Policy Program studies and analysis expand the knowledge base on which societal decisions rest.
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- Three Policies Shape Enterprise Value: Minor Adjustments Could Enhance the Societal Benefit
This American Meteorological Society Policy Study examines explicitly the role that public policy plays in determining the sum societal value of Earth Observations, Science, and Services (OSS) as well as the allocation of that value and the costs of OSS production across society. It examines three policy frameworks of quite different origin, purview, and standing: the 2003 Fair Weather Report developed by the National Academy of Sciences, the 2017 Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act enacted by the U.S. Congress, and the current World Meteorological Organization development of Resolution 42.
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- Meeting Coastal Information Needs through Tailored Scientific Assessment
Coasts are valuable resources that support numerous ecological, social, and economic systems around the United States and the world; however, they are often at the forefront of weather, water, and climate challenges. As such, actionable weather, water, and climate information is critical to ensuring the long-term resilience of coastal communities. Through dialogues with decision makers, resilience practitioners, information providers, and other stakeholders, this study identifies key information needs for coastal resilience and assesses the state of the relevant science.
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- Where Global Warming Meets Local Decision-Making: An Introduction to the Arctic Science Policy Landscape
The Arctic is one of the fastest warming places on Earth. The consequences of this warming are already felt locally and globally and are expected to intensify over the next few decades. As a result, there is great need for scientists to inform the many policy decisions related to weather, water, and climate (WWC) in the Arctic. This AMS Program study takes stock of the state of Arctic science, its organizations, and how it is linked to some of the most discussed policy issues in the Arctic.
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- Options for Enhancing the Value of the NOAA Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador Initiative
The Weather-Ready Nation (WRN) Ambassador™ Initiative is designed to build partnerships across the Weather, Water, and Climate Enterprise and to leverage the community reach of partners in the public, private, academic, and nongovernmental organization (NGO) sectors. This study identifies options for strengthening the Weather-Ready Nation Ambassadors Initiative while holding true to its original intention: building a more resilient, responsive, and prepared American public.
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- Who Will Make Sense of All the Data? Assessing the Impacts of Technology on the Weather, Water, and Climate Workforce
Rapid technological development is a powerful driver of change across the whole of society. This AMS Policy Program study explores the state of the technological landscape in WWC science and its implications for employers and employees across the public, private, and academic sectors.
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- Socioeconomic Inequality and Climate Change Hazards: A Focus on the Great Lakes Region
This study focuses on four aspects of addressing and exploring solutions for climate change, socioeconomic inequality, and their interactions that reflect the core values, lessons, and ideas that emerged from two workshop discussions with participants from the Great Lakes Region.
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- Weather-Water-Climate Value Chain(s): Giving VOICE to the Characterization of the Economic Benefits of Hydro-Met Services and Products
This study presents the concept of the Earth system observations, science, and services (ESOSS) information value chain. Focusing on information and socioeconomic value as one approach to discussing the information process, we propose a framework for elucidating value chains called the Value of Information Characterization and Evaluation or VOICE. We present several brief case studies to illustrate different ways the value chain concept can help us understand, communicate, and enhance societal benefits of ESOSS.
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- The Intersection of Socioeconomic Status & Climate Change Risks & Hazards in the United States Great Lakes Region: An Intern Report
The Great Lakes Region relies heavily on its natural resources for the majority of its industries, jobs, and income. This report explores the intersecting challenges presented by climate change and socioeconomic inequalities that impact residents throughout the region.
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- AMS Community Synthesis on Climate Change Solutions
This study provides a summary of input from the AMS community on climate change solutions. It was carried out in an accelerated time frame in response to a request from the National Science Foundation for rapid community input.
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- Societal Benefits in Weather, Water, and Climate: Understanding, Communication, and Enhancement
Humanity is experiencing a period of rapid global change that is driven by technological, societal, and environmental disruption. Meeting the challenges and opportunities associated with global change will depend on understanding, communicating, and enhancing the societal benefits of Earth system observations, science, and services.
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- New Minds for New Science: The Forecast for Work in the Weather, Water, and Climate Enterprise
Work helps define our lives and the society we live in. This AMS Policy Program study examines workforce influences and needs for the weather, water and climate enterprise.
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- Making Communities Stronger and More Secure
This study identifies opportunities for strengthening communities with respect to weather, water, and climate.
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- Toward an Integrated Approach to Water
This study synthesizes the results from three previous AMS Policy Program studies on water.
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- Opportunities for Forecast-Informed Water Resources Management
This study analyzes how the forecasting and water resource communities could work together to improve water resource management across the United States.
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- A Reset for U.S. Natural Hazards Policy? Lessons from Harvey, Irma, and Maria
Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria subjected the United States and its sovereign territory to an unexpected and unwelcome stress test. This AMS Policy Program study is based, in part, on a workshop that occurred on November 15-16, 2017 and included pre-event online discussion of key topics.
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- Translating Advances in Forecasting to Inform Water Resources Management
Bringing together scientists and managers from across the United States, the primary goal for this workshop (April 3-4, 2018) is to identify opportunities for more effective collaboration between forecasters and water managers.
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- Water and the Coasts: Opportunity, Vulnerability, and Risk Management
Water is simultaneously a critical resource and a major threat, particularly in coastal areas. This study explores opportunities for improving coastal risk management efforts.
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- Harnessing Science and Technology for National Benefit
The application of new knowledge for societal benefit is pivotal to the future of nations and global society. As described in this study, the United States has a significant opportunity to accelerate the transition of research into beneficial operations and services that serve the national interest.
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- Understanding the Water Landscape of the United States
Understanding the water landscape of the United States: A review of science and policy recommendation
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- Weather and Climate in the 2016 Budget
Analysis of President Obama's budget request
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