The U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) is pleased to release the new National Global Change Research Plan 2012-2021: A Strategic Plan for the U. S. Global Change Research Program. The creation of this plan is mandated by the Global Change Research Act of 1990 (GCRA, P.L. 101-606); it will serve as the guiding document for USGCRP for the next decade.

The Plan is built around four strategic goals: Advance Science, Inform Decisions, Conduct Sustained Assessments, and Communicate and Educate. In addition to these four goals, the Plan emphasizes the importance of national and international partnerships that leverage Federal investments and provide for the widest use of Program results. The Plan builds on the Program's strengths in integrated observations, modeling, and information services for science that serves societal needs.

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Kenya Meteorological Department Hosts
Third Indian Ocean Capacity Building Workshop
NOAA and international partners share resources and
benefits of new Indian Ocean Observing Systems

The Third WMO/IOC Data Buoy Cooperation Panel (DBCP) Western Indian Ocean Capacity Building Workshop will be hosted by the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) on April 16-20, 2012, in Mombasa, Kenya. The working goal of the workshop is to demonstrate the socio-economic value and benefits of new Indian Ocean Observing systems, such as the Research Moored Array for African-Asian-Australian Monsoon Analysis and Prediction (RAMA) for reducing disaster risk such as from droughts and floods, managing fisheries, and improving predictive capacity for the Western Indian Ocean States. NOAA contributors will include representatives from the Climate Program Office, National Data Buoy Center, National Weather Service Office of International Affairs and Climate Prediction Center.

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NOAA and the Western Governors' Association Tackle Weather
and Climate Risk at Regional Forum

Governor Chris Gregoire, Chair of the Western Governors' Association (WGA), opened a two-day meeting today on planning for extreme weather events and long-term climate trends. The event, called the Pacific Northwest Weather and Climate Outlook Forum, is co-hosted by the WGA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

"Washington has dealt with a series of irregular and extreme weather events, from the Great Coastal Gale of 2007 to January's unusually heavy snowfalls," Gregoire said. "This forum is an opportunity for decision-makers and information specialists from across the Pacific Northwest to strengthen our preparation and response to these types of disasters."

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NOAA RISA 2011 Annual Report now available online

For over 15 years, NOAA's Regional Integrated Sciences and Assessments (RISA) program has been supporting research teams that conduct interdisciplinary and regionally relevant research to inform resource management, planning, and public policy. The program's new 2011 annual report contains a description of the major activities and accomplishments of the RISAs in 2011.

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CPO Director Chet Koblinsky participates in the
Planet Under Pressure 2012 Conference

CPO Director Chet Koblinsky is currently participating in the Planet Under Pressure 2012 Conference, taking place March 26-29 in London, UK. Based on the latest scientific evidence, the London Planet Under Pressure conference will provide a comprehensive update of our knowledge of the Earth system and the pressure our planet is now under.

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A model for improving climate services in Africa

Although Ethiopia is regarded as having one of the better meteorological services in Africa, data access can still be a problem. Thanks to the recent efforts of Tufa Dinku, a climate scientist at the International Research Institute for Climate and Society, the situation has improved considerably.

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