Federal Research Activities

Introduction

The types and nature of impacts of climate change that are projected to affect the United States make clear that climate change is likely to become an increasingly important factor in the future management of our land and water resources. To better prepare for coming changes, it is important to enhance the basis of understanding through research and to start to consider the potential risks that may be created by these impacts in the making of short- and long-term decisions in such areas as planning for infrastructure, land use, and other natural resource management. To promote these steps, the U.S. government sponsors a wide range of related activities reaching across federal agencies and on to the states, communities, and the general public.