The U.S. Climate Change Science Program:
Vision for the Program and
Highlights of the Scientific Strategic Plan
Report released 24 July 2003

 Also available: PDF Version of entire document  (6.7 Mb)

See also:
Full Strategic Plan (364 pages)

Climate Change Science Program and Subcommittee on Global Change Research

Climate Change Science Program Office

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Table of Contents

• Transmittal Letter to Members of Congress

• Overview: The Need for the Best Available Science to Address Global Climate Change Issues

• The Administration's Actions to Enhance Scientific Understanding of Global Climate Change

• Development of the CCSP Strategic Plan

• CCSP Priorities

• CCSP Goals

• Core Approaches

• CCSP Organization and Management

• About the CCSP Strategic Plan

• Appendices

  • Appendix A: Table of Contents for the CCSP Strategic Plan

  • Appendix B: Principal Areas of Focus for the CCSP Agencies

  • Appendix C: Key Gaps in the Science of Climate Change

This document was prepared in compliance with Section 515 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2001 (Public Law 106-554) and information quality guidelines issued by the Department of Commerce and NOAA pursuant to Section 515. For purposes of compliance with Section 515, this climate change science research program is an "interpreted product," as that term is used in NOAA guidelines. This document describes a strategic plan for developing scientific knowledge regarding climate change. It does not express any regulatory policies of the United States or any of its agencies, or make any findings of fact that could serve as predicates for regulatory action. Agencies must comply with required statutory and regulatory processes before they could rely on any statements in this document or by the CCSP as a basis for regulatory action.