Will Bush energize U.S. climate and global change research?

Abstract

Climate and global change research is at a major crossroads. Congress is currently considering amendments to the 1990 law that created the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP). In addition, the Bush administration is examining how to accelerate progress in climate change research and in the development of efficient energy technologies. The administration is also debating new mechanisms to manage global change research more effectively. These actions are well‐supported in the recommendations of a number of National Research Council reports. Hence, the potential for the Bush administration to energize U.S. climate and global change research through new programs and a more integrated management is considerable. However, the administration is holding its cards very closely to the vest, creating considerable unease in the scientific community. The success of these research programs is not assured unless: (1) the scientific community is fully engaged as a partner in the formulation of management plans and scientific priorities, and (2) the president's new climate initiatives complement and enhance a strong U.S. Global Change Research Program.