists and stakeholders are working together to build the knowledge base and capacity needed to effectively integrate new scientific knowledge into on-the-ground responses.

Ongoing stakeholder engagement is a cornerstone of the sustained assessment process. Through this RFI, USGCRP seeks ideas from the public about:

• what scientific information on climate change, impacts, and responses would be most valuable for future assessment activities;
• how to more effectively communicate assessment findings; and
• how the National Climate Assessment can better connect with other assessment efforts, such as those at the regional, state, tribal, and local levels.

Responses to these questions will be accepted until June 15, 2015. For more information, see the RFI. To provide input on the sustained assessment process, visit contribute.globalchange.gov.