U.S. Climate Change Science Program And USDA Seek Public Comment On Climate Change Report

The U.S. Climate Change Science Program (CCSP) today announced a 45-day public comment period for the second draft of a report on the effects of climate change.

USDA is the lead agency preparing the report: “Synthesis and Assessment Product (SAP) 4.3: The Effects of Climate Change on Agriculture, Land Resources, Water Resources, and Biodiversity.” This report will add to the information base about the effects of climate change. It addresses the effects of climate change on agriculture, land resources, water resources and biodiversity for the next 25 to 50 years.

The draft report has more than 1,000 references and 80 findings on the effects of climate change on agriculture in the United States. The report had 37 authors and has had expert peer review by 14 scientists. CCSP’s strategic plan calls for the production of 21 Synthesis and Assessment Products that respond to high priority research, observation, and decision-support needs.

The full draft report has been posted on the CCSP Web site at www.climatescience.gov, along with instructions for submitting comments, which are due by Oct. 26, 2007. Notice the start of the comment period will be published in the Sept. 11, 2007, Federal Register.