While many aspects of global warming remain uncertain, sound scientific studies show that global warming is occurring and is likely to continue in the future. The Third Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC TAR) is a recently released, three-volume, consensus document written by an international group of thousands of leading climate scientists, meteorologists, ecologists, economists, and others. The report concludes that most of the warming that has occurred over the last 50 years is likely related to human activities, and that more warming and climate change is in store with potentially serious consequences for both natural and human systems. In the United States, the National Assessment of the Potential Consequences of Climate Variability and Change is a series of reports released over the last year as a result of a multi-year, government funded research initiative in which hundreds of scientists and stakeholders participated nationwide. The Assessment generated a wealth of information on how global warming could affect specific regions and economic sectors of the United States over the course of the next few decades and up to hundred years from now.

Broadcast meteorologists are at the front lines of communicating information about climate and weather. To effectively inform the public on this complex yet critical topic, broadcast meteorologists have an obligation to understand the latest science to be able to speak to the topic as necessary. This symposium has been organized to provide the broadcast meteorologist with the tools and background he or she will need to effectively address this issue in a balanced and informed manner including the latest results from both the IPCC TAR and the National Assessment reports.

This symposium will bring together 4 to 5 well-respected speakers from academic, government and private institutions. Topics will include:

- The evidence that climate has changed over the last 100 years in the US and other countries including changes in maximum and minimum temperatures, total precipitation, incidence of heavy precipitation and other extreme events, and timing of seasonal events such as ice melting or first frost.

- The relationship between human caused greenhouse gas emissions, natural greenhouse gases, normal climate variability and global warming. Using the latest scientific findings, a presentation of what current climate models project may occur in the future.

- A discussion of how global warming could affect specific regions of the United States based on the findings of the recently released National Assessment of the Potential Consequences of Climate Variability and Change.

- The potential impacts to areas of particular concern to the public including health and agriculture.

- Tips, pointers, case study illustrations and fact sheets on how to communicate this complex topic in a balanced, non-partisan manner for a local broadcast area.