11.2
The Crucial Role of the State Climatologist in National Climate Services
James R. Angel, ISWS, Champaign, IL; and G. Taylor, R. Pielke, J. Grymes, and D. Stooksbury
The State Climatologists, along with their associate members of the American Association of State Climatologists (AASC), play a crucial role in national climate services by providing the important local link to end-users. By the nature of their position, usually located at state universities or state agencies, State Climatologists have developed close ties with state and local officials, the media, and other user groups within the state. State Climatologists typically supply climate data and products to users, provide advice and guidance on climate-related issues, monitor ongoing climate conditions within the state, interact with the media on a regular basis, and conduct applied climate research. Furthermore, through the AASC, policy statements are prepared on climate issues and distributed to the media and to professional societies. Recently, the AASC has teamed up with the national (NCDC) and regional (RCCs) climate centers to develop a comprehensive partnership for integrated climate services to the nation. Within the framework of this partnership, the AASC has constructed guidelines for effective local climate services by state climate offices through the sponsorship of AASC Recognized State Climate Offices (ARSCO). The roles of the State Climatologists, the ARSCO program, and the terms of the new partnership will be explored in more detail in the presentation.
Session 11, Advances in Climate Services (Parallel with Session 10)
Wednesday, 15 May 2002, 3:15 PM-5:15 PM
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