National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Unknown authors
Abstract
Hudson Institute was engaged by NOAA to examine external trends over the next 5-10 years, to assess implications of critical trends for NOAA and to provide an ongoing resource to assist NOAA in understanding and addressing future prospects. The analysis comes at an especially important time in NOAA’s evolution. Since the study started in October 2001, NOAA underwent a change in leadership, went through a major program review, was designated the lead science agency for the President’s climate change initiative and began preparing a 2003-2008 strategic plan. Several important pieces of legislation are up for renewal and the Congressionally mandated U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy, a successor to the Stratton Commission that, more than 30 years ago, ushered in profound changes, has been deliberating. The private Pew Oceans Commission effort is underway, the National Academy of Public Administration is undertaking a review of the National Marine Fisheries Service and the National Research Council is examining public/private sector boundary issues with special interest in weather and climate services. This report provides an overview of a range of trends and sources of change. The emphasis on 5-10 years is intended to encourage and support longer-range and innovative thinking about strategies, policies and programs. Some developments can be expected to be important quickly or are significant today. Others,