Climate science resources for broadcast meteorologists

fact sheets

During the past several months, the White House and 3 federal agencies released four important reports that detail the current scientific consensus on climate change. The reports address impacts of climate change on extreme weather, and in turn the impacts of extreme weather on human health and economic activity. The factsheets below highlight the most significant impacts across the United States from the four reports.

usda report

USDA Report - The Effects of Climate Change on Agriculture, Land Resources, Water Resources and Biodiversity in the United States

This U.S. Department of Agriculture report, released in May, finds that climate changes-including temperature increases, higher carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere and altered precipitation patterns-already are affecting U.S. water resources, agriculture and biodiversity.
USDA Report Fact Sheets:
Impacts on Western U.S. Rangelands/Livestock
Impacts on Arid Lands in Western United States
Impacts on Forests in Western United States
Impacts on U.S. Fish Stocks
Impacts on Coral, Invasive Species in the Southern United States

noaa report

NOAA Report - Weather and Climate Extremes in a Changing Climate

This study, led by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and issued in June by the U.S. Climate Change Science Program, finds human-induced warming has resulted in warmer average temperatures, increased precipitation and more frequent heat waves.
NOAA Report Fact Sheets:
Focus on the Western United States
Focus on the Southwestern United States
Focus on the Midwestern and Southern United States
Focus on the Eastern United States

epa report

EPA Report - Analyses of the Effects of Global Change on Human Health and Welfare and Human Systems

This report from the Environmental Protection Agency, released in July, focuses on impacts of global climate change on the human health and welfare. Among other topics, it addresses food and water supplies, natural disasters, health issues and recreation.
EPA Report Fact Sheets:
Impacts on Health and Welfare in Southern States
Impacts on Health and Welfare in Midwestern States
Impacts on Health and Welfare in Northeastern States
Impacts on Health and Welfare in Western States

white house report

White House Report - Scientific Assessment of the Effects of Global Change on the United States

This National Science and Technology Council report, announced in May by the White House, looks at current trends in global change and projects major trends for the future. It analyzes the effects of these changes on the natural environment, agriculture, water resources, transportation and human health.
White House Report Fact Sheets:
Effects on Western States
Effects on Southern States
Effects on Northeastern and Midwestern States