The American Geophysical Union (AGU), the preeminent global organization representing Earth and space scientists, in close collaboration with the American Meteorological Society (AMS), a cornerstone institution for atmospheric and related sciences, have jointly announced a pioneering initiative aimed at advancing climate science discourse in the United States. This endeavor manifests as a unique special collection encompassing more than 29 peer-reviewed academic journals, meticulously curated to cover an extensive spectrum of climate-related research areas, including observational data, predictive modeling, impact assessments, risk evaluations, and solutions-oriented studies.
This concerted effort arises in response to recent political developments that halted the progression of the sixth National Climate Assessment (NCA), a comprehensive government-mandated analysis of climate change repercussions in the U.S., underscoring the urgency for the scientific community to uphold rigorous climate assessments. Although this new collection does not serve as a direct replacement for the NCA, it symbolically and practically creates a robust scientific pipeline ensuring continuous dissemination and integration of critical climate research, thereby preserving the momentum essential for informed policy-making and public awareness.
At the core of this initiative lies the conviction that the mounting environmental challenges posed by anthropogenic climate change demand an unwavering commitment to scientific transparency, inclusiveness, and collaboration. Brandon Jones, President of AGU, articulates this ethos by emphasizing the collective responsibility of scientists to safeguard vulnerable communities and future generations through actionable knowledge that addresses the multifaceted nature of climate risks. The broad spectrum of participating journals invites submissions that span the full breadth of climate science, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and bridging gaps between atmospheric science, terrestrial ecosystem changes, societal impacts, and technological mitigation strategies.
The AMS President, David J. Stensrud, accentuates the vital role rigorous climate assessments play in underpinning decisions that permeate all facets of modern life, from economic planning to public health considerations. He acknowledges the limitations imposed by recent administrative decisions yet reaffirms AMS’s dedication to nurturing an expanded and collaborative scientific ecosystem. By supporting this special collection, AMS signals its commitment to facilitating a dynamic platform that aggregates and amplifies the latest climate science insights, ensuring that both policy-makers and the global public remain well-informed.
This compilation of scholarly work aims to transcend traditional disciplinary silos, integrating atmospheric sciences with oceanography, hydrology, and broader Earth system sciences. It simultaneously encourages contributions that explore socio-political dimensions of climate governance and the efficacy of adaptation and mitigation policies. The holistic approach acknowledges the complexity of climate systems and emphasizes the necessity of research that blends technical rigor with real-world applicability, thereby responding to the urgent demands shaped by ongoing environmental changes.
Importantly, AGU and AMS emphasize that this initiative is not exclusive but rather encourages other scientific organizations engaged in publishing peer-reviewed work to join this collective endeavor. By expanding the network of contributing journals and researchers, the special collection aspires to become an unparalleled resource, fostering an integrative and accessible body of knowledge that supports ongoing and future U.S.-based scientific assessments related to climate phenomena.
The scientific community is thus presented with a rare and valuable opportunity to actively participate in a high-visibility forum that prioritizes climate change research impacting the United States. Anticipated submission guidelines, to be announced shortly across AGU and AMS communication channels, will outline the procedural frameworks for manuscript contributions, with an emphasis on transparency, scientific integrity, and inclusivity. This ensures that the special collection remains adaptive to emerging scientific challenges and maintains relevance in a rapidly evolving climate landscape.
The scope of the journals involved in this collection is extensive, reflecting the multifaceted nature of climate science. It covers climatology’s core areas, including climate modeling and global temperature trends, while integrating analysis of anthropogenic climate change effects and adaptation strategies. The inclusion of Earth system science research propels a deeper understanding of feedback mechanisms and cross-domain interactions within Earth’s climate, enhancing predictive capabilities and resilience planning.
In parallel, the collection acknowledges the importance of environmental policy-oriented research and the social sciences, highlighting governmental roles in research funding, public policy development, and science management. This intersection of physical sciences with policy-oriented research illuminates how scientific knowledge can be translated into actionable frameworks that underpin sound environmental governance. It addresses pressing questions around science budgets, research management, and the deployment of effective climate policies responsive to scientific findings.
Moreover, this initiative signifies a renewed prioritization of ethical and equitable research practices, resonating with the missions of both AGU and AMS. With programs fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the geosciences, the special collection embodies a commitment to represent and serve diverse communities, ensuring that climate science advances are accessible and beneficial to all sectors of society. This reflects an evolving paradigm where scientific excellence is inseparable from social responsibility.
As the collection begins to take shape, it symbolizes more than a repository of research; it stands as a statement of scientific resilience in the face of sociopolitical obstacles. By elevating the voices of researchers dedicated to understanding and addressing climate change, AGU and AMS reaffirm the critical role of science as a cornerstone for informed decision-making and global sustainability efforts. This collaborative platform will undoubtedly be pivotal in shaping the trajectory of U.S. climate science and its integration within international discourse.
For scientists, policymakers, and the public alike, this special collection heralds a new chapter in climate knowledge dissemination—one marked by inclusivity, rigor, and adaptability. As emerging data and analyses are channeled through this innovative initiative, the broader scientific ecosystem solidifies its position as an indispensable contributor to addressing one of the most pressing global challenges of our time: climate change.
Subject of Research: Climate change research encompassing observations, projections, impacts, risks, and solutions in the United States.
Article Title: AGU and AMS Launch Pioneering Special Collection to Advance U.S. Climate Change Science Amidst Policy Challenges
News Publication Date: Not specified in the content.
Web References:
– American Geophysical Union: http://www.agu.org
– American Meteorological Society: https://www.ametsoc.org/?utm_source=Subscribers&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=Newsletter
Image Credits: American Meteorological Society
