Abstract

“Pacific Northwest” provides an overview of the Climate Impacts Group’s contribution to the U.S. National Assessment of the Potential Consequences of Climate Variability and Change.

The purpose of the U.S. National Assessment is to synthesize, evaluate, and report on what is presently known about the potential consequences of climate variability and change for the US in the 21st century. The report identifies key climatic vulnerabilities of particular regions and sectors in the context of other changes in the nation’s environment, resources, and economy. It also identifies potential measures to adapt to climate variability and change. Finally, because present knowledge is limited, the Assessment identifies the highest priority uncertainties about which we must know more to understand climate impacts, vulnerabilities, and our ability to adapt.

The National Assessment was forwarded to the President and Congress in November 2000 for their consideration. The National Assessment Overview Report is a synthesis of the National Assessment Foundation Report (http://www.usgcrp.gov/usgcrp/Library/nationalassessment/foundation.htm). The full report of the Climate Impact Group’s contribution to the National Assessment can be found at: http://www.cses.washington.edu/db/pubs/abstract96.shtml.