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Climate Change

Climate change affects ecosystems, economies, and human health. The National Academies assess evidence, impacts, and strategies for mitigation and adaptation.

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Coral Reefs, Resilience, and the Stories we Tell

Program News

Coral reefs are often described in scientific terms: ecosystems rich in biodiversity, natural storm barriers, and sources of food and income. Yet for many scientists, the path into reef research did not begin with data but with a powerful personal encounter with the natural world.

Feb 11, 2026
The delicate fingers of a flaming red Sea Fan a type of Gorgonian.

Effects of Human-Caused Greenhouse Gas Emissions on U.S. Climate, Health, and Welfare

News Release

National Academies Publish New Report Reviewing Evidence for Greenhouse Gas Emissions and U.S. Climate, Health, and Welfare

Feb 1, 2026
Wildfire in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, January 8, 2025, towards Getty Center and Brentwood. Images showcase dense smoke clouds, burning hillsides, and urban areas at risk. 2pm - 3pm.

Reference Manual on Scientific Evidence: Fourth Edition

News Release

The 4th edition of the Reference Manual on Scientific Evidence updates the topics covered in the 2011 3rd Edition with the latest science and expands to discuss many new topics, such as climate change, identifying issues that will be useful to judges and others in the legal profession.

Jan 1, 2026
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Our work spans ecosystems, economies, and human health, addressing the interconnected challenges of a changing climate. Explore the full collection of reports.

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Day and Night Frontier. The image is a 'digital enhancement' recreating the artist view. The bland original image from NASA was transformed using digital software. Focus, texture, details were added. Also the white and black points were determined. In addition, creative color interpretation of the scene was applied. Sensor dust removed and AI noise reduction software used. Elements of this image furnished by NASA

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Units

Climate Crossroads

Oversight Unit

In Progress

Center for Health, People, and Places (CHPP)

Oversight Unit

In Formation

Geographical Sciences Committee

Standing Committee

Completed

Independent Scientific Review of Everglades Restoration Progress

Initiative

Completed
Banner-Independent-Scientific-Review-of-Everglades-Restoration-Progress-X.jpg | https://nasemoceprodcomm-nationalacademies.cec.ocp.oraclecloud.com/content/published/api/v1.1/assets/CONT8F435135ACD747CD8DB1D68F7C58D3AC/native?cb=_cache_daba&format=webp&channelToken=d2dc71410b56f1d61406108f1738d0f4

Earth Systems and Resources Program Area

Oversight Unit

In Progress
Moss sporangia with morning dew (close-up)

Roundtable on Science and Technology for Sustainability

Roundtable/Forum

In Progress

Roundtable on Artificial Intelligence and Climate Change

Roundtable/Forum

In Progress

Roundtable on Environmental Health Sciences, Research, and Medicine

Roundtable/Forum

In Progress

Geographical and Geospatial Sciences Committee

Standing Committee

In Progress
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