National Academy of Sciences - A
strong, credible body of scientific evidence shows that climate
change is occurring, is caused largely by human activities, and
poses significant risks for a broad range of human and natural
systems.

As decision makers respond to these risks, the nation’s
scientific enterprise can contribute both by continuing to improve
understanding of the causes and consequences of climate change, and
by improving and expanding the options available to limit the
magnitude of climate change and to adapt to its impacts.

To do so, the nation needs a comprehensive, integrated, and
flexible climate change research enterprise that is closely linked
with actionoriented programs at all levels. Also needed are a
comprehensive climate observing system, improved climate models and
other analytical tools, investments in human capital, and better
linkages between research and decision making.

As a result of the growing recognition that climate change is
underway and poses serious risks for both human societies and
natural systems, the question that decision makers are asking has
expanded from “what is happening” to “what is happening and what
can we do to respond?”

Scientific research can help answer both of these important
questions.

This report, part of the America’s Climate
Choices suite of studies requested by Congress, examines the status
of the nation’s climate change research efforts and recommends
steps to improve and expand current understanding.

The report reviews what the scientific community has learned
about climate change and its interactions with human and natural
systems in 12 areas of interest to decision makers.

It identifies advances needed to improve the effectiveness of
actions taken to respond to climate change-including actions to
limit its magnitude and adapt to its impacts-as well as
understanding of the causes, mechanisms, and consequences of
climate change.

href=”http://dels.nas.edu/resources/static-assets/materials-based-on-reports/reports-in-brief/Science_Report_Brief_Final.pdf”
target=”_blank”>Read this short, but informative report.