The Fiscal Year 2015 edition of Our Changing Planet, USGCRP's annual report to Congress, includes an overview of the USGCRP research enterprise and recent highlights that illustrate how the Program is meeting the mandate of the Global Change Research Act of 1990 and fulfilling the 2012-2021 Strategic Plan. From collecting satellite observations and modeling near-term climate, to supporting adaptation in the Federal Government and building skills among informal educators, to delivering the National Climate Assessment and sustaining the Nation's assessment capacity, this plain-language report...

The Arctic is undergoing rapid and fundamental change. Recent decades have seen rising temperatures and reduced sea ice, and these present substantial uncertainties to local communities. Overlaid on these climatic shifts are changes in other factors such as resource demand, globalization, transportation, economic development, and demographics, factors which are to varying degrees themselves affected by the changing climate. This report presents an overview of the potential directions of non-climate drivers affecting the Arctic, and explicitly excludes discussion of potential impacts and...

The Arctic Marine Shipping Assessment (AMSA) 2009 Report reviewed environmental impacts and threats from current and future Arctic marine shipping activities. AMSA Recommendation IIC called for the Arctic States to identify areas of heightened ecological and cultural significance in light of changing climate conditions and increasing multiple marine uses, and where appropriate, to encourage the implementation of measures to protect these areas from the impacts of Arctic marine shipping. Part A of this report describes identified areas of heightened ecological significance, while Part B...

This report presents the results of statistical analyses of a large number of time-series datasets concerning Persistent Organic Pollutants in Arctic air and biota samples. A separate AMAP contribution covering Arctic human bio-monitoring data is also annexed to this report.

This technical background report serves as the basis for the Global Mercury Assessment 2013: Sources, Emissions, Releases and Environmental Transport (a summary for policymakers). It presents sources of mercury emissions to air and water, with the latest information on atmospheric and aquatic chemistry, fate, and transport.

Ocean acidification is occurring at a rapid and accelerating pace, and the Arctic Ocean is on the frontline of this global change. AMAP's 2013 assessment of Arctic Ocean acidification provides the first Arctic-wide perspective on today's progressively increasing seawater acidity. The assessment report presents current scientific knowledge on the changing state of ocean acidification in the Arctic and how these changes are affecting the Arctic marine environment. In addition to reporting on what is happening now, the assessment considers how these changes could continue to develop in the future...

Energy Literacy: Essential Principles and Fundamental Concepts for Energy Education presents energy concepts that, if understood and applied, will help individuals and communities make informed energy decisions. The intended audience for this document is anyone involved in energy education. Used in formal educational environments, this guide provides direction without adding new concepts to the educator's curriculum. This guide is not a curriculum, but offers a framework upon which curricula can be based without prescribing when, where, or how content is to be delivered.

Conocimiento de Energía: Principios Esenciales y Conceptos Fundamentales para la Educación de Energía presenta conceptos de energía que, cuando se entienden y se aplican, ayudan a individuos y a comunidades a tomar decisiones sobre la energía con conocimiento de causa.

This report is the Second National Climate Assessment. It summarizes the science of climate change and the impacts of climate change on the United States, at present and in the future. It is largely based on results of USGCRP research, and integrates those results with related research from around the world. This report discusses climate-related impacts for various societal and environmental sectors and regions across the nation. It is an authoritative scientific report written in plain language, with the goal of better informing public and private decision making at all levels. The report can...

This report is the contribution of Working Group II to the IPCC's Fourth Assessment Report. It is a comprehensive assessment of the current knowledge of the impacts of climate change, the vulnerability of natural and human environments, and the potential for response through adaptation. In addition to the full report, it includes a technical summary, a summary for policymakers, and frequently asked questions.