INVITED KEYNOTE: The Fifth National Climate Assessment: Understanding Risks and Informing Responses

The Fifth National Climate Assessment (NCA5), developed by the US Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) and slated for release in late 2023, provides vital information to the Nation on the risks of and responses to climate change. Over 800 authors and contributors from across the country collectively developed a broadly accessible report in website form that can support and inform a wide range of decision-makers. NCA5 synthesizes and evaluates the current state of the science on climate and provides the latest information on Earth system processes and climate trends, noting the climate impacts that people are already experiencing in their communities. It describes climate risks and impacts that people across the US face with rising emissions and warming, including impacts on sectors like energy, transportation, agriculture, health, economics, social systems and justice. And it demonstrates how the mitigation and adaptation choices made today can contribute to a more resilient and just Nation, highlighting actions underway in communities around the country to reduce the risks associated with climate change, increase resilience, and improve livelihoods and well-being. This talk will conclude with a demonstration of several NCA5 resources, including the interactive NCA5 Atlas tool and Spanish-translated chapters.